A&E NETWORK TO PREMIERE NEW DOCUSERIES “RAISING TOURETTE’S” ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 AT 10PM ET/PT
NEW SPECIAL “DEAF OUT LOUD” EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY ACADEMY AWARD WINNER MARLEE MATLIN TO PREMIERE ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 8PM ET/PT
WATCH A SNEAK PEEK OF THE SEASON
New York, NY – August 2, 2018 – A&E Network tells the remarkable stories and exceptional triumphs of families raising adolescents with Tourette Syndrome in the new six-part docuseries “Raising Tourette’s” premiering Wednesday, August 15 at 10pm ET/PT immediately following the season 4 premiere of the Emmy-winning docuseries “Born This Way” at 8pm ET/PT.
This powerful new series follows five families with children ranging in ages from 11 to 17. Like all adolescents, each child has aspirations, friends, rivals and homework, but they also all have Tourette Syndrome. While growing up is often challenging and unpredictable, these kids are resilient and thriving despite navigating an often-misunderstood disorder. From new schools and first dates to driving lessons and family vacations, the series showcases the often turbulent ups and downs these unique families face.
Tourette Syndrome is one type of Tic Disorder. Tics are involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations. They are the defining feature of a group of childhood-onset, neurodevelopmental conditions known collectively as Tic Disorders. Individuals with Tourette Syndrome (TS) have had at least two motor tics and at least one vocal/phonic tic in some combination over the course of more than a year.
Meet the Kids
Kristin – Age 17: Heading into her senior year in high school, Kristin is preparing to apply for college while managing the symptom inducing stress of new classes, marching band practice and school dances.
Charlee – Age 13: Free spirited Charlee is facing an increase in her Tourette’s Syndrome right as she heads back to public school after home schooling.
Kaden – Age 11: Army brat Kaden is gearing up to start his sixth new school in as many years and uses his love of music and playing the cello to help manage his tics.
Sam – Age 16: Using humor as a shield, Sam expresses himself through videos he posts on social media but still struggles to find inner confidence as he works to find his place in the real world.
Colton – Age 15: Having taken a break from school due to a physical tic that caused him to fall, Colton is heading back to school which he hopes will help him overcome his intense social anxiety.
A&E Network is partnering with the Tourette Association of America in support of sharing information and stopping the stigma about those affected by Tourette and Tic Disorders.
A&E will also premiere the new documentary special “Deaf Out Loud” on Wednesday, September 12 at 8pm ET/PT. Executive produced by Academy Award-winner Marlee Matlin, the special follows three predominantly deaf families as they raise their children in a hearing world. With many differing opinions about how deaf children should be raised swirling in the social consciousness, these families work to forge their own paths forward and combat the daily social stigmas many deaf people face.
“Raising Tourette’s” is produced by Half Yard Productions, A Red Arrow Studios Company, for A&E. Abby Greensfelder, Sean Gallagher, John Jones, Katherine Linton and Matt Blaine serve as executive producers for Half Yard. Brie Miranda Bryant and Kimberly Chessler serve as executive producers for A&E Network.
“Deaf Out Loud” is produced by Bunim/Murray Productions with Jonathan Murray, Gil Goldschein, Laura Korkoian, Jack Jason and Marlee Matlin serving as executive producers. Jacob Lane serves as co-executive producer. Executive producers for A&E Network are Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro and Jeana Dill.