The entertainment programming schedule for 2025-26 from Versant, the bundle of spun-off NBCUniversal and Comcast channels formerly known as SpinCo, has been unveiled. The lineup includes a variety of scripted and unscripted channels such as E!, USA Network, Syfy, Oxygen True Crime, MSNBC, CNBC, and more. There will be 16 new original series, live sports, and returning programs in the upcoming TV schedule.
Additionally, Fox has announced their fall schedule for 2025-2026, featuring new shows like ‘American Dad’ debuting in midseason, a reboot of ‘Weakest Link’ and ‘Fear Factor’ led by Jane Lynch for unscripted content. Fox has also ordered a thriller series titled ‘Memory of a Killer’ based on a Belgian film.
Some highlights from the Versant programming slate include the return of “WWE Smackdown” to USA on Friday nights and the airing of the Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 4 on USA and E! New shows to look forward to include “Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane” on E!, the comic series “Revival” on Syfy, book adaptations “Anna Pigeon” and “The Rainmaker” on USA, as well as true crime shows such as Alan Cumming’s “The Killer Among Us” and “Killer Grannies” on Oxygen.
Val Boreland, President of Entertainment for Versant, expressed excitement about the new programming slate, emphasizing the connection with devoted audiences and the commitment to bold storytelling. The lineup aims to deepen the connection with viewers through iconic brands and original content.
E! will feature the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards, premiering live on Sunday, January 4 across E! and USA Network. Other new shows to anticipate include “Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane” and “Plastic Surgery Rewind” hosted by Michelle Visage, among others.
The programming slate for 2025-26 promises a mix of entertainment, original storytelling, and beloved returning series as Versant embarks on this new chapter.
“Uncovering the hidden side of the enduring TV series, ‘America’s Next Top Model,’ this documentary sheds light on the untold experiences of former contestants. What began as a promising opportunity for aspiring models unfolds into a disturbing narrative of exploitation, resilience, and shattered dreams. ‘E! Dirty Rotten Scandals: America’s Next Top Model’ is a production by Glass Media, with Nancy Glass and Sarah Gibson as executive producers.
Premiering in Spring 2026, ‘E! Dirty Rotten Scandals: The Dr. Phil Show’ delves deep into the darker aspects of the popular pop culture phenomenon. Participants from the ‘Dr. Phil’ show, which initially prided itself on a no-nonsense approach, now speak out about feeling misled and used for entertainment. Renowned Films produces this series, with Max Welch, Duane Jones, Tim Withers, and Kate Maddigan as executive producers, and Marcus Plowright as showrunner.
Another upcoming release is ‘E! Dirty Rotten Scandals: The Price is Right,’ a documentary series investigating shocking allegations concerning Bob Barker during his time hosting the hit game show. Based on journalist David Kushner’s new reporting, the show features original ‘Barker’s Beauties’ and former ‘TPIR’ cast and crew sharing their stories for the first time. Terminal B Television produces this series with Tom Forman, David Metzler, Meredith Wright, and Jordan Rosenblum as executive producers alongside David Kushner.
TV personality Kristin Cavallari embarks on ‘Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour,’ an extension of her podcast ‘Let’s Be Honest,’ where she engages in candid conversations with celebrities, exes, and friends. Unveiling the stories behind the most talked-about headlines, each episode promises jaw-dropping revelations. Produced by 32 Flavors, the show features Kristin Cavallari as an executive producer along with Alex Baskin, Jenn Levy, Joe Kingsley, Jeff Festa, and Brian McCarthy.
On SYFY, ‘Revival’ premieres to explore a unique scenario where the deceased come back to life in rural Wisconsin. Officer Dana Cypress finds herself in the midst of a murder mystery as she navigates a town filled with fear and uncertainty. Based on the ‘Revival’ comic series, the show is produced by Blue Ice Pictures and Hemmings Films, with showrunners Aaron B. Koontz and Luke Boyce, and a team of executive producers.”
Executive producers are listed for each show as follows:
“The Rainmaker” – Premiering in Summer 2025
Adapted from John Grisham’s best-selling novel, “The Rainmaker” follows Rudy Baylor, a recent law school graduate, as he faces off against courtroom veteran Leo Drummond and his former law school flame, Sarah. Alongside his mentor Bruiser and the unkempt paralegal Deck, Rudy uncovers two intertwined conspiracies surrounding the mysterious death of a client’s son. The cast includes Milo Callaghan, John Slattery, Lana Parrilla, Madison Iseman, P.J. Byrne, Dan Fogler, Wade Briggs, and Robyn Cara. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television and Blumhouse Television, with Michael Seitzman serving as showrunner and John Grisham, Patrick Moran, Jason Richman, David Gernert, and Jason Blum as executive producers.
“Anna Pigeon” – Premiering in 2026
“Anna Pigeon” follows the story of Anna, a former urbanite turned park ranger following a tragic loss that altered her life’s course. As she grapples with personal demons, Anna focuses on solving crimes within national park boundaries, regardless of the obstacles in her way. Based on Nevada Barr’s New York Times best-selling novels, the series is produced by Cineflix Studios and December Films, with Morwyn Brebner as showrunner and Lea Thompson, Todd Berger, Julie Di Cresce, Brett Burlock, Peter Emerson, Sonia Hosko, and Gordon Gilbertson as executive producers.
“Everything On The Menu with Braun Strowman” – Premiering in Fall 2025
In this new food-centric show, WWE Legend Braun Strowman embarks on culinary adventures across America, tackling every item on every menu along the way. The series is produced by WWE Studios and BrightNorth Studios, with Paul Levesque, Lee Fitting, Marc Pomarico, and Ben Houser as executive producers for WWE Studios, and Matthew J. Braley, Kevin Duncan, Morgan Hertzan, Pat Dimon, Shawn Efran, and Azadeh De Leon as executive producers for BrightNorth Studios.
“The Death Investigator with Barbara Butcher” – Premiering in Fall 2025
This true-crime series is narrated by seasoned Death Investigator Barbara Butcher, delving into some of the most compelling murder cases in New York. Produced by Wolf Entertainment, Alfred Street Industries, and Universal Television Alternative Studio, the show features Dick Wolf, Tom Thayer, Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz, Nan Strait, Dan Volpe, Maria Lane, and Shannon O’Rourke as executive producers.
“The Killer Among Us” (Working Title) – Premiering in Spring 2026
Hosted by Alan Cumming, this murder mystery series explores the chilling scenario of a murder within a close-knit community. As suspicions run high
Produced by Lusid Media, “The Death Row Informant” (WT) is set to premiere in Fall 2025 with Zak Weisfeld and Libby Richman serving as executive producers and Alan Cumming as the producer. Due to an ongoing investigation of a serial killer, names have been redacted from the series description. The show delves into the story of a convicted killer who, while on death row in San Quentin, confides in a fellow inmate over a decade, revealing details about over 20 unsolved murders for the first time. The informant has handed over 300 pages of notes to ex-FBI investigator Ken Mains, who aims to uncover new victims, provide closure to families, and expose one of America’s most prolific serial killers in real-time. “The Death Row Informant” is a production by Wolf Entertainment, Fireside Pictures, Universal Television Alternative Studio, and Vanity Fair Studios, with Dick Wolf, Tom Thayer, Jason Wolf, Patrick Deluca, Helen Estabrook, Sarah Amos, Claire Howorth, and Liz Yale Marsh as executive producers, and Kevin Brennecke as the showrunner.
Premiering in Fall 2025, “The Silent Serial Killer: Gretzler” (WT) sheds light on the little-known serial killer Doug Gretzler, who went on a brutal killing spree in 1973 with his accomplice Willie Steelman, murdering 17 people in just three weeks. Through first-person interviews and recorded conversations with Gretzler, the show uncovers his darkest confessions and the chilling psychology behind his crimes. Produced by Glass Entertainment, Nancy Glass, Matt Carter, and Maija Norris are the executive producers.
“Killer Grannies,” premiering in Fall 2025, is a true-crime series that explores shocking cases involving unexpected killers: grandmothers. Each episode delves into a different case as investigators unravel the sinister plots of these seemingly harmless maternal figures. Through archival footage, recreations, and interviews, the series exposes the hidden world of deadly grandmothers. Produced by Jarrett Creative, Seth Jarrett, Julie Insogna Jarrett, and Josh Bingham are the executive producers.
Finally, “The Boston Stranglers” is set to premiere in Winter 2026, revealing lost confession tapes of the infamous serial killer Albert DeSalvo, known as the Boston Strangler. These tapes challenge the belief that DeSalvo was responsible for the murders of 13 women, raising doubts about the case. The two-hour documentary provides an exclusive and unfiltered look at the investigation into one of history’s notorious serial killers.
Unsolved mysteries in American history, including notorious murders and a long-hidden confession, are the focus of “The Boston Stranglers,” a production by This is Just a Test. Executive Producers Aengus James, Paul Lima, and Carolyn Day bring this chilling tale to life. Returning fan favorites in the network’s lineup include:E!: Look out for the return of “Live from E!,” the iconic red carpet franchise.USA NETWORK: “WWE Smackdown” is back for another thrilling season on Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT.USA NETWORK / SYFY: Prepare for the return of “Resident Alien” for its fourth season premiering on Friday, June 6 at 11 p.m. ET/PT.SYFY: Season three of “Surreal Estate” kicked off on April 3, 2025, while “The Ark” is set to return for its third season in 2026.OXYGEN TRUE CRIME: Get ready for the return of “Killer Relationship with Faith Jenkins” for its fourth season in Fall 2025, as well as “Accident, Suicide or Murder” and “Cold Justice” for their sixth and eighth seasons, respectively, in Fall 2025. The long-running series “Snapped” marks its 20th anniversary with new episodes in 2025, while “A Plan to Kill” and “Philly Homicide” return for their second seasons in Spring 2026.Stay tuned for upcoming premiere dates and more details from Variety’s lineup of new shows and movies currently in theaters. Subscribe to Variety’s Newsletter for the latest updates and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for breaking news.
