Plot Synopsis

CULTURESHOCK is a five-part documentary series that takes an in-depth look at the untold stories behind watershed moments in pop culture that have had a lasting impact on our society. Each 60-minute episode sheds light on the untold stories behind the big, unforgettable moments, helmed by an acclaimed director with the full participation of key players from each story.

"Michael Jackson's Final Curtain Call" (Monday, June 25, 2018 @ 9pm; directed by Thom Zimny): On the ninth anniversary of his tragic death, this heartbreaking and celebratory documentary is a fast-moving cultural critique on the day that Michael Jackson passed away - one that collectively broke the hearts of the Internet and our culture. Looking at the final days of the pop icon's life, the documentary sheds a light on the immeasurable pressure Jackson was under as he prepared for his final tour, and how he ultimately ended up with the biggest audience of his lifetime during his true final farewell. Newscasters, reporters, family and friends trace the events of the day when the news broke and became a story that consumed the world. Documentary features interviews with Travis Payne, Kenny Ortega, Harvey Levin, Warren Zanes and more, as well as audio recordings of Jackson from his last rehearsals.

"The Osbournes: The Price of Reality" (Monday, July 2, 2018 @ 9pm; directed by Alison Ellwood): This documentary takes a look at the story behind the groundbreaking reality TV series that catapulted the Osbourne family into the global spotlight. Ozzy, Sharon, Jack and Kelly talk about fact, fiction and the slippery line between the two. An unfiltered look at the lasting effect on the family and the reality television landscape as a whole, the film allows viewers a closer look at the price of fame.

"The Rise of Trash TV" (Monday, July 9, 2018 @ 9pm): This documentary takes a look at the rise of the raw and salacious real-life television theater of tabloid talk shows like THE JERRY SPRINGER SHOW and GERALDO. The film explores how these series laid the groundwork for reality television shows today, while telling the inside story of how this new wave of television emerged and its lasting cultural impact. Featuring interviews with Jerry Springer, Sally Jessy Raphael, Geraldo Rivera, Laura Grindstaff, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Maury Povich and more.

"Freaks and Geeks: The Documentary" (Monday, July 16, 2018 @ 9pm; directed by Brent Hodge): This documentary profiles the cult classic series and original dramedy, FREAKS AND GEEKS, that captured the sad yet humorous difficulties of teenage life, and for the first time, offered protagonists who weren't stereotypical "jocks and brains." Cancelled after just one season, the series holds the unique position of still ranking high on Time Magazine's Greatest 100 Television Shows of All Time. The series, created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow, launched the careers of Seth Rogan, Jason Segel and many other A-list actors. The film features interviews with Feig, Apatow, Rogan, Segel, Linda Cardellini, Busy Philipps, and most of the primary cast who discuss their time on the series and beyond. Also interviewed are the NBC executives who commissioned FREAKS AND GEEKS, plus former NBC Entertainment President Garth Ancier, who ultimately cancelled the series. "Freaks and Geeks: The Documentary" premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.

"Chris Rock's 'Bring the Pain'" (Monday, October 15, 2018 @ 10pm; directed by W. Kamau Bell): This film chronicles how Chris Rock changed the face of comedy with his seminal 1996 special "Bring the Pain." In his own words, Rock recounts how after being fired from SNL and upstaged by Martin Lawrence at his own show, he looked to challenge himself in a way he never had before. Rock pushed himself creatively, leading to the development of more personal and provocative material. He performed tirelessly in small clubs, perfecting his new technique. The result was his HBO special, widely considered a revelatory work with a bold style that changed the conversation about race in popular culture, as well as the face of comedy forever. In addition to interviews with Chris Rock, the documentary also features Oprah Winfrey, Conan O'Brien, Trevor Noah, Hannibal Burress, Martin Lawrence, Ava Duvernay, Wanda Sykes and more.