Belisa Balaban: Last News

Jennifer Maas TV Business Writer Amid record-breaking viewership performance for “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons,” Hulu has set the premiere date for its next big doc: the Adam McKay and Billy Corben-produced Jerry Falwell Jr. project, “God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty,” Variety has learned exclusively. Hailing from McKay’s HyperObject and Corben’s Rakontur banner, “God Forbid” tells the sensational story of evangelical leader and former Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr., his wife Becki Falwell and Giancarlo Granda, the Miami pool boy who had an affair with Becki and claims that Jerry was aware of and involved in the relationship. The streamer says Granda is closely involved with the doc and his point of view is largely the focus of the movie.

Addie Morfoot Contributor Over the last several years Hulu has become known for a zeitgeisty documentary slate that covers topics including celebrities, crimes and cults. Among the watercooler hits the streamer’s doc division has released recently: “Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence,” “God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty,” “Captive Audience,” and “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons.” Its latest nonfiction release, “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” fits into the celebrity side of Hulu’s doc sweetspot.

Demi Lovato is ready to explore new career paths. The talented singer will be making her directorial debut in an upcoming Hulu documentary, diving into the complexities and struggles of child stars, using her “first-hand experience and personal relationships” for the “exploratory film.”Many details of the upcoming project titled ‘Child Star’ have yet to be revealed, including the rest of the participants.

Matt Donnelly Senior Film WriterThe Hulu original unscripted series “Captive Audience” has lived up to its name, earning record-breaking viewership for the streamer.Hulu documentary chief Belisa Balaban told Variety exclusively that the show — which explores the harrowing kidnapping of 7-year-old Steven Stayner and its resulting media frenzy — has set a record for most-viewed nonfiction TV program in its first month of release.Launched on April 21, “Captive Audience” is also the second-most watched unscripted series in Hulu’s history. Directed by Jessica Dimmock and produced by Wonderburst and Joe and Anthony Russo’s AGBO, the program is second only to “The Kardashians” in total viewership for its category.

EXCLUSIVE: Hulu and BBC Three are set to co-produce a documentary series in which actress, model and singer Cara Delevingne explores issues of sexual and gender identity.Deadline can reveal that Hulu is on the brink of finalizing a deal to board the six-part BBC series, with Belisa Balaban, vice president of original documentaries, leading on the Disney-owned streamer’s involvement.Working titled “Planet Sex,” the show is being produced by Fremantle’s British label Naked Television, which was founded by former Fox executive Simon Andreae.

Jake Kanter International TV EditorEXCLUSIVE: Hulu and BBC Three are set to co-produce a documentary series in which actress, model, and singer Cara Delevingne explores issues of sexual and gender identity.Deadline can reveal that Hulu is on the brink of finalizing a deal to board the six-part BBC series, with Belisa Balaban, vice president of original documentaries, leading on the Disney-owned streamer’s involvement.Working titled Planet Sex, the show is being produced by Fremantle’s British label Naked Television, which was founded by former Fox executive Simon Andreae. Naked makes the UK version of Lifetime reality show The Rap Game for BBC Three.