Following a trial run last summer, “Nightline” is expanding this summer to 13 hour-long specials in primetime. The first five episodes, which begin next Wednesday, are delving into the supernatureal and are titled “Beyond Belief.”
The 5-part investigation will feature Bob Woodruff reporting on his memory of seeing “his body floating below in a kind of whiteness” after the 2006 IED attack that left him and his cameraman with head injuries in Iraq. It will also feature installments from Juju Chang on “Twin-tuition”, Terry Moran dances with the devil and Bill Weir looks into miracles.
ABC is hoping the summer series will capitalize on the recent success of “Nightline,” which was the most-watched late night show for the 2010-2011 season.
The full press release after the jump…
ABC News’ 13-week primetime summer series, “Primetime Nightline” premieres Wednesday, June 22 with a five-part investigation into the realm of the extra-sensory, the spiritual, and the experiences many call beyond belief.
“Sometimes the most interesting trips are the ones that take you places you never thought you’d go. These are mysteries in the most profound sense,” said “Nightline” executive producer Jeanmarie Condon. “Stories that defy proof and perception are the ultimate adventure – and perfect for summer – to kick off our 13 specials.”
The five installments of “Beyond Belief” begin airing Wednesday, June 22 at 10:00pm ET/PT and continue on the four subsequent Wednesdays:
Wednesday, June 22: Juju Chang investigates “Twin-tuition,” the special connection between twins that allows some siblings to share a language, know what the other is thinking, or share physical sensations across distances. If twins can communicate on a level that defies physical and space time constraints, what does that mean for the rest of us?
Wednesday, June 29: “Nightline” co-anchor Bill Weir journeys from Nazareth and Rwanda to Spain, Bosnia, and across the U.S. to explore “The Miracle Mysteries.” These destinations have become pilgrimage sites for people who believe profoundly that the Virgin Mary has appeared to and communicated with ordinary people.
Wednesday, July 6: “Nightline” co-anchor Terry Moran takes a closer look at the “Battle with the Devil,” a resurgent belief that satanic will or demon possession cause acts of evil. Can a real-life killer get away with the “demon defense” for murder?
Wednesday, July 13: Bob Woodruff unlocks the mysteries of what he remembers in the terrible minutes after his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device and he saw his body floating below in a kind of whiteness. He speaks with others who report the same type of out of body experience and theologians, preachers, neurologists, psychologists, and anthropologists for “The Other Side.”
Wednesday, July 20: Juju Chang and others unravel the power of the 21st century psychic. “Psychic Power” features a medium to the stars, psychic addicts who can’t make a decision without consulting a clairvoyant, and people who believe their pets are psychic.
“Nightline’s” summer series builds on the success of a four-part exploration of the mystery and the science of the brain that aired in primetime last year.
ABC News’ “Nightline” is anchored by Cynthia McFadden, Terry Moran and Bill Weir. John Donvan and Juju Chang are correspondents. Jeanmarie Condon is the Executive Producer. The program airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m., ET on the ABC Television Network.