AOL, Inc. has announced the premiere dates for the first shows being released from its 2015 programming slate. AOL will debut the new original series “That’s Racist with Mike Epps” on Monday, January 26, followed by the new original series premiere of “Inspired” on Wednesday, January 28. Additionally “#CANDIDLY NICOLE” will return for the second half of its sophomore season on Thursday, February 12.
Here’s a rundown of the programs:
–“That’s Racist with Mike Epps” explores where racist stereotypes come from. Comedian Epps explores the backstories of this humor and how history and fact often distorts into a snide – but sometimes funny – shorthand. The 10-episode comedy series will feature Epps interviewing those at the receiving end of the jokes while garnering input from educators as well as witty roundtable conversations on the topic from comedians Randy and Jason Sklar, Helen Hong, Rick Overton, John Viener and Sharon Houston. The show will be released in two batches of episodes; the first five episodes of the series will be available on January 26 and the remaining episodes will be released on March 2.
–“Inspired” From fearless Olympians to iconic television scribes, everyone has a story to tell about the defining moments of their lives and their motivation to keep pushing forward. Through revealing interviews, original photos and rare archival footage, the 10-episode “Inspired” will tell the awe-inspiring tales of gold medal-winning skier Bode Miller, “The X Files” creator Chris Carter, “Dumb & Dumber” masterminds Peter and Bobby Farrelly, the man who led the Boston Celtics to a championship ring, Doc Rivers, “thirtysomething” helmers Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz, acclaimed journalist Lisa Ling, the brain behind “Sex and the City” Darren Star, “Whiplash” writer/director Damien Chazelle and more. Just as they did for each individual subject, these stories of hardship and triumph will move, motive and ultimately inspire us all. From executive producer Rick Solomon and NewForm, a digital studio formed in partnership with Discovery Communications, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Craig Jacobson, Ed Wilson, Jim Wiatt, Michael Rosenberg and CAA, “Inspired” will be released in two batches of five episodes each, the first brought to viewers by Disney and the second by Discover.
–“#CANDIDLY NICOLE” returns for the second half of its sophomore season with more hilarious hijinks and unfiltered humor, courtesy of sassy and sharp-witted comedienne Nicole Richie. This comedy follows the eponymous fashion icon, creative director of House of Harlow 1960, and mom as she embarks on new — and even more unique — adventures, including mastering the art of makeup, delving into the world of composting and trying her hand at professional skateboarding. Joining in on the fun for the rest of “#CANDIDLY NICOLE”’s second season, among others, are Paul Scheer, who’ll join her for a session in spy school, Rashida Jones, who’ll attempt to set a world record with Richie, Benji Madden, who’ll play realtor with his sister-in-law, and Lionel and Sofia Richie, who’ll learn to heal and throw a punch, respectively, with the leading lady — all the while showcasing her classic comedic flare. The final 10 episodes of “#CANDIDLY NICOLE” Season 2 will be released in three groups: the first episodes on February 12; the second on March 12; and the third on April 2. The series is produced by Telepictures and World of Wonder, with executive producers Nicole Richie and Michael Baum.
