NBC is back in the documentary business, launching NBC News Studios. The unit’s focus also includes docuseries and some scripted fare for emerging platforms.
To aid that effort, NBC News Studios has partnered with Peacock, its upcoming streamer, and the Jeffrey Katzenberg-Meg Whitman led mobile streamer Quibi, as well as Focus Films and Blumhouse TV.
For Peacock, launching nationally on July 15, the studio will produce a limited docuseries on the untold story of one of the country’s notorious serial killers. The alliance with Quibi, debuting April 6, is based on daily news shows.
The new studio replaces Peacock Productions, but adds a greater emphasis on streaming.
NBC News Studios says it wants to develop “filmmaker-driven” documentaries about “the most pivotal people and events of our time.”
Liz Cole, the executive producer for “Dateline,” will head the new division.
Focus Features was behind the recent Fred Rogers documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor.” Blumhouse TV will create programs based on NBC’s “Dateline.”
Docs are ramping up at various streamers, such as Netflix and Hulu, which are debuting big-ticket items at Sundance 2020. NBC News Studios wants to capitalize on the trend, while tapping its history of true-crime programming.