A&E launches new slate

US cable network A&E has announced its new programming slate including a raft of reality shows starring celebrities such as Ice T and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider.

It has ordered six episodes of Growing Up Twisted starring Snider and his family. The show is produced by The Real Housewives of Orange County producer Evolution Film & Tape.

The network has also commissioned four episodes of The Peacemaker, an Asylum Entertainment series starring rapper and actor Ice T that follows gang interventionist Malik Spellman.

A&E Networks boss Abbe Raven said that it was keen to follow up on the success of shows such as Gene Simmons Family Jewels and was proud it had reduced the average age of its viewer from 61 in 2003 to 48. “What we set out to do in 2003 was lay out a long term play that introduces A&E to a wider, newer, younger audience. We stick to the plan and started out one-by-one developing these franchises,” she said.

Other shows the network has announced include Tijuana Entertainment and Meglomedia-produced weight loss series Heavy and Wild Eyes Productions’ The Squad: Prison Police, which looks at police officers inside a Tennessee jail.