HBO Max unveils first slate of CNN Originals, including Alex Gibney docuseries

HBO Max has rounded out a busy week for its unscripted division with its first slate of shows from WarnerMedia sibling CNN.

The forthcoming streamer has greenlit two shows from CNN Original Series: Heaven’s Gate, a four-parter that explores the infamous religious cult of the same name; and Generation Hustle (working title).

The latter is a 10-part show that explores the lengths young people will go to for fame, fortune and power. It is being produced by Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions, while Heaven’s Gate has US producer Campfire onboard.

Two feature-length documentaries are also in the works from CNN Films. The Scoop (w/t) follows female political reporters covering the US presidential election, while Persona (w/t) delves into personality testing.

Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, said the slate “demonstrates our power as a media family to create quality programming that covers the captivating and critical issues of today.”

HBO Max’s unscripted expansion has been at full throttle recently, with an Amy Schumer doc, a travelogue series and a show featuring Monica Lewinsky all unveiled in the past week.

In related news, HBO Max has picked up animated series gen:LOCK for a second season.

The show is set in 2069 and tells the story of an oppressive authoritarian force that threatens to conquer the world. It is produced by digital studio Rooster Teeth and will become available via the company’s OTT service 90 days after its debut on HBO Max.