CMT announced Friday that the network will release three original documentaries in 2015, which will include “Urban Cowboy: The Rise and Fall of Gilley’s” and “Morgan Spurlock Presents Freedom! The Movie.”
“Johnny Cash: American Rebel” will also debut on CMT in 2015. Early next year, the network will release “American Bandit: The Birth of Southern Cool” and “Chicken People.”
Tied to the 35th anniversary of the cult classic “Urban Cowboy,” “The Rise and Fall of Gilley’s” delves into the phenomenon sparked by the 1980 film — when country music found itself in vogue nationally for the very first time.
The film, from the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy-nominated producers and directors of the ESPN “30 for 30” film “Pony Excess,” features new interviews with John Travolta, Mickey Gilley and Scott Glenn. It premieres June 13 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
“Morgan Spurlock Presents Freedom! The Movie” takes a comedic look at independence and what freedom really means to regular Americans. It will debut on July 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
“Johnny Cash: American Rebel” is a celebration of the larger-than-life musician through the unique perspective of his most beloved songs. Each of the 10 selections brings to life a chapter in American history from the 1950s to the modern day. It will bow on Sept. 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Early next year, CMT will premiere “American Bandit: The Birth of Southern Cool,” which tells the inside story of the making of one of the most iconic and influential films of the 1970s, “Smokey & the Bandit,” as well as “Chicken People,” which will highlight a diverse and colorful community of competitors from all walks of life as they strive to create grand prize poultry. More titles will be announced at a later date.
Watch the trailer for “Urban Cowboy: The Rise and Fall of Gilley’s” below.