Oprah Reveals Topics for Apple Docs, Plans Supersized New Book Club

Documentary projects will tackle mental illness and workplace sexual harassment

Oprah Winfrey appeared on stage at Apple’s big streaming event on Monday to unveil the first two documentary projects under her production deal with the company.

Winfrey revealed two projects: “Toxic Labor,” a feature documentary looking at workplace sexual harassment and abuse, as well as a docuseries examining the effects of mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety.

“We have this unique opportunity to rise to our best selves in how we use and choose to use both our technology and our humanity,” Winfrey said from the stage, touting the ubiquity of Apple devices and the company’s reach to billions of consumers.

“The whole world’s got ’em in their hands and that represents a major opportunity to have a major impact,” she said.

Back in June, Winfrey signed a multi-year content partnership with Apple to produce “original programs that embrace her incomparable ability to connect with audiences around the world.” A promotional video boasting the deal played at Monday’s event promised programs and conversations seeking “inclusion” and “common ground.”

As part of such a goal, Winfrey also unveiled Monday plans for a new book club, including live-streamed conversations with authors and readers hosted on Apple devices.

In addition to revamped news, games and payment apps, Monday’s event centered on the upcoming Apple TV+ streaming service, which is set to feature a number of high-profile scripted originals like the Steven Spielberg-produced “Amazing Stories” reboot, the Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston-led “The Morning Show,” and a Emily Dickinson biopic series starring Hailee Steinfeld.

The ad-free subscription service is set to be available in 100+ countries and be accessible via the newly revamped Apple TV app this fall. No price has been announced.

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