Caitlyn Jenner’s highly anticipated docuseries set to debut on E! Network will serve as both a platform to aid transgender youth, as well as re-introduce the former Olympian to family and friends. The event comes just one week after Jenner’s poignant acceptance speech as this year’s recipient of the ESPYs Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
TheWrap attended the network’s private screening Wednesday at The London Hotel in West Hollywood to watch the debut episode ahead of its official premiere on Sunday, July 26. An intimate crowd of TV industry media and insiders gathered for the big reveal which followed a cocktail reception.
Here’s 9 things scene and heard at the “I Am Cait” screening:
First episode taped day of unveiling of Vanity Fair’s “Call Me Cait” cover on June 1
The episode opens with Jenner getting glammed up at her Malibu home. She, along with her personal assistant Ronda and hair stylist Courtney, gleefully watched a news video about the cover shoot. Shortly after, her stepson Rob Kardashian called to offer his congratulations. “Your cover looks amazing,” the Kardashian family’s most obscure member told her. Kim Kardashian dialed Jenner next and informed her that she was on track to eclipse President Barack Obama’s Twitter record of reaching one million Twitter followers. We now know Jenner managed to nudge out Obama by less than an hour.
Jenner’s mother and two sisters had never known about Caitlyn until the premiere
Jenner’s mother Esther and two sisters Pam and Lisa flew in to Los Angeles to meet Caitlyn for the first time. They stumbled on pronouns on the ride to her Malibu home, calling her “Bruce” and using male pronouns. Pam said that her brother mentioned this to her 30 years ago, but she thought it was a phase that counseling would “fix.” Esther had no idea, though Jenner said she tested her female name “Caitlyn” on her mother years before.
Kylie Jenner FaceTimed Caitlyn and saw her in full makeup for the first time — and had no reaction.
However, Jenner’s youngest daughter was leaving the dentist’s office at the time and feeling “loopy.” She had never met Caitlyn before and said she wasn’t scared when she saw her over video.
Jenner played tennis with sister Pam and realized playing sports as a woman is a bit more challenging
Dressed in a stylish tennis outfit, the two sisters played tennis in Jenner’s backyard. Running around while wearing a sports bra was more challenging for Jenner, who remarked, “Now I know why girls need to wear a sports bra!” After huffing and puffing for a few rounds, Jenner wrapped up the game with finality: “Bruce was a lot better at tennis than Caitlyn is.”
Kylie Jenner has comedic chops during sentimental moment with Esther
While Jenner’s teenage daughter comes over to visit, Esther presented her with a portrait of herself at 17. Jenner remarked that Kylie’s grandmother was married by the time she was 17 years old, and Kylie quipped, “Kinda’ like me,” referencing her relationship with rapper Tyga.
Caitlyn admits she considered suicide
“I have been in my house with a gun and said, ‘Let’s just end it right here,’” Jenner said during an emotional scene. As a result, Jenner strongly empathizes with transgender youth who take their own lives, like 14-year-old Skyler Prescott from San Diego.
The family is slowly adjusting to Caitlyn
“I think he’s a very good-looking woman… I certainly loved him with all my heart and I certainly love her with all my heart,” Esther laughed, shortly before leaving her new daughter’s home.
Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West were especially supportive of Caitlyn
Jenner revealed that her children sent their best wishes but stop short of meeting Caitlyn. However, Kim has been a physical presence. She and husband Kanye West visited Jenner’s Malibu home. Kanye looked obviously uncomfortable, especially when he gave Caitlyn an uncertain pat on the back. “You literally look like Kendall,” Kardashian told her.
Jenner goes to extreme lengths to avoid paparazzi
On a trip to San Diego, Jenner had to switch cars three times in order to avoid being followed by photographers. Jenner said there is a $250,000 price ticket for whoever captures a picture of her and she did not want to give anyone the chance.
“I Am Cait” premieres Sunday, July 26 at 8 p.m. on E! Network.