This June, ESPN Films will debut what the network calls its most ambitious "30 for 30" project to date, "O.J.: Made in America." The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January and is the first episodic documentary by ESPN Films, starting a new chapter for the "30 for 30" brand.
Today, ESPN and ABC announce the premiere schedule with "O.J.: Made in America – Part 1" airing in primetime on ABC at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 11.
Directed by Peabody and Emmy winner Ezra Edelman, “O.J.: Made in America” will explore these themes in tracing a personal journey, from how Orenthal James Simpson first became a football star, to why the country fell in love with him off the field, to his being accused of murdering his ex-wife, his subsequent acquittal and why he is sitting in jail 20 years later for another crime; perhaps the defining cultural tale of 20th-century America – one that centers around two of our country’s greatest fixations: race and celebrity.
"We are incredibly proud of this epic work of documentary filmmaking. It’s one of the most unique projects ESPN Films has ever done," said Marie Donoghue, EVP, Global Strategy and Original Content. “We are especially excited to team with our ABC colleagues to premiere the first installment on ABC."
The full episodic documentary will then air over the course of four days on ESPN as follows:
ESPN schedule:
Tuesday, June 14
7 p.m. ET – Re-air of "O.J.: Made in America – Part 1"
9 p.m. ET – Premiere of "O.J.: Made in America – Part 2"
Wednesday, June 15
7 p.m. ET – Re-air of "O.J.: Made in America – Part 2"
9 p.m. ET – Premiere of "O.J.: Made in America – Part 3"
Friday, June 17
7 p.m. ET – Re-air of "O.J.: Made in America – Part 3"
9 p.m. ET – Premiere of "O.J.: Made in America – Part 4"
Saturday, June 18
7 p.m. ET – Re-air of "O.J.: Made in America – Part 4"
9 p.m. ET – Premiere of finale "O.J.: Made in America – Part 5"
