Barbara Walters Revisits Celebrity Killers For Investigation Discovery – TCA

Barbara Walters can’t quit some of her biggest “gets,” including parental-killing Menendez brothers, John Lennon-murdering Mark David Chapman, and celebrity diet doctor-offing Jean Harris. Lucky for Discovery Communications’ ID network, which this morning announced Barbara Walters Presents American Scandals, debuting November 2 at 10 PM.

Discovery Networks Group President Henry Schleiff called it the network’s “crown jewel,” explaining Walters will revise, update and give her personal thoughts on these lurid stories she first reported for ABC, including new interviews and looks at where these people are now. “There is still enormous interest in these sensational scandals,” Walters insisted in this morning’s announcement.

From today’s announcement:

Jean Harris
Jean Harris visits her lover, celebrity diet doctor Herman Tarnower, he is discovered shot dead within hours. What really happened that night?  Broadcast legend Barbara Walters takes viewers behind the scenes of one of the most lurid murder stories she has ever covered. Walters unveils never-before-seen footage from her infamous interviews with Harris, and reveals surprising new details about the crime, including Harris’ drug use, life behind bars, and struggles to turn her life around. For the first time, Jean Harris’ son, Jim Harris, sits down with Barbara Walters and shares what life was like with “mother.” And later, Barbara shares personal commentary on why Harris was the convicted murderer she grew closest to, and how she risked her own reputation to save her.

Switched at Birth
Two baby girls born at the same Florida hospital are sent home with the wrong families.  While one dies tragically, the other is embroiled in a dramatic tug-of-war as both families fight for custody of the girl each believes to be their daughter.  Barbara Walters uncovers the truth behind the most famous “switched at birth” story.  Who sent the babies home with the wrong families?  Was it an accident or foul play?  And  what happened to Kimberly Mays, the young girl who survived?  Barbara talks to both families, and has an emotional reunion with Mays to find the truth behind a mystery that has taken more than twenty years to unravel.     

 

Jim Bakker
Jim Bakker had it all: fame, fortune, and respect as the world’s most successful televangelist.  But a sexual tryst and financial troubles cause him to lose his ministry, his marriage, and ultimately lands him in prison.  Barbara Walters takes a closer look at one of the 80s most colorful scandals, involving big money, big hair and the “prosperity” gospel.  Her interviews with Bakker and his family reveal what life was really like for the family behind the “PTL Club.”  What has Bakker been doing since he left prison? Has he moved on from Tammy Faye’s tragic death?  Is he still preaching?  Barbara uncovers the unbelievable truth about what happened to Jim Bakker, and speaks exclusively to Bakker’s son, Jay Bakker, who reveals intimate, new details about his parents’ marriage and a surprising “revelation” about what his father is doing today.Mark David Chapman
Music legend John Lennon crosses paths with a lonely, suicidal fan in front of his New York City apartment.  Hours later, Lennon is murdered in cold blood, shot in the back four times.  Who would kill a pop culture icon beloved by millions?  Barbara Walters shares her disturbing interview with Lennon’s  murderer, Mark David Chapman, and traces his steps leading up to the crime.  She uncovers chilling new details from the person who knew Chapman best, his wife Gloria, in her first ever on camera interview. Still married to Mark David Chapman, Gloria Chapman shares revealing details about her husband’s plot to kill Lennon, and the couples’ life together after the murder.