Born This Way premiered on A&E on December, and the network has now decided to give the new docu-series focusing on people living with Down’s Syndrome for a second season.
The series has only seen an increase in its ratings since its December premiere. Read more about this series’ renewal from the press release below:
A&E Network is renewing the critically acclaimed, original docu-series “Born This Way.” The announcement was made by Elaine Frontain Bryant, Executive Vice President & Head of Programming, A&E Network.
Produced by Bunim-Murray Productions, the series follows a group of seven young adults born with Down syndrome, along with their family and friends in Southern California. Since its December 8th premiere, “Born This Way” has shown steady growth across all demos, with adults 25-54 and total viewers up 83% and adults 18-49 up 72%.
“We have been overwhelmed and moved by the feedback we’ve received for ‘Born This Way’ from viewers, as well as people with disabilities and their family members.” said Frontain Bryant. “It’s rare to be able to present a show that changes the way we see the world; we believe ‘Born This Way’ is one of those shows.”
“Over the course of my career, when I’ve been asked what show I was proudest of it was always ‘The Real World.’ Now there’s a contender to that title – it’s ‘Born This Way,'” said Jonathan Murray, Executive Producer. “I am thrilled the series will return for a second season, and I want to acknowledge the invaluable support we have received from advocacy groups for the disabled, especially RespectAbility and Best Buddies International who have been tirelessly spreading the word.”
“Born This Way” provides an intimate look at a diverse group of young adults with Down syndrome as they pursue their lifelong dreams, and navigate romantic relationships, friendships and work. The series also gives a voice to their parents, who speak candidly about the joys and challenges they face raising a child with Down syndrome.
According to the U.S. Census, one-in-five Americans have a disability. Currently 70 percent of working-age people with disabilities are not working – even though most of them want jobs and independence. The numbers are even worse for people with Down syndrome. There are many studies that show that people with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome, can work successfully and live relatively independently.
“Born This Way” is produced by Bunim-Murray Productions (“I Am Cait,” “The Real World”). Executive producers for Bunim-Murray are Jon Murray, Gil Goldschein, Laura Korkoian and Barry Hennessey. Executive producers for A&E Network are Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro and Drew Tappon.
Are you a fan of Born This Way? Are you glad to hear it has been renewed for a second season? Tell us what you think.
I’d love to see either the Downes Syndrome young adults encounter young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, or there to be a spin-off featuring ASD young adults. 1 in 8 kids are ASD. The general public has NO IDEA what parents of special needs young adult children see & all they go through.
So extremely happy that Born This Way has been renewed for a second season! This show demonstrates strength, compassion, love and struggles of real American families. Thank you A & E!!
Love this show and so does my 7 yr old. I work with people with disabilities and it is the most rewarding experience and for my daughter she wants give back early on in her life . This show shows people that there are some people who are different and they like to do the same things you do! Love it! So happy it was renewed !
My husband and I knew from the beginning of this last pregnancy that our baby has Down Syndrome, and it’s a boy. We were upset for about half an hour, then we decided that he would have the best life that we can give him. Our son is 5½ months old and is such a beautiful ray of sunshine in our and our family’s lives. He is somewhat high functioning but not mosaic, so he’s already rolling over and eating solid foods. He still has low muscle tone. We have a physical therapist come to our house once a week… Read more »
Love the show!! My brother is a 47 year old very cool Down Syndrome person. He is amazing. He works, is a reader at church, plays all kinds of sports, is another “lady’s man”, has taken guitar lessons, square dancing lessons, college courses, loves to act in local theater, …This program shows all of the abilities these wonderful people have and how much joy they bring to the world around them. When is Season 2???
loved the show i really hope there will be a second season i was a big fan of the show i two have a disability so i can relate to this
I I am absolutely thrilled. One of the most important things I’ve ever done on the side is disability advocacy work. I’m a member of the Colorado developmental disabilities council and watching leadership development in the self advocacy arena is very rewarding. I look forward to watching these young people evolve and become leaders in their own right. Thank you for this bold endeavor.
I love this show so much & have completely fallen in love with all the characters. They are so brave & wise beyond their years… it really is a beautiful & refreshing show
AWESOME!!!!!
Please bring the show back. My daughter is 15 and is so much like the girls on the show! We all have hope, dreams, fears,and obsessions and people need to see how this one extra chromosome could be the answer to unconditional happiness!
I am so glad it is renewed. I would love to see this type of show to expand. My daughter has Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type III. She is in a wheelchair about 80% of the time. She has sever dwarfism. I would love to see a show that include the daily struggles of other people struggling with a disability. AWESOME…
I love all the young people in this series but it was Megan story was a total inspiring to me to step forward to believe in my own dreams no matter what the challenge maybe. I also saw a Down syndrome woman in Australia who was over weight and became healthier in body image to become a successful Fashion Model. Here is her web site: http://www.madelinestuartmodel.com. I am a 63 year old woman with ADHD and spinia bifida. I am on a journey to creating a way to bring self-esteem and a healthy self-image for disabled people so the can… Read more »
I love this show! I cried so much when watching because it really touches your heart and makes you think. The entire cast touch me but especially Rachel as she is truly a blessing and an angel! All of the cast had so much love to give and were so happy. Those of us without disabilities that are so depressed or sad for no reason should rethink things. I also loved to see how much the parents loved the children as well. Regardless of the child’s disability, they were so in love. Megan’s mom is truly a selfless person for… Read more »
Love the show. I hope that they can include more personalities in the future. Maybe in different geographical locations. There seems to be lots of support in California; not so much in other states. My daughter has volunteered to be a cast-member! Her dreams and aspirations are similar, of course, to these adults.
Just couldn’t get enough of BORN THIS WAY. The cast is beautiful. Their honesty and spontaneity is so great to see. I love each and everyone of them, but Megan is my inspiration. The parents are incredible too. Congratulations to have back for season 2, I am so looking forward for it.
Can’t wait love the show