A&E'S INSPIRING NEW DOCUSERIES "THE EMPLOYABLES" FOLLOWS JOB SEEKERS WITH AUTISM AND TOURETTE SYNDROME AS THEY PURSUE MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT AND DISCOVER THEIR TALENTS

EIGHT-EPISODE SERIES PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 AT 10PM ET/PT

New York, NY - April 3, 2019 - A&E Network will premiere "The Employables," a new docuseries following struggling job seekers with conditions such as autism or Tourette Syndrome as they search for meaningful employment. With the help of specialists, each job seeker uncovers their talents and works to show potential employers that their perceived disabilities can often provide unexpected benefits in the workplace. "The Employables" premieres Wednesday, May 8 at 10pm ET/PT.

"We are honored that A&E continues to be a home to stories that celebrate diversity and give a voice to those fearlessly pursuing their dreams" said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming, A&E Network. "Like our Emmy-winning series 'Born This Way,' 'The Employables' is an important example of how embracing our differences can bring about positive and necessary change both in the workplace and in the lives of so many people."

Each one-hour episode of "The Employables" follows two neuro-diverse job seekers as they work to overcome obstacles and find fulfilling employment that provides them with the skills to excel long term in their careers. Each participant works with an autism or Tourette Syndrome specialist to identify their strengths and determine how best to pursue their job search. Once they understand their talents, each job seeker sets out on interviews or trial runs with potential employers to find the perfect line of work. In addition to following the job seekers, the series also shines a light on the highs and lows that their friends and family have experienced as they support them in their goals. A&E will be providing information online and via social media about organizations that offer programs and resources for neuro-diverse individuals and their families.

"The Employables" is produced by Optomen Content, an all3media company, for A&E Network. Executive producers for Optomen Content are Joseph Eardly, Ricky Kelehar, Maria Silver and Edward Hambleton (Co-EP). It is based on an original format called "Employable Me" produced by Optomen and the BBC. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro and Brad Holcman serve as executive producers for A&E Network.

About A&E Network

A&E leads the cultural conversation through high-quality, thought provoking original programming with a unique point of view. Whether it's the network's distinctive brand of award-winning disruptive reality, or groundbreaking documentary, A&E always makes entertainment an art. The A&E website is located at aetv.com. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aetv and Facebook at facebook.com/AETV.

About Optomen Productions

Based in New York City and led by Maria Silver, Optomen Productions develops, sells and produces across all genres for broadcast and cable networks, both domestically and internationally, as well as digital platforms. In the last year alone, the company has produced more than 14 series and over 150 hours of programming, including the 100th episode of the cult hit Worst Cooks in America (Food Network) and the 250th episode of Mysteries at the Museum (Travel). Optomen's current slate also includes the recently premiered and critically successful Buddy v Duff (Food Network) a co-production with Jane Street, branded entertainment with the NBA for YouTube as well as the upcoming The Employables (A&E). Other credits include Worst Bakers in America (Food Network), Monsters Inside Me (Animal Planet), When Sharks Attack (Nat Geo Wild), Aloha Builds (HGTV) among many more. Optomen has a co-production deals with Donna Macletchie and her Jane Street Entertainment (Next Food Network Star, Rachael v. Guy Celebrity Cook-off) as well as with veteran British producer Mike Benson and his UK-based Chalkboard TV. Founded in the UK, Optomen opened offices in New York in 2002 and quickly became one of the top US independent production companies. Part of the Optomen group, the award-winning companies are renowned for high quality factual programming and creating global brands such as Two Fat Ladies and Employable Me. Optomen Productions is an All3Media company. All3Media is jointly owned by Discovery Communications and Liberty Global.