• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, July 10, 2008

A&E is upping its investment in its Bio Channel, adding four original series this year. The new series -- which include a sort of "Inside the Actors Studio" with William Shatner -- will almost double the original content in prime time.

The network, which went through a re-branding last summer and is in 47 million homes, will also launch a series that looks to offer a new spin on the TV-magnet high-speed car chases.

Bob DeBitetto, who heads the network, said its programming linchpin is "true stories in a fresh, honest and entertaining voice -- stories you just cannot make up."

The new lineup is highlighted by "Shatner's Raw Nerve," where the famed actor will conduct "eddy and off-beat" celebrity interviews. The raw nerve aspect refers to Shatner's aim to delve into sensitive subjects with celebrities, which may be uncomfortable.

Also coming is "The Chris Isaak Hour," which includes the musician hosting fellow artists who put on a performance but also discuss "their life stories through the music they've created, the songs and artists that inspired them and the relationships they forged along their path to success."

"Female Forces" appears to be part of the ever-growing number of series in the action-reality genre on cable. "Cops"-like, it follows 18 female cops as they patrol Naperville, Ill., looking to distinguish any female challenges in law enforcement that differ from her male counterparts.

In the same genre is "Why I Ran." Cable networks -- not to mention local news operations in some markets -- have shown helicopter views of high-speed police chafes for some time, but Bio says the untold story is why people lead the police on such wild rides. "Ran" will include interviews with them.

Bio was launched as the A&E channel sought to overhaul its programming to attract younger viewers; episodes of its signature "Biography" series were shifted to the smaller network. Bio is still producing new ones, however, including coming episodes with Tyler Perry, Eddie Murphy and Mel Gibson.