Photo Credit: UMG’s Will Tanous and Fred Armisen attend Sir Lucian Grainge’s 2026 Music Is Universal Artist Showcase at Nya Studios in LA on January 31 (Universal Music Group)
Fred Armisen will lead a new CNN original docuseries unearthing UMG’s vaults, with behind-the-scenes stories from the world’s largest music archive.
Award-winning comedian, musician, and multi-hyphenate Fred Armisen had been spotted rubbing elbows at Universal Music Group’s Grammy parties over the weekend, and now we have additional details as to why.
The “Portlandia” star will host a new CNN Original Series, an as-yet untitled music docuseries giving fans an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look into the Universal Music Group (UMG) vaults, which make up the world’s largest music archives.
Produced by UMG’s film and television division, Polygram Entertainment, Time Studios, and Known Originals, the series will premiere later this year as part of CNN Originals’ 2026 programming slate. With Armisen at the helm as a walking music encyclopedia, viewers will explore pivotal moments in pop culture, the stories of iconic artists and songwriters who made history, and a cornucopia of priceless artifacts.
UMG’s archives include a massive, highly secure vault within the Iron Mountain facility in Boyers, Pennsylvania, located 220 feet underground in a former limestone mine. The docuseries will unearth original recordings, master tapes, rare photos and performances, and alternative album art and music videos, many of which have not been seen or heard publicly before.
“This series opens the doors to one of the most extraordinary music archives in the world, and Fred Armisen is the perfect guide,” said Amy Entelis, Executive Vice President of Talent, CNN Originals, and Creative Development for CNN Worldwide. “His deep connection to music and natural sense of wonder allow viewers a chance to experience music history up close, discovering the unexpected stories behind some of the most iconic sounds ever created.”
“This series was born from a desire to show fans what it’s like to mine the greatest underground musical archive in the world—giving them a sense of the hunt, the challenge, the thrill of this work—as well as direct access to the dedicated experts who preserve and champion these incredible musical legacies,” said executive producer Will Tanous, EVP and Chief Administrative Officer at Universal Music Group. “Fred’s singular blend of humor, fandom, and musical talent make him the ideal storyteller to reveal the intimate, era-defining moments and unheard gems that form the foundation of popular culture.”
Besides Fred Armisen and Will Tanous, executive producers include David Blackman for UMG; Amy Entelis, Lyle Gamm, and Katie Hinman for CNN Original Series; Jeff Smith for Time Studios; and Doug Pray; while executive producer Ted Skillman will also serve as show runner. The series is produced by Nicole Avant and Brad Roth, with co-producers Bruce Resnikoff and Madeline Post for UMG.
