CNN and Universal Music Group have announced that comedian, actor and musician Fred Armisen will host a new series exploring the Universal Music Group vault, the world’s largest music archive. It will feature original master recordings, rare photographs and performances, and alternative album art and music videos from Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses and more. Produced by UMG’s film and television division PolyGram Entertainment, Time Studios and Known Originals, the CNN Original series will premiere later this year as part of CNN Original’s 2026 programming slate.
The series was previewed at UMG’s “Music Is Universal” showcase during Grammy Weekend, with the trailer following the hosts deep into the vast climate-controlled vaults where much of the archive is kept. It is located 60 meters underground in a former limestone mine, deep within the Iron Mountain facility in Boyers, Pennsylvania. A trailer, expected to be released in the coming weeks, shows archivists speaking with awe of what they can hear from master tapes that haven’t been played in decades.
“I’m honored and can’t wait to get started on this project,” Armisen said at the event. “I’d love to move into that vault! I hope I can dive deeper and deeper into these recordings. And I want to say to Universal Music Group, every time they release a box set with the demos and everything, I’m going to buy it all! The truth is, I’m going to buy the LP and the CD, because I want a collection of both. I’m really honored and thank you so much for coming to me — I can’t wait to get started.”
The series is a passion project for UMG EVP and Chief Administrative Officer Will Tanas, who launched a similar project at Warner Music before joining UMG in 2013. He then said that he had known Armisen for “decades since he was a drummer in a Chicago punk band,” possibly referring to the group Trenchmouth. “This series will show fans what it’s like to unearth the world’s largest underground music archive, giving them a sense of the exploration, challenge and thrill of this work, while also giving them direct access to the dedicated professionals who preserve and uphold these incredible musical legacies. Born out of a desire to access music, Fred’s unique blend of humor, fandom, and musical talent make him the ideal storyteller to uncover the intimate, era-defining moments and unheard gems that form the foundation of popular music culture. ”
“This series opens the door to one of the world’s most extraordinary music archives, and Fred Armisen is the perfect guide,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of Talent, CNN Originals and Creative Development, CNN Worldwide. “His deep connection to music and innate sense of wonder will give viewers the opportunity to experience musical history up close and discover the unexpected stories behind some of the most iconic sounds ever created.”
The series’ executive producer is Fred Armisen. Will Tanas and David Blackman of UMG. Amy Entelis, Lyle Gumm, and Katie Hinman star in the CNN original series. Jeff Smith of Time Studio. Doug Play. The series is produced by Nicole Avant and Brad Ross. Co-producers are Bruce Resnikoff and Madeline Post of UMG. Executive producer Ted Skillman will also serve as showrunner.
