LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- "Backspin," Bravo's newest entry into the celebrity profile genre, will kick off with episodes focusing on Halle Berry and Mel Gibson, the network announced today.

The series, which will air as occasional specials, will kick off Thursday, August 12 at 8:00/7:00c.

Here's the official press release about the news:

BRAVO TURNS BACK THE CLOCK ON THE CAREER OF HALLE BERRY IN THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF 'BACKSPIN' PREMIERING THURSDAY, AUGUST 12 AT 8:00 PM

MEL GIBSON'S LIFE IS TOLD REVERSE IN THE SECOND EPISODE ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 31 AT 8:00 PM

NEW YORK -� August 6, 2004 �- From her recent dud "Catwoman," to her Academy Award for "Monster's Ball," to her senior prom, Halle Berry's life and career will be explored-- in reverse --on the first episode of Bravo's new original strand, "Backspin," premiering Thursday, August 12 (8:00 � 9:00 pm). The second installment, focusing on the life of Mel Gibson � from "The Passion of the Christ" back to his childhood relationship with his father, discovering the roots and influences of the actor and controversial filmmaker along the way � will premiere on Tuesday, August 31 (8:00 � 9:00 pm), tied to the release of "The Passion" on DVD.

"Backspin," is a twisted take on the celebrity profile format. It examines a life in reverse beginning with a recent milestone in the star's life � such as winning a prestigious award or becoming involved in a scandal � and returns back to childhood in search of the defining moment that set his or her destiny in motion in order to shed light on how they came to the point in their lives. Afterwards, the storytelling is reversed again and events are replayed chronologically to illustrate the inevitable course of fate, followed by a quick recap of how the star's life has since changed. Additional episodes of the "Backspin" strand airing later this year will include Jennifer Anniston and Robin Williams among others.

"Backspin" is produced by TEProductions for Bravo. Danny Tepper ("Bill Clinton: Rock and Roll President") is producer for TEProductions.