JOEL MCHALE HOSTS NEW E! SPIN-OFF SERIES OFFERING A SATERICAL INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING ON POP CULTURE WHEN "THE SOUP INVESTIGATES" PREMIERES OCTOBER 2

The Six Episode, Thirty-Minute Series "The Soup Investigates" Premieres Following New Episodes of Long-Standing Hit Comedy Franchise "The Soup" Wednesdays at 10pm ET/PT

Premiere Season Features Appearances By "Teen Mom's" Farrah Abraham, "Dancing with the Stars'" Karina Smirnoff, And More

Los Angeles, CA, September 25, 2013 - The weekly series that has become the communal mocking place for all WTF, OMG and LOL moments in television history is set to continue its unparalleled, hilarious, sarcastic commentary in the spin-off series "The Soup Investigates." In the new tongue-in-cheek series hosted by Joel McHale, a team of not-so-professional investigators will explore the most unfathomable mysteries, controversial rumors and infamous questions in pop culture. From the absurd and inexplicable to the bizarre and just plain silly, there is no subject too sensitive for "The Soup" team. The new six episode, 30-minute series "The Soup Investigates" premieres Wednesday, October 2nd at 10:30pm ET/PT following a new episode of "The Soup" at 10pm ET/PT on E!

A wide range of subjects will be covered in the debut season of "The Soup Investigates" including:

Dance Dads

Too many shows document the shrillest, most dedicated stage mothers in the country, but what about the unsung heroes of the competitive youth dance circuit - the fathers? Led by correspondent Ali Wong ("Are You There Chelsea?" SAVAGES), "The Soup Investigates" sheds light into the world of men who are just as passionate about their child's jazz hands and sparkle as their female counterparts. Ali will sit down with a few of these fascinatingly strange men and reveal their answers to these hard-hitting questions: Why they feel compelled to push their children into dance? Do they get a vicarious thrill from pushing their progeny to perform? And are these men actually straight? What makes them want to spend their free time choreographing a cowboy-themed salsa dance routine? "The Soup Investigates" team will also take a clear-eyed look into the lives of the (un)fortunate dads who could really care less, but are dragged to what feels like an endless nightmare of kiddie dance recitals. Plus "Dancing with the Stars" superstar Karina Smirnoff will weigh in on the thriving daddy-dancer-underworld.

16 and NOT Pregnant

Lately, no one has been able to escape the babies-having-babies phenomenon. From TV shows to tabloid magazines, if you aren't knocked up and still studying for the SATs, you're nobody. But what makes these stories of broken dreams so compelling? Our correspondent Sarah Tiana ("Chelsea Lately," "Reno 911!) wants to see how the other half of American teenagers live - namely, the ones who aren't parlaying their promiscuity into reality show deals. Sarah will delve deep into the virginal teen world and prove, once and for all, that not all teenagers are continually pregnant. Sarah will even sit down with Farrah Abraham and other "luminaries" who have thrived from the pregnant teen obsession to see how they've reaped a money whirlwind -thanks to abstaining... from abstinence.

Take a look at "The Soup Investigates": http://youtu.be/2QyJpVM2xJo

Additional hot button topics being cover this season on "The Soup Investigates" include exploring the impact reality television has had on the world of professional duck call manufacturers as well as making a surprise drop into a doomsday bunker and giving it a fabulous extreme makeover. The team will also expose the addiction of binge streaming television online and trace the history of slutty women's Halloween costumes. Plus, what happens when two of America's biggest sweeties go head-to-head for the battle over America's heart? Don't miss "The Soup Investigates" premiering Wednesday, October 2nd at 10:30pm ET/PT, following an all-new episode of "The Soup" at 10pm ET/PT only on E!

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