Bruce Jenner To Get New Reality Series

During Bruce Jenner's interview with Diane Sawyer Friday night, E! released a press statement announcing the inevitable — a new reality series starring Jenner, who had just come out as transgender during the ABC segment. Though the eight-part series does not yet have a name, it will premiere Sunday, July 26 at 9pm ET.

It's not a surprising move, especially considering Jenner had spent several seasons starring on reality television with ex Kris Jenner and the rest of the Kardashian clan. Though, it's a bit more surprising when you consider that Jenner asked for privacy during the Sawyer interview. As the Olympian should have, considering Jenner fielded more than a fair share of media harassment since parting ways with Kris in October.

Still, it seems Jenner is headed back to TV. And, it seems, for a far more worthy cause than trying to sell iPhone video games. As E!'s press release describes the show:

Living for the first time as the person he feels he was born to be, the docuseries will also explore what Bruce’s transition means for the people in his life and how those relationships are affected, while offering a better understanding of many of life’s challenges.

And following Jenner's interview, it's a fair bet that viewers will be interested. After all, Jenner's sit-down with Sawyer earned raves from fans and media alike, with many pointing out how historic and inspiring a former Olympian's reveal of his misgendering was. Particularly considering the public is not well-versed in trans issues and language.

But tabloids shouldn't look to the series to find a chronicle of any possible sexual reassignment surgery (SRS). The athlete and reality star noted to Sawyer that SRS might be down the line, but, "I am not shooting any of this. I'm not filming anything. To me, it's very degrading."

Instead, it will focus on Jenner's self-acceptance, something that no one can claim is anything but admirable. A docuseries that's, as E!'s Executive Vice President, Programming and Development Jeff Olde said, centered on someone who "is incredibly courageous and an inspiration," will no doubt attract as many eyes as it will change minds. And considering Jenner has been such an accomplished figure in the past, changing minds about trans rights will no doubt just endear him even further to audiences. The idea that a Kardashian family member can actually achieve something bigger than 10 seasons of solid ratings? Well, that's huge.

Editor's Note: Per Jenner’s stated preference, Bustle will continue referring to Jenner using he/his pronouns for the time being. We will follow his lead and make any changes to this policy as needed in the future.