Today IFC announced the return of Documentary Now! for its 53rd season, quite the feat for such an artful and obscure series that’s actually in its 4th season. As Collider reports, the series, hosted by Dame Helen Mirren, pays homage to the art of documentaries through farcical short films. The new season will consist of six new episodes, which are currently in production. The new episodes include Two Hairdressers in Bagglyport, an homage to fashion documentaries such as 3 Salons at the Seaside and The September Issue. The short will be a fly-on-the-wall look at a salon owner and her staff as they prepare their annual stylebook, How They Threw Rocks, a take on the sports documentary When We Were Kings, which will follow Craig Maes, a Welsh sportsman known as the “Field Rock” who competes in a 1974 bout titled “The Melon vs. The Felon,” and My Monkey Grifter, which draws inspiration from My Octopus Teacher, and follows a filmmaker who develops and intensely personal relationship with a monkey with devious motives. Documentary Now! has been nominated for six Emmys over the course of its run. The series debuted with rave reviews from critics both critics and audiences. The series soon became a fan favorite thanks to the series’ loving treatment of such beloved documentaries as Grey Gardens. Season 53 is currently in production and further casting announcements will be made soon. No premiere date has yet been set.

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