Celebrity filmmaker Michael Apted, whose depiction of real life reveals the artificiality of most so-called reality TV, examines the nature of perfect and not-so-perfect unions in "Married in America 2." His warts-and-all follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2002 documentary, "Married in America," premieres Wednesday, May 23 (9/8 c) on Hallmark Channel.

In 2001, Apted interviewed nine American couples from various walks of life as they prepared to tie the knot. Five years later, for the much-anticipated sequel, he checked in with the same couples to see which ones should receive anniversary gifts. Not every couple, Apted discovered while filming "Married in America 2," had managed to stay together, but most were still in the running for happily ever after.

New footage and interviews, juxtaposed against scenes from the original five years earlier, offer fascinating insight into how marriages change, grow and sometimes, sadly, crumble.

Apted is perhaps best known for his work on the famous "7 Up" documentary series, which profiles the same British subjects at seven-year intervals, spanning more than 40 years. Apted is also a prolific feature film director whose credits include "Coal Miner's Daughter," "Gorillas in the Mist," "Nell," and the James Bond thriller, "The World Is Not Enough." "Amazing Grace," Apted's film about the life of William Wilberforce and the fight to end slavery, is now in theaters.
The Cast:

Production Credits:
Married in America 2 was produced for Faith & Values Media by Married in America, Inc., in association with Lightworks Producing Group. Edward J. Murray, William Spencer Reilly and Jeffrey C. Weber are executive producers. Steven Lawrence and Dale Riehl are producers.

Airdates:
"Married In America 2" premiered on the Hallmark Channel on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007.