James Franco gets artsy with Ovation Channel

James Franco is coming back to TV, but this time it's not for a soap opera or the Academy Awards.

The Ovation channel said Wednesday that it's joining with the actor-writer-filmmaker on a new series, "James Franco Presents."

Ovation said the series will document Franco's explorations of the art world, including his gallery exhibits and other "passion projects." The prime-time series also will include Franco's "heroes" in various areas of the arts, the channel said.

The 35-year-old Oscar-nominated actor has dabbled in TV since his breakout role in the series "Freaks and Geeks" in 1999, appearing on "General Hospital" and hosting the 2011 Oscars with Anne Hathaway.

An upcoming Comedy Central roast of Franco is set to air on Sept. 2.

"James Franco Presents" will debut this fall on Ovation.