Today, at parent company Scripps Networks Interactive's Upfront press breakfast at Alice Tully Hall in New York City, Travel Channel unveiled plans to develop a diverse slate of new programming. Pilots for eight new original series have been greenlit for production, reinforcing the Network's continued commitment to provide programming that is transformative and acts as a gateway for viewers to explore the WORLD and connect with people from different places and cultures. The announcement was made by Shannon O'Neill, President, Travel Channel.
The new shows in development augment the brand's dedication to inspiring viewers through cultural exploration, adrenaline-filled adventures and the unique lens of expert "in-the-know" guides. Programs that offer a distinct POV of a seasoned explorer with a penchant for discovery include "Breaking Borders" (wt), "Nigel's Last Resort" (wt) and "Watt's World" (wt). Captivating locations with a focus on the adventure and exploration of subcultures will be the central character in "Guiding Alaska" (wt), "Metropolis" (wt) and "Only In..." (wt). The development slate is rounded out with a pilot that examines the business of travel in "Adventure Capitalists" (wt), while "Find My Past" (wt) uncovers our personal connections to history's most extraordinary events.
"This has been an exciting time where we've discovered a treasure trove of compelling storytellers and inspirational talent," said Ross Babbit, SVP Programming & Development, Travel Channel. "We're excited to move ahead with our new development slate that not only spotlights a fresh group of authentic talent and experts in global locations, but also delivers an immersive travel entertainment experience."
Series In Development (brief descriptions, in alphabetical order):
"Adventure Capitalists" (wt) follows a team of three investors, as they travel across the country to survey the hottest destinations. Once there, these savvy business experts look to invest in local hotels, restaurants and shops. Three businesses pitch the team, but only one is chosen. The half-hour pilot is produced by Eyeworks USA.
"Breaking Borders" (wt) pairs Peabody Award-winning correspondent Mariana van Zeller with celebrated chef Michael Voltaggio as they travel into well-known conflict zones, to uncover and elevate the personal stories, perspectives and rich cultures from both sides of the conflict. Van Zeller and Voltaggio share a simple, but unique goal: to gather people from both sides of the conflict for an amazing meal and an animated discussion, where on a human level, they might just find some common ground. The one-hour pilot is produced by MY Tupelo Entertainment.
"Find My Past" (wt) is a hosted series that follows Americans on a journey to breathtaking locations throughout the
WORLD as they uncover their very personal connection to history's most extraordinary events. Traveling across the
WORLD from one incredible location to another, each individual will get a chance to walk in their ancestors' footsteps. By journey's end, everything is revealed, and the historical impact of their ancestors' lives will come into clear and striking focus. The half-hour pilot is produced by Lion TV.
"Guiding Alaska" (wt) features an ensemble cast who takes viewers on an excursion to one of Alaska's most elite and remote wilderness resorts. Located 300 miles from civilization, the
WORLD famous Tikchik Lodge and its experienced and eccentric crew, welcome
The Challenge of serving and satisfying its guests with exhilarating outdoor adventures and world-class cuisine. This is Alaska, where contending with the dynamic, untamed and at times almost insurmountable wilderness goes hand in hand. The one-hour pilot is produced by Orion Entertainment.
"Metropolis" (wt) spotlights iconic cities around the
WORLD with the goal of reimagining everything travelers know about them. From hidden secrets to signature foods to cultural idiosyncrasies, viewers are granted extraordinary access to each location through stunning 3D graphics and stylized re-enactments. The one-hour pilot is produced by Nutopia.
"Nigel's Last Resort" (wt) follows luxury resort developer Nigel Franklyn as he explores the world's most extreme and unique hot spots, discovering all the outlandish ways people relax and pamper themselves. Franklyn immerses himself in once-in-a-lifetime experiences including bathing in a giant tub full of beer, living like a gladiator in a resort next to the Roman coliseum and getting massaged by giant snakes in Israel. The half-hour pilot is produced by M2 Pictures.
"Only In..." (wt) takes viewers on a crazy and visual ride around the globe to discover the places, people and events that are so unique, they can only be experienced side by side with the locals. Venture far off the beaten path and experience amazing cultures that have long captured the imagination, from robot waiters serving dinner in Tokyo to runners competing in a minus-50-degree Ice Marathon on frozen Lake Baikal in Russia. The one-hour pilot is produced by PSG Films.
"Watt's World" (wt) chronicles reporter and journalist Nick Watt during his travels across the world, discovering all that is strange and beautiful about our surprising planet and its sub-cultures. Having spent years as an overseas correspondent for
ABC in such places as London, Afghanistan and Iraq, Watt's inquisitive nature enables him to truly dig deep, unearthing unique and provocative stories on his journeys. The half-hour pilot is produced by Lincoln Square Productions.
TRAVEL CHANNEL (http://www.TravelChannel.com) is a multiplatform travel lifestyle brand with the core mission of providing inspiring and compelling programming that takes viewers beyond their everyday destinations, making the unfamiliar familiar, whether it's around the
WORLD or around the block. A dual feed network that is also available in HD,
Travel Channel is the world's leading travel media brand, and is available in over 94 million U.S. cable homes. Owned and operated by Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI),
Travel Channel has offices in Chevy Chase, MD, and New York, NY. Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI) also owns and operates HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network,
Cooking Channel and Great American Country.
