Discovery Channel Unleashes 'Epic Week' With Season Premieres, Supersized Episodes & New Documentary Special

By: Apr. 06, 2017
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Discovery Channel is rolling out an all-new marathon line-up with EPIC WEEK, a seven-day celebration featuring super-sized episodes of the network's top series and new specials. The week-long programming block packs in 8 premieres - including fan-favorites DEADLIEST CATCH, STREET OUTLAWS, THE LAST ALASKANS, BERING SEA GOLD, NAKED AND AFRAID, NAKED AND AFRAID XL, GOLD RUSH: PARKER'S TRAIL and the complicated tale of the collapse of a historic fishery in the documentary SACRED COD. EPIC WEEK kicks off Monday, April 10 and wraps on Sunday, April 16 on Discovery Channel.

EPIC WEEK kicks into high gear with an all-day broadcast of STREET OUTLAWS on Monday, April 10 from 10AM - 9PM ET/PT that culminates with a two-hour season premiere at 9PM ET/PT. This season, the rules of the game change as the use of Pro Mods, cars modified for track use, are no longer allowed on the "list." Now, in order to reclaim a premiere spot on OKC's top 10 list of street racers, experienced drivers like Big Chief must find a new car and start from the bottom. This shakeup allows some of the show's old favorites to return and some new faces to work their way onto the list.

Discovery taps the brakes on its Motor Monday lineup to dive headfirst into the 2-hour season premiere of the 16-time Emmy Award-winning series DEADLIEST CATCH on Tuesday, April 11 9 PM ET/PT. Over the past 12 years, the veteran captains thought they've seen it all. But this year proves to be like no other on record. Generations of fishermen have made a hard living setting out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, one of the nation's most prolific crabbing ports. However, this year the crabs have seemingly vanished - igniting a grueling hunt to save the fleet's way of life. After a massive temperature spike in the Bering Sea, traditional fishing hot spots are now coming up empty. And the situation leaves everyone in the fleet - veterans and greenhorns alike - wondering what can be done to save the season?

On Wednesday, April 12, Discovery ventures North for an all-new episode of THE LAST ALASKANS at 9 PM ET/PT. The leaves are changing and the bears are out in force before bedding down for the winter but there's no rest for THE LAST ALASKANS as they ramp up for trapping season. Heimo makes his way downriver to find that his newest cabin might have already fallen victim to a marauding bear, Tyler and Ashley begin building a near home for their growing family, and Charlie labors solo into the woods. The all-new episode is followed by a thrilling special of BERING SEA GOLD at 10 PM ET/PT.

SACRED COD, premiering Thursday, April 13, at 9 PM ET/PT, chronicles the collapse of America's oldest fishery. Scientists and environmental advocates have attributed the decline to overfishing, government mismanagement, and climate change. Many of the fishermen - who are losing their livelihoods and way of life as the species has declined - have argued that the Science is wrong and have protested the government's ban. The film features interviews with fishermen and their families, along with scientists, advocates, and federal officials who warn that the plight of cod could be a harbinger for fish around the world as the planet warms and overfishing persists. The illuminating documentary tells a complex story that shows how one of the greatest fisheries on the planet has been driven to the edge of commercial extinction, while providing suggestions about how consumers can help support sustainable fisheries.

Discovery goes to new heights on Friday, April 14 for the two-hour season finale of GOLD RUSH: PARKER'S TRAIL at 9 PM ET/PT. To honor his grandpa, Parker Schnabel and three friends are attempting to trek, like the pioneers, from his home in Alaska across 600 miles of frozen wilderness to the legendary Dawson City where they plan to find gold and stake a claim. With 375 miles to go to finish the KLONDIKE Trail, time is of the essence as temperatures are dropping and lakes are freezing, but when Parker falls into the frigid water they are forced to stop, the expedition becomes a matter of life or death.

EPIC WEEK races away from the trail into a three-hour STREET OUTLAWS special on Saturday, April 15 from 8PM - 11PM ET/PT.

Lastly, on Sunday, April 16, Discovery strips down for an all-new episode of NAKED AND AFRAID at 9PM ET/PT. When California Buddhist Maria and Oregon fisherman Dan test their skills against the unforgiving Australian outback, harsh conditions, scarce food sources, and saltwater crocodiles threaten their survival. But don't get dressed just yet. An all-new NAKED AND AFRAID XL special premieres at 10PM ET/PT. The new season of NAKED AND AFRAID XL premieres Sunday, April 23 at 10PM ET/PT.

Below is Discovery's EPIC WEEK programming line-up:

Monday, April 10

10:00 AM - 9:00 PM ET/PT - STREET OUTLAWS Marathon

9:00 - 11:00 PM ET/PT - STREET OUTLAWS Two-Hour Season Premiere

Tuesday, April 11

9:00 - 11:00 PM ET/PT - DEADLIEST CATCH Two-Hour Season Premiere

Wednesday, April 12

9:00 - 10:00 PM ET/PT - THE LAST ALASKANS All-New Episode

10:00 - 11:00 PM ET/PT - BERING SEA GOLD Special

Thursday, April 13

9:00 - 10:30 PM ET/PT - SACRED COD Special

Friday, April 14

9:00 - 11:00 PM - GOLD RUSH: PARKER'S TRAIL Finale

Saturday, April 15

8:00 - 11:00 PM - STREET OUTLAWS Three-Hour Special

Sunday, April 16

9:00 PM - 10:00 PM - NAKED AND AFRAID All-New Episode

10:00 PM - 11:00 PM - NAKED AND AFRAID XL Special



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