Factual
Discovery unveils two action series’ global premiere dates
MUMBAI: Discovery Networks UK – president & chief content officer – international Susanna Dinnage has unveiled two high-profile commissions. The new series will air across Discovery’s networks in more than 220 countries and territories in 2017 and 2018. The commissions are part of Discovery’s commitment to find compelling new talent and to raise the profile of much-loved established talent amongst a global audience.
“Ed Stafford: Left for dead” is a brand-new survival show featuring Ed Stafford, whose compelling portrayal of existing in extreme environments has been a hit with audiences around the world and this series sees the adventurer take on some of the most hostile locations on the planet. Joining Ed on the slate are new faces Micky Yule, Mike Goody and Will Swift who feature in a brand new series, “Men of Iron” (wt). All three have overcome challenges associated with losing limbs during their lives and relish the opportunity to take on audacious physical challenges – often with much humour and always with great determination.
“Discovery’s audiences love talent that they can relate to and these two programmes feature great characters on real-life adventures. They bring exciting challenges to our screens, told in a compelling, first-hand narrative. It’s hard not to feel inspired and in awe of their courage,” said Dinnage.
In addition to the two new series, Dinnage also announced that Discovery Channel’s high-impact documentary Mosquito and iconic “Shark Week” 2017 will sync up around the world with global premieres this summer (July 6 and week of July 23, respectively). Mosquito, a documentary special shot on four continents, sounds the alarm about the mounting global threat to mankind. It will serve as a call to action for the immense international efforts required to reduce their march of destruction. Notably, this marks the first time in its history that “Shark Week”, the iconic programming week that has defined Discovery Channel for almost three decades, will premiere everywhere around the world in the same week.
The new content slate includes the following:
“Ed Stafford: Left for dead” (Autumn 2017)
“Ed Stafford: Left for dead” is an epic new adventure series that follows explorer Ed Stafford in his attempt to escape from some of our planet’s most extreme environments. Subtropical forests, parched deserts and desolate mountains await him. Dropped in the wilderness with no survival kit, Ed has just 10 days to reach civilization – pushing the limits of human endurance on the move. Ed carries his camera kit to film himself, but nothing else – no food, compass or even firelighters. He must rely on his survival instincts and his will to live to combat hunger, thirst, exhaustion and life-threatening obstacles. The show proves that survival is more than just a test of physical strength – it takes mental agility and unyielding determination to make it out alive. “Ed Stafford: Left for dead” is produced for Discovery Networks International by betty and Base Camp Films. Helen Hawken and Ed Sayer are commissioners, and Tom Gorham is the executive producer for Discovery Networks International. The executive producer is David Harrison for betty and the series editor is Tim Walker.
Men of Iron (wt) (2018)
“Men of Iron” (wt) is a unique new documentary series that follows the wild and inspirational journey of a group of amputees determined to smash any obstacle in their path. Thirsty for a huge challenge, they’re testing their limits in a sport that is both highly dangerous and virtually impossible for anyone with missing limbs – skeleton. The gang sets to work supersizing their abilities using the latest tech, in preparation to take on reigning world skeleton champion and Olympic medal-winner Martins Dukurs. This is the first time a double amputee has challenged an able-bodied world champion skeleton athlete, and they’ll compete head-to-head at the world’s fastest slide at the Whistler Sliding Centre in Canada. Along the way, these athletes will test just how far the rules can be stretched to level the playing field between able-bodied and para-athletes.
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
