Discovery, Inc. Introduces New Company to the Marketplace
The company's expanded portfolio is highlighted by Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Animal Planet, Velocity, Travel Channel, Science Channel and DIY Network.
[via press release from Discovery Channel] Discovery, Inc. Introduces New Company to the Marketplace
- First Presentation of the New Discovery to Clients Takes Place Today in New York -
- "Advertising Works Here" Theme Highlights Company as One-Stop Shop for Ad Buyers -
- Nearly 70 Popular Stars across Discovery's Passion Brands to Participate -
- Company Announces Rebrand of its Auto-Related JV to Motor Trend Group and Velocity U.S. Network Becomes Motor Trend Network in Fall 2018 -
NEW YORK - Just one month after Discovery, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) completed its acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive, President and CEO David Zaslav and other company executives will provide a first look at the new global leader in real life entertainment to investors, advertisers, buyers, analysts and other partners today at 4 p.m. ET at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall in New York.
"We are proud to introduce, for the first time, the new Discovery," said Zaslav. "With a portfolio of the most trusted passion brands in the world, expanded scale and global reach, we will drive value for our clients across all screens, and nourish millions of superfans with quality, real life entertainment."
Flanked by cocktail parties and on-air talent meet-and-greets, Discovery will announce its 2018-19 combined company content slate across its expanded portfolio of quality brands highlighted by Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Animal Planet, Velocity, Travel Channel, Science Channel and DIY Network.
"TV remains the most powerful branding and marketing tool in media, but it's harder than ever to reach audiences live," said Jon Steinlauf, Discovery's Chief U.S. Advertising Sales Officer. "There are lots of scripted shows on platforms that aren't ad supported, so ad scarcity is a real challenge for marketers. Not so with the Discovery networks, where we not only have a 20 share of Adults 25-54, but also five of the top networks for women."
Under the theme "Advertising Works Here," in his presentation, Steinlauf will highlight Discovery as the one-stop shop for ad buyers looking to capitalize on upfront media buys for television and digital to reach the most engaged consumer audiences in America - a claim backed by science.
The Environment and Advertiser Impact Study, commissioned by Steinlauf and conducted by Nielsen, employed both attitudinal and consumer neuroscience methodologies to better understand how TV program genres impact advertising effectiveness - particularly whether the same ads across the largest ad categories are perceived differently in the lifestyle environment compared with other TV genre environments.
According to the study, the Discovery networks provide the most engaging viewing environment, commanding a 96 percent advantage over sports, news and general entertainment programming.
Discovery's Chief Lifestyle Brands Officer Kathleen Finch also will present programming highlights from the networks she oversees, as will Nancy Daniels, Discovery's Chief Brand Officer for Discovery & Factual; Henry Schleiff, Group President of Investigation Discovery, Destination America and American Heroes Channel; and Susanna Dinnage, Global President, Animal Planet.
Discovery also will announce its auto-related consolidated joint venture, previously called The Enthusiast Network, will now become Motor Trend Group, effective immediately. As part of this rebrand, Velocity, America's #1 television destination for automotive fans, will also be rebranded Motor Trend Network in Fall 2018. The JV's Motor Trend OnDemand digital product, the #1 direct-to-consumer offering for auto enthusiasts, will continue to be available to consumers on mobile and connected devices as the Motor Trend App, and available via online at MotorTrend.com.
Other programming news related to Discovery's channel portfolio include the following:
Discovery Channel, in its third straight year as cable's #1 network for Men 25-54 (excluding sports), will feature 448 primetime hours of original programming in 2018, including:
Why We Hate (WT)
Executive produced by Oscar winners Steven Spielberg and Alex Gibney, the docu-series draws on research in psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and history, tracing the evolutionary basis of hate, using stories from both past and present to reveal the nature of this primal and universal emotion. The series reveals contemporary links to ancient behavior and uses science as a basis for explaining the nature of hatred and the human mind. At the heart of this timely series is a question: If we can figure out why we hate, where hate originates, and how it is amplified, can we find a way to prevent it?
Book of Hines
Former covert military man and intelligence officer Brett Hines and his family transition from living under the modern trappings of life in America to forming their own way of life. The Hines live off-grid using survival and security techniques Brett honed in the military. Distrusting of our modern way of life, the Hines are now two years in, and at the make or break point. The new series documents their journey (including footage they have self-shot over the years) and provides a roadmap for the rest of us to a life out of society.
Master of Arms (WT)
Centuries ago, the greatest empires leaned on the backs of weapon craftsmen to create the blades, bows, and bullets that would win wars and alter history forever. Now, modern master smiths will put their technical knowledge and ingenuity to the test giving insight into age-old building techniques - and the traditions, methods and craftsmanship that define them. This all-new competition series brings today's best weapons smiths together to battle it out head to head, building the armaments that changed the course of history.
Valley of the Kings
Premiering later this year on both Discovery Channel and Science Channel, this documentary goes exclusively inside the first major excavation in a generation, in Egypt's famed burial ground of the pharaohs, looking for one thing - the lost tomb of an ancient royal. Led by renowned Archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, the crew of more than one hundred Egyptian workers are digging in the largely untouched western portion of the valley, where leading archaeologists believe several royal tombs lie hidden. Using cutting edge technology, the series the search for the secrets buried in the sand.
Taken by the Tiger (WT)
This documentary travels to remote areas in Asia where tigers still roam freely. Directed by Academy(R) Award-winners Fisher Stevens ("The Cove") and Ross Kauffman ("Born into Brothels"), the film highlights the sheer splendor of these fierce felines in the wild, embedding with the heroes saving these tigers from extinction, chronicling the work the work of those striving every day for their protection. Debuting in early 2019, the special is tied to Discovery's Project C.A.T. initiative, part of a global effort to double the population of tigers living in the wild by 2022.
Hard to Kill (WT)
Special Forces Sniper and fearless Green Beret, Tim Kennedy travels the country as he puts the spotlight on America's toughest workers by risking his own life and attempting some of America's most dangerous jobs. Whether he's testing his skills as a test pilot or part of a mountain rescue team, Tim works with experts in each field to learn some of today's most dangerous jobs. At the end of each training, Tim will put the skills he learned to the test to see if he truly has what it takes to accomplish the jobs of everyday heroes.
Undercover Billionaire
Financial success is the ultimate American Dream. In this all-new series, Discovery will tap the expertise of a self-made mogul to see whether it's possible to create a million-dollar company in just 90 days with just a few dollars in his pocket. The true identity of the billionaire will remain anonymous to everyone around him as he attempts to integrate into this remote community with little means and resources. If he's successful, at the end of the 90 days, he'll turn over the company he built to the people who helped him out along the way. And once and for all, reveal his true identity.
HGTV, the #1 network for upscale women for 11 years running, boasts 766 hours of original programming in 2018, including:
The Housleys
Actress Tamera Mowry-Housley, a co-host on The Real, and her husband Adam, a senior correspondent for Fox News, will renovate a home in Napa Valley in a new HGTV special, The Housleys. Premiering in May, the special follows the famous couple as they help homeowners in the area create a beautiful and functional home for their busy family of six. The outdated property needs an open floor plan, space for a laundry room and a dining area that has room for everyone. The pair also create a beautiful outdoor living space so the family can enjoy the beautiful Northern California weather.
Home Suite Home
Teams of renovation pros from around the country transform homes into beautiful short-term rental properties on any budget. The Nashville-based team features home rental expert, Teryn Chapin, and her design-savvy mother, Victoria Robinson. The duo delivers smart renovation and multifunctional design that help homeowners boost rental rates, increase home values and transform average houses into stunning moneymakers. Future episodes will showcase other cities and experts who renovate homes to score big returns on rental properties.
Mom and Me
Karrie Trowbridge, a popular designer in Bend, Oregon, and her 21-year old son, Tristan, specialize in transforming outdated properties to create functional, stylish homes that maximize the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The combination of Karrie's experience and Tristan's fresh perspective delivers beautiful results for their clients, but as can be expected with any mother and son, the two don't always agree. Through collaboration and compromise - and mom having the final say - the duo work through their differences to complete beautifully renovated homes.
Good Bones
The network immediately picked up a new 13-episode season of the popular home renovation series after the season three premiere episode debuted with a strong performance last week. The show stars mother/daughter duo Karen E Laine and Mina Starsiak as they buy Indianapolis homes in disrepair and transform them into stunning remodels. The premiere episode on Tuesday, April 3, attracted more than 3.2 million viewers - up more than 18 percent over the season two premiere episode.
Food Network, the most widely distributed ad-supported network in all of cable, will produce 650 hours of original programming this year, including:
Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition
In the six-episode season, food masters Anne Burrell and Tyler Florence each lead a team of recruits through an intense culinary boot camp where only the most improved cook is left standing and wins $25,000 for the charity of their choice and bragging rights for their team leader. This season's celebrity cooking disasters who are determined to improve their kitchen game include: Catherine Bach, Maria Bamford, Nolan Gould, La Toya Jackson, Oscar Nunez, Bronson Pinchot and Ian Ziering.
Iron Chef America
Overseen by host Alton Brown, each standalone episode pits an up-and-coming chef competitor against an elite Iron Chef in a stunning secret ingredient battle of over-the-top edible greatness. Joining Alton and the Chairman (Marc Dacascos) this season is Chef Jet Tila, who will serve as floor reporter and, along with Alton, offer commentary on all the Kitchen Stadium action. Each week, two guest judges taste the extraordinary offerings and determine "whose cuisine reigns supreme," sending one chef into culinary infamy.
Food Network Star and Food Network Star: Comeback Kitchen
Perennial favorite Food Network Star returns with an all-new roster of talented hopefuls competing for the ultimate prize, to become the next Food Network star. Culinary superstars Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay are back to host with a star-studded cast of guests joining the action in and out of the studio. Before the new season launches, Food Network Star: Comeback Kitchen invites eight former Food Network Star finalists to try to win a spot in the new season. They have been through this before and if they have learned from past mistakes and can impress co-hosts Valerie Bertinelli and Tyler Florence, someone can gain a second chance at stardom.
Chopped featuring Martha Stewart
The returning iconic competition series ups the ante this year, when the one-and-only Martha Stewart joins the cast as a judge, bringing her food expertise, impeccable credentials and discerning critique to the judges' table.
Buddy vs. Duff
In a clash of cake-baking titans, Food Network's Duff Goldman (Kids Baking Championship) and TLC's Cake Boss Buddy Valastro will go head to head in a battle for the ages.
TLC, one of the top 10 networks for women viewers, will create the most premiere hours of programming in its history. A sampling includes:
Drew and Linda Say I Do (WT)
After sharing their stunning home renovation with HGTV viewers in "Property Brothers at Home: Drew's Honeymoon House," Drew Scott and Linda Phan are taking on one of the most important projects of their lives: planning their dream wedding on TLC! Along with Drew's twin brother, Jonathan, older brother JD and other family members, Drew and Linda are embarking on an epic journey to throw a spectacular week-long Italian countryside wedding for their friends and family.
Kate Plus Date (WT)
With the sextuplets growing up and the twins thinking about college, it's time for Kate Gosselin to move on to the next stage of her life: Dating. The series gives viewers a fly-on-the-wall look inside the hectic world of dating as a single mom of multiples. In each episode, Kate, who is hesitant to jump into the dating pool but feels the time is finally right, gets paired with a different matchmaker that will hopefully help her find love. From psychics to genetic specialists to royalty matchmakers, Kate is willing to try anything to get the help she needs to find her perfect man. Kate tries to discover love again, and experience dating for the first time in more than 18 years!
JFK Jr. & Carolyn: A Camelot Wedding
In 1996, America's Prince Charming, John F. Kennedy Jr., married the love of his life, Carolyn Bessette, in a ceremony that was designed to keep the media and the paparazzi away. Now, for the first time ever, 20 years after we lost him and his beautiful wife in a tragic plane crash, TLC takes viewers inside the couple's lives with never-before-seen footage from their fairytale wedding. The two-hour special celebrates JFK Jr. and Carolyn's life and incredible love for one another, capturing their wedding weekend on Cumberland Island, GA for a first-hand look at everything from the joyful rehearsal dinner, to the magical ceremony, to the intimate reception. With new commentary from famous wedding guests, friends and family, this remarkable special offers a fresh look at the lives of America's most famous couple.
Our Wild Life
Following the lively Abrams, a modern-day family with a twist, the show features lovable matriarch Bobbi Jo and her husband Jerry Abrams and their 84 kids, but only three of them are human! With 16 acres of land at their fingertips, the Abrams have adopted and nurtured 81 animals, many of which reside in their home. Their extended family includes a zebra and camel as well as kangaroos, alpacas, llamas, wallabies and a recently adopted sloth. Throughout the series, viewers will get a chance to tag along with this lovable, blended family as they navigate the everyday joys and challenges that come along with raising children, while also managing the havoc that naturally arises as a result of tending to a house full of animals.
Mama Medium
Jennie Marie, a wife and mother with a larger-than-life personality, has the extraordinary ability to talk to the dead. Not only is she a medium, psychic, and 4th generation clairvoyant, but Jennie Marie also has an uncanny gift of connecting with people who are otherwise incapable of communicating for themselves. Every episode will showcase several readings, offering viewers a first-hand look at Jennie Marie's unique ability to connect with people on a deeper level. Set in Rochester, New York, the series will also explore Jennie Marie's home life. The vivacious matriarch isn't the only gifted person in her family; three of her four sons also share some of her abilities, and viewers will have a chance to watch their talents evolve over the course of the series.
Investigation Discovery, currently ranked #1 among Women 25-54 and #2 among Adults 25-54, will feature more than 650 hours of original programming in 2018, including:
Twisted Sisters
From 44 Blue with executive producer - and ID fan - Khloe Kardashian comes a unique take inside the most provocative crimes ever committed by seriously sinister siblings. These are the biggest headlines to happen... all in the family.
In Pursuit with John Walsh
Produced by Zero Point Zero, this new series carries forward John Walsh's lifelong mission: tracking down fugitives from justice, finding missing children and empowering the public to help foster a more effective and accountable criminal justice system. Backed by decades of victim advocacy, and airing on the #1 crime and investigation network in the U.S., John Walsh will inspire viewers with his unique call to action.
Gypsy's Revenge
The story of mother Dee Dee and daughter Gypsy Rose seemed like the epitome of the human spirit overcoming adversity. Dee Dee was a warm-hearted and utterly devoted single mom, seemingly a saintly fulltime care giver to Gypsy, who'd been dogged by terrible illnesses since birth. When the status update on Dee Dee's Facebook page said, "That bitch is dead," friends and neighbors were perplexed and concerned. Had someone hacked Dee Dee's account? Was this a joke, or something altogether more sinister? In this two-hour special, produced by Lightbox Entertainment, ID explores the case that rocked a community.
Lake Erie
Ominously named for its violent and unpredictable nature, Lake Erie borders four states and parts of Canada and is home to some of the darkest and deadliest murder cases. In a three-part special, produced by Talos Films, viewers will be brought to the edge of the water in a deep dive into the 1989 kidnapping and murder of 10-year-old Amy Mihaljevic. The case captured national attention and continues to haunt the region - and to this day, remains a source of immense intrigue and speculation as investigators sift through hundreds of suspects and tirelessly pursue the killer. Following Amy's story, the series continues with hour-long stand-alone episodes that tell other tales of Lake Erie's haunting and fascinating murders and mysteries.
The Night That Didn't End (WT)
When a murder occurs, those closest to the victim will all say the same thing about their experience: it never really ends. What starts as an isolated tragedy, takes on a life of its own, as family and friends haunted by the murder, replay details of that night again and again. Produced by Ample Entertainment, the show uses this very real phenomenon to remember the murder through different key storytellers - whether they be family members, detectives or friends. With each character's re-experiencing of the same pivotal moments, the story moves forward, the details take on new meaning, and the case gets closer to being solved.
Enjoying its highest rated quarter in two years, Animal Planet immerses viewers into the full range of life in the animal kingdom with series including:
Dodo Heroes
Animal Planet and The Dodo (part of Group Nine Media and a leading animal brand on digital), come together on this all-new series that features inspiring stories of animals from around the globe in dire need, and those who go to unimaginable lengths to help them. The series documents true heroes and the animals they save, including, among other stories, Pen Farthing, a former British Royal Marine who has reunited more than 700 street dogs with the soldiers who befriended them while serving in Afghanistan; an Australian family whose life's mission is to save the rapidly declining Koala population; and Derrick Campana who has dedicated his life to building custom prosthetics and braces for animals of all sizes, from elephants to rabbits.
The Irwins (WT)
Growing up, Bindi and Robert Irwin followed in the footsteps of their parents, Terri and the legendary Steve Irwin, furthering conservation by helping humans connect with animals. From running Australia's largest zoo, Australia Zoo in Queensland, to crisscrossing the world protecting and celebrating the most wondrous animals on the planet, Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin have worked tirelessly to carry forward Steve's mission to bring people closer to animals and to help them care about wildlife conservation. Terri and her family return to Animal Planet this year to continue Steve's legacy as they bring the wildest animals and the most phenomenal wildlife stories from around the globe into the homes and hearts of viewers, no matter where they live.
Amanda to the Rescue (WT)
With a joy and passion larger than life, Amanda Giese tackles and treats the most seemingly hopeless animals in her Washington state home, animals that others would have given up on. Alongside her are her two kids, Jade and Beast, and her partner Gary. Together, they care for animals in need and help them get the second chances and the loving forever homes they deserve. Amanda's goal is to end the homelessness, abuse and neglect of all animals. Where others see animals with no hope, Amanda sees an animal full of love who needs her help.
Hanging with the Hendersons (WT)
The Hendersons are a family with treating and caring for animals embedded in their DNA. Fox Hollow, one of Colorado's busiest animal hospitals, is where Henderson brothers Dr. Ross, Dr. Ryan, lab tech Cole and their Dad, Dr. Tony Henderson have been treating pets for more than 20 years. Fox Hollow's animal patients have been cared for by one, or all, of the Hendersons since the boys were newborns. Taking care of animals is truly a Henderson family affair. Last year, social media fans got a peek into the Hendersons' world when a video of 28-year-old Dr. Ross, strumming his guitar and serenading a nervous furry patient, went viral. And now, 30 million views later, Animal Planet's global audiences will be invited to hang out with the Hendersons to experience their special connection with animals, and each other.
Puppy Bowl
Puppies return to Animal Planet in 2019 for a milestone game, Puppy Bowl XV! The cutest competition in sports history features an epic matchup between all adoptable puppy players from #TeamRuff and #TeamFluff who go paw to paw and nose to nose to win the "Lombarky" trophy. The action begins as the fuzzy-faced players step onto the gridiron for two hours of sloppy kisses, incredible interceptions, puppy penalties, ear pulls, tail tugs, and hard-won touchdowns. The highly anticipated Kitten Halftime Show featuring all adoptable kitten performers and adoptable animal cheerleaders is always a Puppy Bowl highlight. After the game the players end up as winners when they find their forever homes. Puppy Bowl XIV on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2018, was the highest rated Puppy Bowl ever among numerous key demos, including Adults 25-54, and reached 7.8 million total viewers P2+.
Wolves & Warriors (WT)
Few other animals inspire such passion, excitement and fear as the Wolf. They're mysterious, loyal, intelligent, and so protective they'll sacrifice themselves to save their family/pack. Premiering later this year, the show features U.S. Navy veteran Matt Simmons and Dr. Lorin Lindner, a clinical psychologist, the husband and wife team behind the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center (LARC). LARC has a unique purpose: to rescue wolves from dangerous domestic situations, illegal breeding operations, petting zoos and abuse or neglect scenarios and then introduce them to combat veterans suffering from PTSD. They also provide the veterans an opportunity to heal the wounds of war, by personally caring for the more than 50 wolves at the sanctuary.
With six consecutive years of growth among Adults and Men, Velocity, to become Motor Trend network in Fall 2018, will continue to delight auto enthusiasts with programming such as:
24 Hours of Le Mans
New in 2018 Motor Trend becomes the exclusive home for coverage of this event in the U.S. and Canada. Audiences can watch live, flag-to-flag coverage of the 24 Hours of Le Mans June 16-17, and tune in to MotorTrend.com and the Motor Trend app for live practice sessions in the runup to the event, plus digital-only extensions during the race including onboard cameras, audio of team communications and real-time scoring updates. Live coverage of the entire first FIA World Endurance Championship "Super Season" will extend across all three Motor Trend platforms starting with the Spa-Francorchamps, May 3-5, 2018, and will culminate with the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Live, Love, Wrench
Welcome to the world of Emily Williams - car enthusiast, D.I.Y. mechanic and the star of the "Flying Sparks Garage" YouTube channel. In her garage, projects don't always go perfect, but are always fun, informative and engaging. In this new Motor Trend series, Emily and her husband, Aaron, take viewers step-by-step through the repairs and upgrades they tackle together, from classic cars to off-road buggies and everything in between. The experience is engaging, entertaining, and real - right down to the obstacles, mistakes and problem-solving strategies that are bound to happen in any D.I.Y. garage.
Texas Metal
The network's highest-rated series returns for more metal miracles from the incredibly talented, visionary team at Ekstensive Metal Works in Houston. For more than two decades owner Bill Carlton and team have built a reputation for giving customers exactly what they want. Whether it's tricked-out trucks with wild hydraulics or facelifts for classic muscle cars, Ekstensive Metal Works does restorations, rebuilds, metal work, paint, interior or accessories bigger and better.
Bitchin' Rides
Some great artists work with oil on canvas, others with clay, but for Dave Kindig, iron and chrome are the tools of his creative self-expression, and he is an artist at the top of his craft. From his sprawling 27,000-square-foot custom fabrication shop, Kindig It Design, Dave and his team use cars as their canvases to create extraordinary works of art for serious car lovers nationwide. The network's second highest-rated series returns to give audiences another glimpse into the imaginative, creative genius of Kindig's self-made business.
Wheeler Dealers
This beloved, global hit series returns with all-new episodes as master mechanic Ant Anstead and automotive valuation expert Mike Brewer are back to work. Brewer is using his keen eye and deep car knowledge to hunt down a wide variety of gently used cars. After striking a deal for the car he hands the keys over to Anstead who diagnoses problems with the engine, body, frame, electronics and interior. Then Anstead conducts a fascinating, expert "how to" session for viewers as he repairs the problem spots and makes the car like new. When the repairs are complete, Mike and Ant road test the revamped ride before selling the vehicle to the next best owner who will appreciate it for all its worth.
Travel Channel saw year-over-year ratings gains in 2017, and adds to its roster of adventure programming with:
Hunting Evidence
Travel Channel is expanding its slate of successful adventure programming with the pick-up of this new series featuring explorer and biologist Pat Spain. When Spain is not in the lab, he journeys far and wide to uncover answers to fascinating unsolved riddles, historic conundrums and mythic events. Six one-hour episodes will begin airing in June 2018.
Finding Beasts
Travel Channel has greenlit production on this new series starring wildlife expert and filmmaker, Casey Anderson. Anderson's mission is to track down and document evidence of animals so large, or unusual, that they are thought to exist only in folklore or to be extinct. Employing the latest technologies and his lifetime of wildlife experience, Anderson will travel to remote corners of the earth to find the elusive creatures. During his journeys, he will hear firsthand accounts, and gather information from sightings, that could lead to face-to-face encounters with these animals. Production on the eight hour-long episodes begins this month, with the series slated to premiere in August.
Lost Gold
Starring Josh and Jesse Feldman, two brothers with their sights set on finding America's missing treasure, this new series will follow the siblings as they track legends, stories and clues across the vast American Frontier in search of unfound scattered riches dating back to the region's gold rush era and beyond. Six one-hour episodes will air later this year.
Science Channel, coming off the highest-rated year in its history, will produce fascinating, fresh content such as:
The Innovators (WT)
This new documentary series scheduled to premiere fourth quarter 2018 from Emmy and Peabody-Award winning Ross Greenburg Productions will go deep into the minds and lives of the people who have fundamentally altered the way we live. Pairing historical and contemporary figures from similar fields, the three-part series will uncover the truths of how innovation happens, reveal surprising and unexpected connections between modern innovators and their predecessors, and tell the story of how our modern world was created. The three-hour long episodes combine in-depth profiles of two iconic innovators, each of whom changed the face of their respective industries. Richard Warren Sears, the businessman who founded Sears, Roebuck and Company, will be paired with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Alexander Graham-Bell, who patented the first telephone line and founded AT&T, will be matched with Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg, while John and Horace Dodge, who challenged the Ford Motor Company's automobile industry dominance, will be linked with Elon Musk, founder of Tesla Motors and Space X.
DIY Network, another network enjoying year-over-year ratings growth, will produce 250 hours of original programming this year, including:
Hit Properties with Nathan Morris
Nathan Morris, a member of the Grammy-award winning R&B group Boyz II Men, will showcase his skills as a home renovator and house flipper in a new four-part series scheduled to premiere in September. After a 25-year musical career - in which Boyz II Men sold more than 64 million albums - Nathan explores his new passion for design and renovation. During the series, Nathan will tackle a forgotten country club estate boasting more than 8,000 square feet. He and his crew will overcome a Category 2 hurricane and a catastrophic leak during the reno to turn this home from an outdated disaster into a dream home worthy of a multi-million-dollar price tag.
Wood Work with Clint Harp
Skilled craftsman Clint Harp, who first appeared on HGTV's hit show Fixer Upper, will create personalized spaces with one-of-a-kind custom furnishings for his Waco, Texas. During the six-episode series, Clint and his team of talented woodworkers and craftsmen will search for vintage lumber in salvage yards, old barns and from Clint's private stash of wood to build beautiful custom pieces. Homeowners will get a room refresh that showcases Clint's handmade furniture, hardwood floors, mantles and countertops.
Lawn & Order
Popular landscaping experts Chris Lambton and Sara Bendrick give new life to front yards and tired exteriors. The eight-episode series will feature Chris and Sara helping homeowners tame overgrown lawns and improve their property's curb appeal to attract potential buyers.
Cooking Channel is taking off with the upscale viewer with median income up 18 percent, and will serve up 200 hours of original programming in 2018, including:
Food: Fact or Fiction?
Do carrots really improve our eyesight? Did the Italians really invent pizza? Did salt win the Civil War? Host Michael McKean explores age-old adages and uncovers fascinating food mysteries that are baked inside everything we eat. From pancakes to burgers to apple pie, he will reveal the accidental discoveries, clever marketing ploys, and war propaganda campaigns that have flavored our favorite dishes with a spoonful of fact and a dash of fiction.
Man, Fire, Food
Roger Mooking explores cooking at its most basic, as he features the cooks who take the fundamental formula of fire and food to make delicious culinary creations. Along the way, he samples fire-cooked favorites from local joints on back roads and byways from coast to coast.
Beach Bites
Katie Lee is beach hopping to find the local take on the best treats that global shores have to offer. From freshly-caught seafood to local twists on grilled favorites, Katie will try it all, with time to spare for cocktails and sweet treats.
Burgers, Brew & 'Que
Meat lovers rejoice! Michael Symon is taking a summer road trip to taste the best of the American classics: burgers and barbecue. Whether it's mouthwatering, mile-high cheeseburgers or slow smoked, fall-off-the-bone ribs, Michael is going to eat and meet his way through some of the best All-American spots to get your grub on. And, what better way to wash it all down than with local beers and brews, sure to make any meal a perfect 10.
About Discovery
Discovery, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is a global leader in real life entertainment, serving a passionate audience of superfans around the world with content that inspires, informs and entertains. Discovery delivers over 8,000 hours of original programming each year and has category leadership across deeply loved content genres around the world. Available in 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Discovery is a platform innovator, reaching viewers on all screens, including TV Everywhere products such as the GO portfolio of apps and Discovery Kids Play; direct-to-consumer streaming services such as Eurosport Player and Motor Trend OnDemand; and digital-first and social content from Group Nine Media. Discovery's portfolio of premium brands includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Turbo/Velocity, Animal Planet, and Science Channel, as well as OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in the U.S., Discovery Kids in Latin America, and Eurosport, the leading provider of locally relevant, premium sports and Home of the Olympic Games across Europe. For more information, please visit www.corporate.discovery.com and follow @DiscoveryIncTV across social platforms.
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KEY PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS BY NETWORK
DISCOVERY CHANNEL
2017 was 3rd straight year as cable's #1 network in M25-54 (excl. sports)
Owned 9 of 2017's Top 10 unscripted cable series in M25-54
Nearly 52 million primetime viewers each month
Claimed more Top 10 unscripted cable series than any other network M25-54, M18-49, M18-34, P2+
Owned cable's #1 & #2 unscripted series across 4 nights of the week in M25-54 & M18-49
Gold Rush was cable's #1 unscripted series in M25-54 for the 4th straight year and M18-49 & P2+ for the 3rd straight year
Gold Rush: Parker's Trail was the year's #1 new unscripted cable series in M25-54
Street Outlaws was #1 in M18-34 this year, and #2 in M25-54 & M18-49
448 primetime hours of original programming including 14 new series and 21 returning favorites
HGTV
Currently the #8 ranked network among P25-54
2017 ranked as HGTV's #3 highest-rated year in network history
#1 upscale network for 11 consecutive years among W25-54 in primetime
#2 cable network in 2017 during weekends among W25-54
Over 57 million primetime viewers every month
766 hours of original programming including 13 new series and 40 returning favorites
FOOD NETWORK
Most widely distributed ad-supported cable network
Top ten network among W25-54
#4 cable network on weekends among W25-54 (2018 YTD)
Ratings up 5% for P25-34 over the prior year
Time spent viewing up almost 5 minutes from the prior year to 90.6 minutes
48.9 million primetime viewers on average every month
Median income consistently exceeds the Ad-Supported Cable average across all dayparts
Highest-rated co-viewed network within its competitive set
650 hours of original programing including 8 new series, 31 returning favorites and 11 specials
TLC
Increased 10% in both prime and total day C3 ratings
Saw growth 5 nights of the week, most nights up double-digits.
A fastest growing network for female viewers (from #14 in 2016 to #9 in 2017 among W25-54)
#3 cable network on Sunday nights in 2017 with W25-54/18-49
567 premiere hours in 2018, the most in TLC's history
Record highs 4 nights of the week with W25-54 ratings, highest in at least 3 years
Highest Wednesday yearly prime ratings in 6 years among W25-54.
Investigation Discovery
Currently the #1 ranked network among W25-54 and #2 for P25-54 in total day
Year-to-date, ranked #4 for W25-54 and #9 for P2+ in prime
2017 was the highest-rated year in network history
Highest length of tune in all of television for P25-54 and W25-54 in total day for six straight years
More than 650 hours of original programming each year with 27 new series, 44 returning favorites and more than 20 premiere specials and events in 2018
Viewers watch more than two hours of ID each week and average 109 minutes per session on ID GO
OWN
Just completed its highest-rated Q1 in 4 years (.17 Total Day W25-54 avg)
Highest-rated Q1 in prime in 3 years (.38 W25-54)
1Q'18 W25-54 averages grew YOY by +6% in prime and +6% in Total Day
Currently the #1 cable network in prime among African-American W18+
Currently the #24 ad-supported cable net in prime among W25-54, up +4 spots YOY
4 of 2017's top 8 original scripted series on ad-supported cable among W25-54 (The Haves & the Have Nots, Queen Sugar, Greenleaf, If Loving You is Wrong)
OWN's Daytime just matched its highest-rated quarter ever (.15 W25-54 avg), up +36% YOY
Currently the #17 ad-supported cable net in Daytime among W25-54, up +18 spots YOY
Currently boasts the sixth-highest prime length of tune among the 109 ad-supported cable nets (31.2 minutes)
ANIMAL PLANET
1Q18 was up +5% vs. 1Q17 among A25-54; this marks the highest rated quarter since 2Q16
During 1Q18, showed three months of ratings growth among A18-49
Averaged 35.9 million primetime total viewers P2+ each month during 1Q18
Monthly average minutes viewed for A25-54 in 1Q18 was 76.8 minutes, 12 minutes longer than 1Q17
Monthly average frequency among A25-54 up +4% year over year
Puppy Bowl XIV was the highest rated Puppy Bowl in the history of the television event
Puppy Bowl XIV reached 7.8 million total viewers P2+
In 2017, six series and specials delivered more than one million total viewers P2+, including The Zoo, Pit Bulls & Parolees, Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet, River Monsters and Puppy Bowl XIII
VELOCITY (to become Motor Trend Network Fall 2018)
Six consecutive years of growth among P/M25-54 including double-digit growth of +14% among A25-54 and +11% among M25-54 in 2017 vs. 2016
2017 was most watched year ever in primetime among P/M25-54, P/M18-49, P/M18+ and P2+, and in Total Day among P/M25-54, P/M18+ and P2+
4Q 2017 was most watched primetime quarter in network history among P/M25-54, P/M18-49, P/M18+ and P2+
Notched 22nd consecutive quarter of year-over-year primetime and Total Day delivery growth among P18+ and P2+
March 2018 was 16th consecutive month of year-over-year primetime delivery growth for P25-54, P/M18+, and P/M2+
TRAVEL CHANNEL
Year-over-year 2017 gains among both M25-54 (up 10%) and A25-54 (up 5%)
Top series Expedition Unknown and Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations recently had highest rated seasons ever
Ranked 32nd in primetime among P25-54 ratings - up five spots from the prior year
Median income passed the $65,000 mark, growing 4% over last year and the highest yearly median income in 15 years
Time spent viewing in 2017 was 72.3 minutes, almost 3 minutes longer than the prior year
SCIENCE CHANNEL
In prime and Total Day, January 2018 was the highest rated month in network history among P/M/W25-54 and P2+
2017 was highest rated year in network history among P25-54; 3rd consecutive highest rated year
2017 featured highest rated 2Q (P25-54), 3Q (P2+) and 4Q (P25-54) in network history
Great American Eclipse #1 telecast all-time for SCI (P2+), Live coverage ranked #1 across all cable (P18-49)
MythBusters: The Search highest rated freshman series since 2011; 6 of top 10 series of 2017 were freshman series (P25-54)
Prime median income +14% above the cable average in 2018, +13% above in 2017
DIY NETWORK
Ratings up 10% in 2017 over year-ago levels
More than 18.4 million viewers on average every month
250 hours of original programming including 9 new series and 21 returning favorites
COOKING CHANNEL
Ratings up 7% for M P25-54
Premieres ratings up 4% for P25-54
Upscale audience growth with median income up 18% over the prior year
Median income consistently exceeds the Ad-Supported Cable average across all dayparts
200 hours of original programming
