Discovery Communications will be changing the name of Planet Green to Destination America as of May 28, 2012. According to the network, Destination America will become the only network to “celebrate the people, places, and stories of the United States, emblazoned with the grit and tenacity, honesty and work ethic, humor and adventurousness that characterize our nation.”
The network’s aiming to draw in the majority of its audience from the adults 25-54 age group and will offer food programs, investigations into America’s history, and tales of American heroes.
“Discovery Communications continuously strives to break new ground with its unrivaled approach to storytelling that ignites viewers’ curiosity,” stated David Zaslav, President and Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Communications. “Discovery was founded by a true pioneer of cable who pursued his own American dream and, in this spirit, we’re proud to present the first network that showcases the essence of American innovation and hard work at its core.”
Destination America Program Slate:
BBQ PITMASTERS
Sneak Peek on Wednesday, May 30 at 10 PM E/P
Regular Premieres Begin Sunday, June 3 at 9 PM E/P
We’re going back to the pit for a brand new season of BBQ PITMASTERS, created just for Destination America! With the larger-than-life personalities of our contestants – and judges Myron Mixon, Tuffy Stone, and Aaron Franklin – steak isn’t the only thing that’s sizzling as these grill masters face off in the ultimate BBQ showdown for bragging rights and a cash prize. The competition travels to places like Memphis, Mobile, New Orleans, and Austin, as contestants grill dishes from St. Louis pork ribs, to Texas brisket and Carolina pulled pork and everything in between. Egos and reputations are on the line as familiar faces and new challengers wage barbeque battle to determine who truly is the best of the best.
FAST FOOD MANIA
Premieres Sunday, June 3 at 10 and 10:30 PM E/P
Our host Jon Hein, a pop culture guru and burger-and-fry aficionado who hosts the “The Fast Food Show” on Howard Stern’s Sirius/XM station, travels across the country and around the globe to celebrate our favorite fast food treats and search for the most unusual fast food items and outposts. From the original Wendy’s restaurant in Columbus, OH, to yuzu spiced fried chicken at KFC in Japan, we’ll see how fast food took root in America and has taken over the world, offering the comfort of familiar favorites alongside local delicacies everywhere you turn.
SUPER-DUPER THRILL RIDES
Premieres Saturday, June 16 at 10 PM E/P
Destination America ushers in summer with SUPER-DUPER THRILL RIDES, an hour-long look at the coolest and most extreme roller coasters. Americans have always had a passion for thrill rides, and we’ll hit the best in our country and the world. From Universal Studios in Florida to Six Flags in New Jersey to Cedar Point in Ohio, we’ll hear from the designers, engineers, and enthusiasts who explain and explore the popularity of these mind-blowing, stomach-churning rides.
UNITED STATES OF FOOD
Premieres Sunday, July 8 at 9 PM E/P
In this celebration of America’s obsession with meat, each episode is consumed by eats that people across the nation can’t get enough of, from bacon to steaks to burgers. Chef Todd Fisher hosts this new series, drawing from the life-long passion for food that first found him working in restaurants at the age of 15 and led him to hold the head chef position at his own restaurant since 2000. Now he’s taking his expertise on the road, where he meets obsessed foodies and the cooks who prepare the most beloved dishes at places like Tony’s I-75 Family Restaurant in Michigan, home of the world’s biggest BLT.
CHEATING LAS VEGAS
Premieres Saturday, July 14 at 10 PM E/P
CHEATING LAS VEGAS takes “get rich quick” to an extreme as viewers peek inside some of the most fascinating and elaborate scams of modern casino gaming. Experienced cheaters will use anything to push the odds into their favor. From counting cards and marking decks to computer hacking and malicious spyware, nothing is out of their realm or capability to ensure a win.
GHOST TOWN GOLD
Premieres in August
Brit Eaton and Scott Glaves explore the last frontier of American archaeology – the old ghost towns, abandoned mining camps, and industrial graveyards of the Wild West – in search of collectible artifacts from a bygone era. Whether it’s convincing a sixth generation rancher to part with a stockpile of pre-19th century antiques, or unearthing a 150-year old mine shaft that holds a horde of Gold Rush mining gear, there’s an endless supply of eccentric people, places, and artifacts to find and explore. From the Four Corners to the Alaskan wilderness to the Deep South, the American landscape is littered with deserted mine workings, abandoned ranches, and antiquated farmhouses and outbuildings still well preserved and primed for picking.
Source: Destination America – April 4, 2012
