Coming off its most-watched year in network history, the National Geographic Channel today unveiled its 2014-2015 slate of six new and ten returning series along with five events/specials, including the four-hour Killing Jesus mini, at its upfront presentation. The new series include Crowd Control, a hidden camera show featuring innovative and fun experiments that test and curate social behavior; You Can’t Lick Your Elbow, which teaches surprising body hacks like how to hold your breath for four minutes, hosted by NFL Today analyst Tony Gonzalez; Cabin Fever with Nate Heim and his timber-loving team who make childhood dreams come true in the form of rustic hideaways and massive mountaintop mansions; Meat Heads hosted by LA chef Eric Greenspon who travels the U.S. in search of the most mouthwatering, meatiest recipes around; The Primitives, featuring individuals and families who are turning back the clock a few hundred years and living the old-fashioned way; and Remote Survival, a new twist on the survival format that tests the tenacity and techniques of individuals dropped in the middle of nowhere. Returning series include Wicked Tuna, The Legend of Mick Dodge, Ultimate Survival Alaska, Drugs, Inc., Alaska State Troopers, Life Below Zero and Building Wild.
Sibling Nat Geo Wild’s 2014-2015 upfront slate includes new series Pond Stars and Dr. K: Exotic Pet Vet (wt); the return of its No. 1 show, The Incredible Dr. Pol, and newest veterinary face, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet; and events Big Cat Week, Sharkfest and Dogs Rule! (wt). Here are descriptions of Nat Geo and Nat Geo Wild’s new series:
NAT GEO CHANNEL
CROWD CONTROL (Tigress Productions) (Global)
The science of manipulation knows no boundaries where hidden cameras are concerned. If staircases looked like pianos, would more people climb? If garbage cans made sounds, would less trash be on the streets? If a mysterious voice called you “lazy” for taking the elevator instead of the stairs, would you re-think you way to the office? These eye-popping, innovative and fun experiments test and curate social behavior on a whole new level, and their outcomes just may make your world a better place.
YOU CAN’T LICK YOUR ELBOW (Authentic Entertainment)
If Brain Games is for your mind, this is for your body. Join host, and recently announced “The NFL Today” analyst, Tony Gonzalez as he takes you on a tour of the high-tech machine you carry around 24/7. Learn surprising body hacks like how to hold your breath for four minutes, see in the dark or even clear your nasal passages with the touch of your finger.
CABIN FEVER (Stiletto Television)
Your Lincoln Logs are coming to life, on steroids. Meet Nate Heim and his timber-loving team who are making childhood dreams come true in the form of rustic hideaways and massive mountaintop mansions. It’s a family business, where engineering, creativity and touch of “Minnesota nice” all come together to make log cabin magic across the nation.
MEAT HEADS (Relativity Television)
Huggable and hysterical chef Eric Greenspan, owner of Los Angeles eateries The Foundry, The Roof and Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese, takes you across the U.S., traveling off-road, over fences and into local shacks on a hunt to find the most mouthwatering, meatiest recipes around. Ostrich, gator, beef, duck — it’s all fair game. If his taste buds are tantalized, he’ll haggle for a cash-on-the-spot recipe exchange to highlight in his ultimate kitchen.
THE PRIMITIVES (National Geographic Television) (Global)
Across America’s backyard, communities have walked away from our society of drone deliveries and Keurigs. These individuals and families are turning back the clock a few hundred years and living the old-fashioned way, taking life step by step and using only the land to battle the elements.
REMOTE SURVIVAL (Eyeworks USA) (Global)
If you were left alone in the wilderness, would you be able to survive guided only by an outdoor survival expert giving directions … via a two-way headset? National Geographic Channel tests the tenacity and techniques of individuals dropped in the middle of nowhere with this new twist on the survival format. With no camera crews, no shelter and no food, all they have is an expert in their ear to guide them through the remote landscapes before the wilderness consumes them.
NAT GEO WILD
DR. K: EXOTIC PET VET (wt) (Spectrum Field Productions, LLC) (Global)
We’re headed South to get up close and personal with iguanas, pythons, prairie dogs and more! Yep, Dr. K, veterinarian to the “exotics,” gives us a front row seat as she works her magic on a colorful array of Florida’s most exotic pets. We’ll see her treat a variety of animals including a macaw, a chinchilla, a galago, a ferret and guinea pigs. Get ready for one wild and crazy ride!
POND STARS (Warm Springs Productions) (Global)
Dive into the wild world of ponds with Greg Wittstock, one of the most experienced backyard pond builders we’ve ever seen. The goal: to completely transform boring backyards and plain public spaces into inspiring natural habitats and wonderful oases for local critters. Greg and his expert team — Brian, Ed and Chris — tackle entire backyard remodels and rehab malfunctioning ponds. Together the Pond Stars transform people’s yards and lives by reconnecting both of them to the natural world.
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