A fourth Discovery channel launches on DStv Premium today (1 March): Discovery World.
It takes over from Discovery Channel on channel 250, which now moves to 121 to become part of the entertainment line-up at the front of the bouquet.
At first we were wary of it being a glorified repeats channel for DC when it comes to progamming but we've had a look at the highlights for the first six months and the line-up of shows is mostly different - they have more of a sociological, historical and political angle to them.
These are some of the premiere shows:
Danger HuntersComing in: March
The series follows fearless presenter Gethin Jones as he joins the world’s biggest thrill-seekers and risks life and limb in search of nature's most deadly forces.
While ordinary members of the public are evacuating, he runs head first into the danger zone right alongside obsessed enthusiasts. A six-part series, Gethin experiences first-hand the raw power of the hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico, comes close to a volcano in the now devastated town of Chaiten in Chile and meets a group of daring snow lovers in New Zealand, who live to ride in the most extreme conditions.
He also witnesses electrifying bolts in Florida's notorious 'Lightning Alley’ and hangs out with a fearless band of surfers who hunt down the largest waves in the world.
Man On EarthComing in: April
British actor, broadcaster and political campaigner Tony Robinson explores how humans have dealt with previous periods of global warming.
The series explores how a small group of our earliest ancestors in Africa were rescued from extinction by the last great global warming 130,000 years ago. The barren landscape surrounding the oases in which they lived was transformed to lush savannah, enabling them to traverse the continent and eventually make it to Europe.
Who Was Jesus?Coming in: April
Using scientific, geological and historical research, this series tells the story of the birth, life, death and immediate legacy of Jesus.
The show reveals what it was like to be born into tyranny and the cruel times that inspired a message of hope in a young boy. The series also explores how he became a charismatic leader with thousands of followers and why he was executed.
Historians, archaeologists and theologians will examine an array of evidence and dig deeply into the history of Jesus' life. The action is told through dramatic re-enactments, computer-generated imagery, expert testimony, current archaeological excavation and theological analysis.
Africa MonthComing in: May
The channel celebrates the continent of Africa by looking at its position as the cradle of civilisation and the birthplace of mankind in the show Discovering Ardi. Other shows examine its contribution to pioneering medical progress (Beating Death) and highlight the cultural landscape of the continent (Discovery Atlas).
Protecting The PresidentComing in: June
A journey with the plane known as Air Force One, the helicopter known as Marine One and the Presidential limo known as The Beast. The series goes behind-the-scenes with new President Barack Obama into a world rarely seen.
Secrets Of The Secret ServiceComing in: June
A series that provides insight into America's most mysterious law enforcement agency. They are a highly trained guardian force, which protect both American and visiting foreign leaders. It is their responsibility to be wary of each and every potential threat, however their work must remain invisible to the public.
The show explores their classified technology, specially designed weapons, bullet-proof fabrics, secret strategies and the human courage that they need to combine to provide the best protection possible.
Two Weeks In HellComing in: July
The U.S. Army Special Forces Green Berets are America's elite warfare specialists. Who are they and what does it take to become one? This series gives an unprecedented close-up look at the brutal two-week training that separates the wannabes from the Berets.
Blood For The Gods (a.k.a. Human Sacrifice)Coming in: July
Recreations of the gory truth behind the long history of human sacrifice.
Unsolved Mystery: Bermuda TriangleComing in: August
In an infamous region of the Atlantic, boats and planes have been disappearing for over a century. Some say that it is a lot of hype. From the missing planes - including the disappearance of Flight 19 - to the lost city of Atlantis, the search for the answer is deep in the Bermuda Triangle.
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Series that we've already seen in the line-up: Long Way Round (Ewan McGregor's travelogue - coming in July; and I Shouldn't Be Alive (Season 3 - coming in September).
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With the recent addition of Discovery HD (on 172) and the long-running Animal Planet (also a Discovery-owned channel) we suspect that it's only a matter of time now before we hear news that DStv has picked up Oprah's new channel OWN as well.
OWN is a partnership between Oprah and Discovery communications - as
previously reported on TVSA, we've heard through the gossvine that Oprah's been in talks with DStv about it.
If Discovery are upping their channel's on the platform in this way, we bet our flatscreens that OWN will be announced by the network soon - if not next.