Discovery Communications today announced the premiere programming slate for Velocity, set to debut October 4 at 7:00 PM (ET). An all-HD network targeting upscale men, Velocity will be available in more than 40 million homes at the channel location currently occupied by the HD Theater cable network. Velocity's lineup for fourth quarter 2011 features an all-new primetime schedule and more than 140 original premiere hours overall; representing the best of the travel, leisure, automotive, adventure and sports genres.
Velocity's initial programming offering is highlighted by a partnership with NFL Films which brings two world-premiere series to the network. NFL Films, Velocity and Intersport collaborated to create the all-new, original franchises, NFL SINGLE COVERAGE and GREATEST NFL RIVALRIES-each capturing the intensity, passion and competition of the NFL. NFL SINGLE COVERAGE goes inside key NFL games via personal interviews, in-game player microphones and special camera angles to focus on the often-overlooked individual player battles. As the companion series to NFL SINGLE COVERAGE, each episode of GREATEST NFL RIVALRIES provides a historic look at legendary games played between two featured franchises. Both NFL SINGLE COVERAGE and GREATEST NFL RIVALRIES boast the world-class production and archive footage of NFL Films.
"Once we made the initial announcement of Velocity last April, there immediately was a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm for this new brand," said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. "As evidenced by its relationships with blue-chip partners like the NFL, Velocity taps into a premium male demographic and connects with them at their passion points."
Viewers turning to Velocity this October also will find new seasons of some of television's most popular vehicle programming, featuring an unmatched collection of automotive experts. INSIDE WEST COAST CUSTOMS follows custom-car genius Ryan Friedlinghaus as he creates one-of-a-kind vehicles for celebrity customers including Justin Bieber, Will.i.am and Mark Wahlberg. America's automotive auction king, Dana Mecum, returns for live, multiday MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS featuring incredible cars and lightning-fast wheeling and dealing. Car restoration expert Wayne Carini also brings his renowned talents to Velocity with an all-new season of CHASING CLASSIC CARS. The network isn't afraid to venture outside of the garage, however, as evidenced by the heart-pounding premiere series EXTREME FISHING. Renowned British actor, Robson Green, takes viewers on thrilling journeys around the world to go after the some of the most exotic fish on earth, including the bull shark, tiger fish and the lethal Japanese puffer.
"Velocity will be the go-to destination for the upscale male demographic. Beginning in October, the network will offer programming that is diverse, character-driven, dramatic and engaging," said Bob Scanlon, senior vice president of Velocity. "From the vintage-cool look of the brand, to our broad content genres, to our industry-best HD production standards, Velocity will stand out both for its style and its substance."
On October 4, a special lineup of premiere night programming will include all-new episodes of: MOTORWEEK at 7:00 PM (ET), AMERICAN ICON WITH CHIP FOOSE at 8:00 PM (ET), WHAT'S MY CAR WORTH at 8:30 PM (ET), CHASING CLASSIC CARS at 9:00 (ET) and INSIDE WEST COAST CUSTOMS at 10:00 (ET). The full slate of regularly scheduled programming is below.