Military Channel Annnounces 2012/2013 Programming Slate

Building upon the network's most successful year ever, the Military Channel is tripling its programming investment with a 2012/2013 Upfront slate that features new series and specials showcasing the best of the armed forces, while adding compelling original programming that takes the network in an exciting new direction - back in time to explore the epic stories and iconic figures that changed the course of history.

"With our upfront theme of 'The Year the Military Channel Makes History,' we have put together an exciting new slate that not only chronicles high-action drama from the world's battlefields but also encompasses historic turning points like the Cold War, the race for space, and the struggle for civil rights," said Ed Hersh, senior vice president of content strategy for the Military Channel.

Leading this new vanguard for the Military Channel is a world premiere series from legendary broadcast journalist and best-selling author Tom Brokaw, who revisits some of his most memorable stories from his NBC News career with updated interviews and exclusive, never-before-told insights from his unique front row seat to history. Premiering in the fall of 2012, THE BROKAW FILES (wt) will be produced exclusively for the Military Channel by NBCUniversal's Peacock Productions.

Also in the fall of 2012, the Military Channel presents the network's most ambitious project ever, COMMANDER IN CHIEF (wt). The President of the United States is the one person who has the power to alter the course of history when the nation is threateneD. Peeling back the secrecy of the Oval Office, COMMANDER IN CHIEF (wt) is a gripping television event that reveals untold stories behind the critical military decisions made by the president using never-before-seen footage, newly-released presidential documents, and exclusive interviews with those who were there. This television event will be produced by Stephen David Entertainment, known for its critically acclaimed History Channel specials THE MEN WHO BUILT AMERICA and SECRET ACCESS: THE VATICAN.

The new programming slate is complemented by returning hit series like Lou Diamond Phillips' AN OFFICER AND A MOVIE, which pairs the greatest military movies with exclusive interview segments featuring the men and women who offer unique "on the ground" insight to the real stories and situations behind these blockbusters. Whether it is a female helicopter pilot with hundreds of hours over Iraq discussing Courage Under Fire or a submarine commander placing the Hunt For The Red October in a modern context, AN OFFICER AND A MOVIE presents these audience-pleasing Hollywood blockbusters while providing the real-life perspective of true heroes from across our armed forces as only the Military Channel can.

Military Channel's 2012/2013 Upfront programming slate includes:

NEW SERIES:

THE BROKAW FILES (wt)

THE BROKAW FILES revisits pivotal moments in history through the eyes of Tom Brokaw, one of the most trusted and respected journalists of today. With Brokaw's first-hand accounts drawn across his award-winning career, this new series provides viewers with new interviews and fresh insights from Brokaw himself that place these memorable news stories into a modern context.

SPY VS. SPY (wt)

Told by the men and women who risked their lives in the deadly "wilderness of mirrors" of international espionage, SPY VS. SPY features real-world tales of deception and intrigue. While the stories and methods seem to be ripped from the pages of a Hollywood screenplay, they are all true and highlight the life and death stakes within the shadowy realm of spies, including the gadgets, secret identities, and villains. Each episode takes viewers inside the gripping, cat-and-mouse narrative from the height of the Cold War, full of double crosses and blind drops.

AIR ACES (wt)

Ambitious, spectacular, and supercharged with thrilling action, AIR ACES profiles the most harrowing airborne combat missions ever, many of which were recently declassified. Combining CGI and real-life aerial reenactments featuring actual historic aircraft, AIR ACES provides a comprehensive look at these dynamic dogfights and the pilots who survived. Despite often facing insurmountable odds, the pilots profiled in this action-packed series exemplified bravery as they squared off with enemies over hot spots across the globe.

SECRET WEAPONS REVEALED (wt)

SECRET WEAPONS REVEALED features the top secret weapons - some brilliant, some far-fetched, and even some epic failures - that paved the way for future successes in weapons development. These arms were not developed by chance. Each was constructed to solve a tactical or strategic problem, such as overcoming Nazi defenses on D-Day, mounting a surprise attack over water, or safely moving an agent back and forth across enemy lines. SECRET WEAPONS REVEALED explores never before seen weapons and introduces viewers to the extraordinary people that invented these ingenious devices.

ULTIMATE WARFARE (wt)

ULTIMATE WARFARE takes an exciting new look at some of the greatest battlefield conflicts in modern history. Using cutting-edge CGI animation and "on the ground" interviews to bring a new perspective to each battle, every episode profiles the decisive missions, heroes, and weapons, all of which played critical roles in turning the tide within historic battles.