Travel Channel has greenlit 10 new series and one special that demonstrate the power and breadth of travel by connecting viewers to a world of exploration, new experiences and hidden cultures.  The new series’ “Big Crazy Family Adventure,” “Hotel Amazon,” “World Access”  and the special, “One Day on Earth,” will illuminate the fantastic cultures, landscapes and people that make travel so transformative.

Other series including “Big Time RV,”  “Booze Traveler,” “Expedition Unknown,”  “Resort Rescue” and “Tours by Unger”  will introduce new talent who share their knowledge on specific topics and places.  And for foodies who enjoy traveling, Travel Channel crisscrosses the country to discover America’s best grillers and BBQ’ers in “American Grilled” and “Underground BBQ Challenge.”

In addition, the Network has greenlit two half-hour episodes for a new series in development that puts a unique twist on last minute travel planning called “1 Way Ticket.” The announcement was made today by Shannon O’Neill, President, Travel Channel.

“We believe in travel’s inherent ability to connect us with people from different places and cultures,” said O’Neill. “Our mission is to provide our viewers with transformative programming that provides a gateway and personal portal to experience the world.”

Greenlit Productions (brief descriptions, in alphabetical order)

Series:

“American Grilled” pits grill masters from various backgrounds against one another in the ultimate outdoor cooking challenge. Host and renowned chef David Guas is turning up the heat on grillers across America as they compete for a $10,000 cash prize and bragging rights. Four contestants test their epic backyard skills by serving up delicious and original plates that skillfully showcase the grill and embrace the amazing local flavors.  “American Grilled” (wt) is greenlit for 13 one-hour episodes produced by Original Media.

“Big Crazy Family Adventure” (wt) follows adventurer, writer and photographer Bruce Kirkby as he treks from Vancouver to the Himalayas with his wife and two children. Kirkby, an experienced world traveler, takes his family across undiscovered landscapes, through challenging climates and inside unique communities in an effort to escape the everyday modern world and expose his children to some of life’s simple wonders. “Big Crazy Family Adventure (wt)” is greenlit for eight one-hour episodes produced by dick clark productions and WD Entertainment.

“Big Time RV” (wt) gives viewers an all-access pass to America’s largest, and most prestigious, RV dealership located in sunny Florida. The larger-than-life sales force and over-the-top service center work together to satisfy the demands of RV lovers, looking to buy or rent the biggest, most customized RV’s in the business.  “Big Time RV” is greenlit for six half-hour episodes produced by Half Yard Productions.

“Booze Traveler” (wt) features cocktail connoisseur Jack Maxwell as he travels around the world, one drink at a time.  Maxwell grew up in South Boston, where bars served as the neighborhood living rooms hosting family dinners, birthdays and weddings.  In this new series, he will take his respect and appreciation for specialty cocktails to explore new locales, seeking out the people, places, customs and cultures behind drinks across the globe.  “Booze Traveler” (wt) is greenlit for eight one-hour episodes produced by Karga Seven Pictures in association with White Reindeer Productions.

“Expedition Unknown” (wt) chronicles the adventures of Josh Gates as he investigates iconic mysteries across the globe. Gates begins by interviewing key eyewitnesses and uncovering recent developments in the story, then springboards into a fully immersive exploration. This authentic, roughshod adventure leads Gates closer to the truth behind these unanswered global enigmas, such as the disappearance of Amelia Earhart’s plane. “Expedition Unknown” is greenlit for six one-hour episodes produced by Ping Pong Productions.

“Hotel Amazon” (wt) chronicles longtime friends Rusty Johnson and Stephan Jablonski as they leave New York to pursue their dream of building a world-class resort in the middle of the Peruvian Amazon. Johnson and Jablonski discover that the Amazon is a fierce terrain, and building a luxury resort on top of it is a grueling endeavor.  In order to reach their goals, Johnson and Jablowski need to overcome dire conditions, including harsh jungle weather, dangerous native creatures and a severe lack of essential supplies.  “Hotel Amazon” (wt) is greenlit for six one-hour episodes produced by Crazy Legs Productions.

“Resort Rescue” follows world-famous hospitality consultant Shane Green as he helps hotel and resort owners figure out what’s going wrong inside their establishments. Green watches every move through hidden surveillance footage taken across the premises. Afterwards, Green reveals his findings to the owners and shows them how to fix these lingering issues.  “Resort Rescue” is greenlit for 13 one-hour episodes produced by Relativity TV.

“Tours by Unger” (wt) goes where ordinary travelers can’t, pulling back the curtain on the hidden history all around us.  Host Brian Unger is the ultimate tour guide, bringing his irreverent humor and point of view to fascinating places most Americans don’t know about. “Tours by Unger” (wt) is greenlit for six half-hour episodes produced by Half Yard Productions.

“Underground BBQ Challenge” pits neighbors against neighbors across the country in an epic BBQ cooking contest.  Host and acclaimed chef G. Garvin offers two teams of local grill masters a chance to prove they’ve got the chops to represent their town with the tastiest, most creatively cooked and presented BBQ.  Garvin and two local judges decide which neighborhood’s dish will win the Underground BBQ Challenge and the $10,000 prize.  “Underground BBQ Challenge” is greenlit for eight one-hour episodes produced by The Michael Group.

“World Access” (wt) is an immersive exploration of fascinating sites and hidden locations.  A team consisting of highly trained experts and journalists lead viewers on an incredible journey through amazing landscapes and odd tourist destinations.  Viewers experience unprecedented access to off-limit areas, captured through innovative methods such as drones, time lapse and robotic cameras.  “World Access” (wt) is greenlit for seven one-hour episodes produced by Indigo Films.

Specials:

“One Day on Earth” (wt) shows sights and sounds in countries from all over the globe, captured all on the same day.  From before sunrise to after sunset, viewers witness all the stories that shape us – from bustling cities to exotic jungles to the rolling countryside – celebrating life and discovering our shared connections. “One Day on Earth” (wt) is greenlit for a one-hour special produced by Electus.

In Development:

“1 Way Ticket” (wt) surprises couples with a free trip to an exotic location after friends secretly nominate them. Once they land, the travelers follow clues that will lead them on a series of thrilling and locale-specific adventures. The final clue always leads them to their ticket home.  “1 Way Ticket” (wt) is a series in development greenlit for two half-hour episodes produced by JOHLT Productions.