Outdoor Channel Reveals Captivating Winter/Spring Season Lineup

New TV Series "Flying Wild Alaska," "Major League Fishing GEICO Selects" and "The Reluctant Outdoorsman" Join Roster of Riveting Returning Favorites and Feature Films

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Outdoor Channel

Dec 29, 2014, 10:00 ET

DENVER, Dec. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Outdoor Channel today unveiled its first quarter (Q1) programming schedule, packed with powerful outdoor adventure TV shows and for the first time ever, outdoor-themed and Western films. Beginning today, Monday, December 29^th, three brand-new series – "The Reluctant Outdoorsman," "Major League Fishing GEICO Selects" and "Flying Wild Alaska" – will join new seasons of nearly 60 returning shows and other popular Outdoor Channel favorites, starring Ted Nugent, Jim and Eva Shockey, Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, Michael Waddell and Mark Zona, as well as guest starring Jimmy Kimmel, Jim Belushi and Huey Lewis.

"This season represents several firsts for Outdoor Channel as we continue to broaden our core programming base to meet the diverse interests of the dedicated enthusiasts that recognize us as a premiere destination for unparalleled outdoor entertainment," said Jeffrey Wayne, Executive Vice President of Programming at Outdoor Channel. "From outdoor-themed and Western feature films to the antics of 'The Reluctant Outdoorsman,' we're incredibly proud of the strength of our latest schedule as it spotlights raw competition, suspenseful journeys and heart-pounding adventures, as well as gripping storytelling and unscripted comedy."

This winter, Outdoor Channel invites viewers to find out what happens when a clumsy, apprehensive suburban man is suddenly thrust into some of the most intense outdoor challenges imaginable. On "The Reluctant Outdoorsman" [Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. ET], watch as Outdoor Channel all-stars, like Michael Waddell, Chris Brackett and Hal Shaffer, take couch potato Derek on series of grueling and intense adventures. From crossbow hunting for feral hogs and noodling for fish to bull riding and hunting alligators, this reality-based show is sure to offer outdoor pros some comedic enjoyment and inspire other beginners to follow suite.

Major League Fishing (MLF), the bass fishing league created by Outdoor Channel and the world's top anglers, is back on the water with a new season of its signature series, "Jack Link's Major League Fishing" [Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. ET]. New for 2015, episodes have been expanded to two hours to allow for even more non-stop bass fishing competition. Also debuting this January is a brand new MLF series, the "Major League Fishing GEICO Selects" [Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET]. This hour-long show features 24 new Major League Fishing anglers competing for one of six additional spots in the corresponding MLF Cup event and offers an even more in-depth look at the anglers in the heat of the competition.

Also new to Outdoor Channel this quarter is "Flying Wild Alaska" [Mondays at 10:00 p.m. ET], which was formerly on Discovery Channel. The show follows the unconventional Tweto family that rules Alaska's most dangerous skies through the operation of their family-run airline, Era Alaska. Watch as they battle unforgiving Alaska weather and terrain to transport life's necessities, such as champion snow dogs and medicine for sick children, to the isolated rural inhabitants of the Bering Sea coastline.

Among the network favorites that are returning with new episodes is fishing series "Buccaneers & Bones" [Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. ET], this season featuring late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, actor/comedian Jim Belushi and musician Huey Lewis alongside original cast members Lefty Kreh, Yvon Chouinard, Tom McGuane and Bill Klyn and narrated by Tom Brokaw. For more angling entertainment, catch commercial fishing reality show "Bottom Feeders" [Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. ET] and tune in to special episodes of "Spanish Fly" [Mondays-Fridays at 8:30 a.m. ET] in honor of the late Jose Wejebe, the Florida Keys-based fishing legend. As for the hunting genre, check out Michael Waddell, Travis "T-Bone" Turner and Nick Mundt on "Michael Waddell's Bone Collector" [Sundays 10:30 p.m. ET], "Wardens" [Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. ET], "Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine" [Fridays at 6:30 p.m. ET] and "The Best Defense" [Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. ET]. In the sport shooting category, "NRA Gun Gurus Presented by Henry" [Wednesdays at 11:00 p.m. ET], featuring Jim Supica and Phil Schreier, delves into the fascinating history of firearms and "Shooting Gallery" [Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET], staring network veteran Michael Bane, tackles guns, personal safety, and, well, shooting.

Additional fan favorites, some of which are returning with new episodes, include:

Ted Nugent in "Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild" [Tuesdays 8:30 p.m. ET];
Jim and Eva Shockey in "Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures" [Sundays at 8:00 p.m. ET] and Jim in "Jim Shockey's UNCHARTED" [Sunday at 3:00 a.m. ET];
Lee and Tiffany Lakosky in "Crush with Lee & Tiffany" [Sundays 7:30 p.m. ET];
Matt and Jessie Duff in "NRA All Access presented by Taurus" [Fridays at 8:30 p.m. ET];
Mike Pawlawski in "Gridiron Outdoors with Mike Pawlawski" [Sundays at 6:00 p.m. ET];
Pat and Nicole Reeve in "Driven with Pat and Nicole" [Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET];
Mark Zona in "Zona's Awesome Fishing Show" [Fridays at 8:00 p.m. ET];
Jim Burnworth in "Western Extreme" [Saturdays at 9:00 p.m. ET];
Andy Morgan, Chad Ritter and Gerald Swindle in "The Hit List Presented by Moultrie" [Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET];
And Don and Kandi Kisky in "Whitetail Freaks" [Mondays at 7:30 p.m. ET].

Saddle up! The network will also be showcasing a number of classic and modern-day outdoor-themed and Western movies, representing the first time that Outdoor Channel has aired feature length films. Among the movies that will air each Friday beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET are: "High Plaines Drifter," directed by and starring western legend Clint Eastwood; the critically acclaimed "127 Hours," featuring James Franco; "Iron Will" starring Kevin Spacey; and Academy Award winner "A River Runs Through It," directed by Robert Redford and starring Brad Pitt.

Outdoor Channel will once again highlight its popular talent seven-days-a-week throughout the quarter at 11:30 p.m. ET. This "strip" of programming will begin with three straight weeks of Laramy Miller via special "best-of" episodes of "Sasquatch." Beginning January 19^th through February 8^th, catch episodes featuring Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo. From February 9^th through the 22^nd, tune in to see Pat and Nicole Reeve on "Driven with Pat and Nicole." From February 23^rd through March 15^th, Jim Burnworth will be featured on best-of episodes of "Western Extreme." And rounding out the quarter, between March 16^th and March 29, catch special episodes of "Monster Fish" with Trev Gowdy.

Outdoor Channel offers a number of themed programming blocks that combine the network's leading shows with the most recognizable brands in the outdoor space. Primetime programming blocks include: "Mossy Oak Tuesday Night Pursuits," "MidwayUSA Wednesday Night at the Range," and "Primos Thursday Night Calls of the Wild." Weekend programming blocks include: "Silverado Saturdays" and "Bass Pro Shops Big Sporting Saturdays," along with "Bushnell Sunday at First Light" and "Wildgame Innovations Sunday Night on the Hunt."

For the full Q1 programming schedule, please visit: http://outdoorchannel.com/Schedule.aspx. Check local listings or log on to OutdoorChannel.com to find out how to get the network in your area.

About Outdoor Channel
Outdoor Channel has been taking viewers across America and around the world on unparalleled adventures since 1993. Dedicated to the outdoor lifestyle and conservation, the independent cable network is a division of KSE Outdoor Group and provides a complete spectrum of riveting hunting, fishing, shooting and adventure entertainment. Outdoor Channel is received by nearly 40 million U.S. households – the largest outdoor TV footprint in the country – and is available in more than 50 countries internationally. Outdoor Channel can be viewed in HD and is accessible by broadband and mobile platforms. For program times and other information, visit www.outdoorchannel.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram Facebook and YouTube, and download our iPhone and iPad app. #WhatGetsYouOutdoors

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SOURCE Outdoor Channel