Destination America Greenlights Two New Home And Lifestyle Series: "BUYING ALASKA" And "EPIC"

SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Taking a look at out-of-the-ordinary home and lifestyle choices in our great nation, DESTINATION AMERICA has greenlit two new series hitting the network's programming line-up this fall/winter. Witness the challenge of purchasing a home that has no running water, electricity, indoor bathrooms or, in some cases, access roads when BUYING ALASKA heads to the last great American Frontier to learn what it takes to own a treasured piece of the untamed north. From the opposite walk of life, Destination America presents people looking to add a touch of bling to their dream of creating the most extravagant home innovations in EPIC. This new series explores the most excessive and outrageous items for which people are willing to fork over their life's savings. From tricked out RVs and floating homes to one-of-a-kind pools and BBQ pits, EPIC shows how these splurges were made, how they work, and why in the world people go to such great lengths to acquire their dream.

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"As we expand our original programming slate, we're looking to offer viewers shows that have a different twist on the home and lifestyle genre," said Marc Etkind, senior vice president, content strategy for Destination America. "Most people, at one time or another, can relate to the dream of trading in the rat race and roughing it in an untamed territory or owning a plush, customized RV -- both BUYING ALASKA and EPIC will give viewers a peek behind the curtain and allow them to live vicariously through these folks as they turn their fantasies into reality."

BUYING ALASKA proves that forgoing basic amenities is a reasonable tradeoff when it comes to breathtaking views and stunning wild surroundings that you can't find anywhere in the lower 48 states. Offering much more than living quarters, these properties are so in tune with the extraordinary landscape that it's often what's beyond the house that proves to be the main attraction – from the ability to hunt and fish from your back deck, to extreme seclusion on your own private island, to self-sustaining features such as smokehouses and greenhouses. However, there are also dangers that come with all the beauty, and living in this rugged and remote terrain can lead to animal attacks and brutal winters that cut you off from society. BUYING ALASKA may only be for the most adventurous of spirits as the new series premieres on Sunday, October 21 at 10pm E/P on DESTINATION AMERICA.

Premiering Sunday, December 16 at 10pm E/P, EPIC features extravagant amenities and the people that make them. Find out how these daydreamers took their passion to another level with impressive prized possessions that involve expert craftsmanship, technology, and innovation. From a forward-thinking motorhome that's outfitted with a vast array of luxury items including iPad controllers and an in-motion satellite, to floating homes that boast theaters, helicopter landing pads, fireplaces and wine cellars, to pools loaded with lazy rivers, flume slides and underwater speakers, EPIC spotlights the most imaginative creations found right next door.

The first four episodes of BUYING ALASKA are:

Sunday, October 21 at 10 PM and 10:30PM (E/P)

BUYING ALASKA – Salmon Capital
Scott and Kelly are Alaskan born-and-bred and true lovers of the outdoors with a passion for fishing. All Scott wants is a place on the Kenai River, home to the some of the greatest King Salmon fishing in Alaska. His goal is to fish right from his backyard. This couple comes across some tough choices when one cozy 480 square foot cabin can sleep up to seven people, but another has a secure bear door and bathhouse with running water.

BUYING ALASKA – Deep Sea Fishing Cabins
Robert and Kristen Lamb travel from Utah every year with their four children to go fish for some of the best halibut and salmon in Alaska. They are looking for a cabin right on Kachemak Bay near their favorite fishing spots that will also work for their big family. Will the house on stilts with a 112-step stairway prove to be too difficult to maneuver or is it the home with the outhouse on a 50 ft. walk in bear country more appealing?

Sunday, October 28 at 10 PM and 10:30PM (E/P)

BUYING ALASKA – Sled Dogs
Andy and Carolyn are avid dogsledders from New Jersey. They are moving to Alaska in hopes of becoming champion dog mushers. But to do that, they first need to find a home where they can raise and train their team. Will they choose the home with a two-seater outhouse or the cabin just out of reach from the dog trails?

BUYING ALASKA – The Wilderness Man
Bud Jacque is a former Merchant Marine looking for his Alaskan wilderness home with his wife, Susan. He's a man of simple tastes; all he wants is a great view, and somewhere he can spend his days hunting and fishing. There's a gem with a fish cleaning station, greenhouse, smoker and stunning vistas, but Susan may need more amenities before she's ready to call it home.

BUYING ALASKA is produced by Paper Route Productions. For Paper Route, Alan LaGarde is executive producer. For Destination America, Fay Yu is executive producer, Sara Kozak is SVP of production, Marc Etkind is SVP of content strategy, and Henry Schleiff is president and general manager.

EPIC is produced by Tremendous! Entertainment. For Tremendous!, Colleen Needles Steward and Shannon Keenan Demer are executive producers. For Destination America, Fay Yu is executive producer, Sara Kozak is SVP of production, Marc Etkind is SVP of content strategy, and Henry Schleiff is president and general manager.

ABOUT DESTINATION AMERICA

Destination America is the first network to celebrate the people, places, and stories of the United States. The inclusive network targeting Adults 25-54 will be available in 59.5 million homes, emblazoning television screens with the grit and tenacity, honesty and work ethic, humor and adventurousness that characterize our nation. Destination America will feature travel, food, adventure, home, and natural history, with original series covering such diverse subjects as American food favorites, mysteries like Jesse James' lost fortune and Area 51, American heroes and innovators, as well as iconic landmarks and wonders like Yellowstone National Park and the Everglades. Destination America is part of Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 200 countries and territories.

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