TCA 2019: Discovery to Broadcast Live Special from Egypt

Discovery Channel will air a live special in April that will search for ancient artifacts in Egypt.

The special, Expedition Unknown: Egypt Live, will air April 7 and will take viewers within the inner chambers of an excavation site where archaeologists recently uncovered a network of tunnels and tombs with 40 mummies believed to be part of the noble elite, according to Discovery.

Josh Gates from 'Expedition Unknown: The Search for the Afterlife'

Josh Gates from 'Expedition Unknown: The Search for the Afterlife'

The special will be hosted by explorer Josh Gates and Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass. “This is Discovery at its best, as we seek to uncover history that has been buried in the sands of Egypt for millennia,” said Nancy Daniels, chief brand officer for Discovery and Factual in a statement. “I’m excited as Josh Gates takes us on one of his most ambitious expeditions yet.”

In other Discovery Channel news, the network will team with American Idol creator Simon Fuller and wildlife filmmaker John Downer on a new wildlife series. The six-part Serengeti series will follow African wildlife over the course of a year, according to the network.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Simon Fuller and John Dower as we bring Discovery back to its roots of presenting one-of-a-kind television events showcasing the beautiful world we live in,” Daniels said. 

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.