Discovery Digital Networks (DDN) is going to help Louis Cole have more fun, and separately inspire female fans through new platform TLCme.
The company revealed both projects Tuesday morning at its NewFront presentation. The first features YouTube adventurer Louis Cole (1.3 million subscribers), whose “FunForLouis” will join DDN’s Seeker. Later, his new original series “Flying the Globe” will see Cole circumnavigating the world in a small aircraft on a 60-90 day voyage, immersing himself in 22 cities. As he traverses the globe, he’ll not only explore the unique offerings of each city he visits, but also raise awareness about issues facing the communities in each destination.
“Louis embodies the spirit of Seeker and our dedication to journeys and storytelling that celebrates the world around us and those who are never satisfied with the expected or mundane,” said Tom Lofthouse, senior vice president of Programming, Discovery Digital Networks. “His charismatic personality and his passion for travel pull us into his beautiful, crazy, chaotic world, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Seeker family.”
“I’m so excited to start ‘Flying the Globe’ with my friend JP and love that I can do that in partnership with such a respected and awesome network like Discovery Digital Networks’ Seeker,” added Cole. “Being apart of the online community and encouraging others to live their adventure is what FunforLouis is all about, and I can’t wait to see what this new partnership holds for the future.”
Also at Tuesday’s event, TLC shared the launch of TLCme, which the company described as “an extensive and engaging online destination featuring real-life stories full of heart, laughter and inspiration.”
Daily content will cover everything from family and home, to beauty, style, health and food. Counted among the contributors is Stacy London, fashion expert and host of TLC’s “Love, Lust or Run.”
“Our viewers — who we affectionately call our ‘heart seekers’ — come to us seeking a sense of community, and we’ve brought them honest, unfiltered programs with compelling stories that offer just that,” says Scott Lewers, senior vice president of Multiplatform Strategy for TLC. “With TLCme, we’re thrilled to be able to extend this conversation into a space where fans can engage with us and one another in a truly authentic manner.”
“Just like the powerful personalities featured on TLC, today’s women are balancing life’s diverse set of demands and looking for sources of happiness, humor and helpful hacks,” added Courtney Reimer, Editor-in-Chief of TLCme. “Drawing inspiration from our TLC family, TLCme is focused on providing our visitors with a place to take a little ‘me time’ and catch up on trending topics and tips that help fuel their everyday lives and conversation.”
TLCme debuts in conjunction with TLC “Mother of All Weeks” — a full week of programming running from May 3 through Mother’s Day May 10, focusing on all things mom.
TGI Fridays is the TLCme launch sponsor.