The Military Channel is changing its name to the American Heroes Channel.
Group President Henry Schleiff announced at the Television Critics Association winter press tour that the change will take effect March 3. The channel will now focus not only on military heroes, but men and women who police streets, fight fires, or do heroic deeds in their everyday lives. The channel will unveil 17 new shows in its first year.
Also read: Tom Brokaw Q&A: Why Today’s Problems Don’t Compare to The Greatest Generation’s (Exclusive)
Kevin Bennett, general manager of AHC, noted that the Military Channel was launched during two wars, when military affairs were at the forefront of Americans’ concerns. AHC will broaden the definition of heroism.
“We know our viewers love the stories of real-world valor presented by our signature military series, and American Heroes Channel will remain the destination for military fans,” he said. “However, we’re excited to offer viewers a more diverse voice and storytelling style with American Heroes Channel that captures the best of the Military Channel’s niche appeal while providing viewers with additional insight into contemporary world events and biographical stories.”
Also read: Reality ‘Wars’: A Look at TV’s Most Overused Word
The network offered previews of four series scheduled to debut in its first week. Here are descriptions, as provided by AHC:
RAW WAR: THE LOST FILM OF DAK TO
World Premiere Special: Monday, March 3 at 9/8c
RAW WAR presents gripping personal stories through film and photographs from combat cameramen who filmed some of the most significant military engagements in Vietnam. These cameramen risked – and sometimes lost – their lives to capture some of the bloodiest battles of our time. This special reveals an unknown chapter of the Vietnam War through the gripping personal stories behind this newly discovered footage.
AGAINST THE ODDS
World Premiere Series: Monday, March 3 at 10/9c
New Episode Premieres Every Monday at 10/9c
AGAINST THE ODDS showcases awe-inspiring stories of bravery, solidarity and strength on the battlefield. An outnumbered group of soldiers finds themselves in a life-or-death situation. Their enemy is larger, stronger, and determined to win. It’s the real-life “Band of Brothers” as they come together to prove they can’t be beat, doing whatever it takes to overcome the cards stacked against them.
CIA: DECLASSIFIED
World Premiere Series: Tuesday, March 4 at 10/9c
New Episode Premieres Every Tuesday at 10/9c
CIA: DECLASSIFIED travels back to the Cold War to reveal inside stories of America’s most top-secret missions, drawing from recently declassified documents and insider accounts from the agents tasked with defending American freedoms.
CODES & CONSPIRACIES
World Premiere Series: Sunday, March 9 at 10/9c
New Episode Premieres Every Sunday at 10/9c
This all-new American Heroes Channel series unveils the startling truth and hidden history behind the world’s most iconic, clandestine institutions, top-secret locations, and mysterious symbols.