Discovery Announces Scripted Robert Redford Series, Nik Wallenda Special and More

Discovery Channel is getting into the scripted business with a new series about the Old West from Robert Redford.

Announced as part of Thursday's Discovery Communications upfront presentation, the network is launching The West, a series spanning 40 years between the end of the Civil War and after the turn of the 20th century. The series, from Redford's Sundance Productions and Stephen David Entertainment, will feature famous characters from American History, including Jesse James, Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill.

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The network also announced a follow-up to Nik Wallenda's tightrope walk over the Grand Canyon. The 35-year-old will take on the Chicago skyline in a special this fall.

"I am excited about Discovery's Upfront programming slate with even bigger live events, including our follow up to Skywire Live," Eileen O'Neill, president of Discovery, Science and Velocity networks, said in a statement. "This past year has been filled with history making live events, landmark original programming, scripted programs, compelling characters and amazing storytelling. Our next year will be epic."

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Among the returning shows announced are Alaska: The Last Frontier,Amish Mafia, Bering Sea Gold, Deadliest Catch, Dual Survival, Dude, You're Screwed, Fast N' Loud, Gold Rush, Moonshiners, Mythbusters,Naked and Afraid, Sons of Guns, Street Outlaws, Shark After DarkandYukon Men.

Additional highlights from the presentation are below.

Everest Jump Live (special)
Joby Ogwyn attempts the first wingsuit flight off of the summit of Mount Everest in a live two-hour broadcast.

Survival Life
Eight survivalists compete in the remote wilderness during a 42-day live event where viewers can watch a livestream and elect to help them out.

American Muscle
In this Funny or Die sports docu-series, athletes, from troubled NFL players to Wild West bull riders, train with legendary strength coach Mike Barwis.

#BikerLive
An up-close look at bike building competitions, where each week features three regional competitors and the winner is crowned based on audience votes.

Fat N' Furious
Car junkie Tommy Christmas and his family drive big and live even bigger.

Kodiak
Three multi-generational families risk it all to live in the dangerous remote Kodiak Island on the coast of Alaska.

Siberian Cut
American logger Sean Vann attempts to build a new logging operation in the frozen forests of Siberia.

Tree People
Reality series follows a group of people who live among the tallest trees in the Pacific Northwest.