The Weather Channel Roars into March Like a Lion, Greenlighting Three New Series

Network Has Announced Nine New Series for 2013 with More to Come

ATLANTA (Jan. 28, 2013) - The Weather Channel announced today it will premiere four series this March, including new series, "Forecasting the End," "Loaded" and "Lava Chasers," along with the previously announced "Prospectors."

"These series really show how weather provides so many diverse storytelling opportunities," said Michael Dingley, senior vice president, content and development, The Weather Channel. "Weather is truly the greatest show on Earth, and it's a pivotal character in each of these series."

The three new series include:

Forecasting the End (Premieres Thursday, March 21 at 9:00 p.m. ET)

From Nostradamus and the ancient Mayans to modern-day scientists, the theoretical "apocalypse" has been the source of endless speculation and countless predictions, with anything from super-volcanoes to mega-tsunamis, rogue planets or a massive methane eruption leading to the so-called "end of life as we know it." In "Forecasting the End," some of the world's leading scientists, along with elaborate computer graphics, illustrate the different "what if?" theories of if and how catastrophic weather or natural disasters could possibly cause the end of days or transform our lives forever. Produced by Ping Pong Productions ("Finding Bigfoot," "Destination Truth"), "Forecasting the End" will feature 6x 30-minute episodes.

Loaded (Premieres Monday, March 25 at 9:00 p.m. ET)

"Loaded" follows the cutthroat, high stakes world of trucking, and the road warriors who put it all on the line to make a profit. From battling each other to get the work, to battling weather and other road hazards to make sure they deliver on time and under budget, they are constantly under the gun. Breakdowns, accidents - anything can get in their way, and braving the elements causes constant hurdles. Facing rain, snow, extreme heat or other weather conditions can not only make them late for delivery, but cause them to lose money on their contract - even having to pay out the value of the cargo. "Loaded" will follow these truckers to see who emerges with the most money at the end of each episode. Produced by Cineflix ("American Pickers," "Property Virgins"), "Loaded" will feature 6x 30-minute episodes.

Lava Chasers (Premieres Tuesday, March 26 at 8:00 p.m. ET)

Lava flows through the Hawaiian Islands as if it's their lifeblood, shaping the landscape, ecology and economy. In fact, Hawaii wouldn't exist without volcanoes. But they are also part of its potential downfall, with the ability to destroy the paradise they created. "Lava Chasers" follows the adventurers, residents and scientists who go out looking for the rivers of 2000°F molten rock, to help understand these volcanoes and keep others out of harms way. Produced by Electric Sky ("Nature's Greatest Journey - the Wildebeest Migration," "Secret Life of the Rainforest"), "Lava Chasers" will feature 4x 30-minute episodes.

The three new series joins a rapidly growing slate of original series for The Weather Channel, including "Coast Guard Alaska," "Coast Guard Florida," "Deadliest Space Weather," "Hawaii Air Rescue," "Hurricane Hunters," "Ice Pilots," "Iceberg Hunters," "Iron Men," "Lifeguard!," "Plane Xtreme," "Pyros," and "Turbine Cowboys," as well as upcoming series "Reef Wranglers" (February 12), "Hacking the Planet" (February 28), "Prospectors" (March 5), "Breaking Ice" (April 2013), "Reel Rivals" (May 2013), and "Tipping Points" (October 2013).

About The Weather Company

The Weather Company (TWC, formerly The Weather Channel Companies), provides the world's best weather. Through The Weather Channel, weather.com, Weather Underground, Intellicast.com and third-party publishing partners, the company provides millions of people every day with the world's best weather forecasts, content and data, connecting with them through television, online, mobile and tablet screens. Through WSI and Weather Central, the company delivers superior professional weather services for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. The Weather Company is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, visit www.weather.com/press.