AWARD-WINNING ACTOR TOM SELLECK TO NARRATE "NORTH AMERICA"

-Seven-part epic natural history series kicks off May 19 at 9PM ET/PT-

(New York) - The network behind the groundbreaking television events PLANET EARTH, LIFE, FROZEN PLANET and AFRICA is gearing up to present their next breathtaking natural history series, NORTH AMERICA, premiering Sunday, May 19 at 9PM ET/PT on Discovery Channel. It was announced today that the sweeping series will be narrated by award-winning American actor Tom Selleck. "I've been a fan of Discovery's nature programming for years, and I am truly honored to be narrating their next great series. I think people will be captivated by NORTH AMERICA," said Tom Selleck.

In this unforgettable television event, Discovery Channel turns the lens toward its homeland and captures a land where life collides with hostile, untamed wilderness in the most diverse, deadly environment on Earth. "Discovery Channel is thrilled to have iconic American actor Tom Selleck lend his voice to such an exciting landmark television event that rediscovers the extreme land we call 'home'," said Eileen O'Neill, Group President of Discovery Channel and TLC. Traveling the continent for more than three years from the sub-zero Canadian tundra to the tropical rainforests of Panama, Discovery's first, independently-produced natural history landmark series, NORTH AMERICA, reveals that "survival of the fittest" is truly the law here amid threatening terrain and ferocious weather. Discovery's determined production crew journeyed the span of North America including the frigid Yukon Territory, the lush forests of Belize, the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, the barren deserts of the American Southwest and more.

NORTH AMERICA's first five episodes will reveal the intimate stories of animals struggling to survive in unforgiving weather and rugged terrain. Never-before-seen sequences range from the elusive desert jaguar in Mexico to daring grizzly bears diving in more than 20 feet of water to grab salmon in Alaska. The series "Making Of" episode chronicles NORTH AMERICA's production team and the challenges they faced including battling the destructive Hurricane Irene and other natural disasters all while attempting to capture the most majestic animals in the continent. The final episode reveals what online voters chose as the number one, natural North American destination via Discovery's "My North America" Facebook page.

Get ready to experience an entire world in one continent. The seven-part series NORTH AMERICA begins its journey Sunday, May 19 at 9PM ET/PT and runs through Sunday, June 16.

NORTH AMERICA is produced for Discovery Channel by Silverback Films with Keith Scholey serving as executive producer and Huw Cordey serving as series producer. For Discovery Channel, Christine Weber and Iain Riddick serve as executive producers with Kristin Wilcox as associate producer.

About Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which is distributed to 100.1 million U.S. homes, can be seen in over 180 countries, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres including, science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please visit www.discovery.com.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.7 billion cumulative subscribers in 209 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through more than 147 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as US joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including Revision3. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.