or


[03/05/15 - 08:46 AM]
Smithsonian Channel(TM) Investigates the Real Story That Inspired CBS' Limited Event Series "The Dovekeepers"
The new one-hour special, "Siege of Masada," premiering Friday, March 27 at 9:00/8:00c, examines the evidence behind this powerful legend.

[via press release from Smithsonian Channel]

SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL(TM) INVESTIGATES THE REAL STORY THAT INSPIRED CBS' LIMITED EVENT SERIES "THE DOVEKEEPERS"

"SIEGE OF MASADA"

ONE-HOUR SPECIAL TO PREMIERE FRIDAY, MARCH 27 AT 9PM ET/PT

NEW YORK - March 5, 2015 - The legend of Masada is the Alamo of the ancient world, the story of more than 900 Jewish rebels who held a nearly impregnable fort against the might of the Roman Empire. Embedded in the founding narrative of the state of Israel, this epic story has offered ample fodder to writers, filmmakers and storytellers worldwide - and it's now the backdrop for the upcoming CBS limited event series THE DOVEKEEPERS from executive producers Roma Downey and Emmy(R) Award-winner Mark Burnett. But how much of the Masada legend is grounded in historical fact? The new Smithsonian Channel one-hour special, SIEGE OF MASADA, premiering Friday, March 27 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, examines the evidence behind this powerful legend.

First told at the dawn of Christianity and at a moment of crisis for the Jews, the story of Masada has long fired the imagination of believers and non-believers alike. Yet, for most of recorded history, it's been little more than a legend. Then, in the middle of the 20th century, everything changed. A mounting body of archeological evidence emerged - a ruined mountain fortress, a siege ramp threatening its walls, a series of ancient Roman camps. Taken together, they pinpoint Masada on the map. This is the indisputable site of an epic fight between the Roman army and a besieged community of Jews. But as the siege wall rose and their enemies prepared a final attack, did they really choose mass suicide and martyrdom over surrender?

SIEGE OF MASADA deploys dramatic re-enactments from THE DOVEKEEPERS to capture the intensity of the story while experts on the ancient world examine tantalizing clues to what really happened at the site, including human hair and ancient clay shards that record hints of everyday life in the mountaintop fortress.

"We should care about Masada because it's one of the most important battles in western civilization," says Candida Moss, Professor of Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity at the University of Notre Dame. "It might seem like this is just a battle about 900 people versus the Romans, but it's actually a story that becomes particularly important for Jewish courage and identity."

James Tabor, Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte adds, "This becomes the Alamo. You know, 'Remember the Masada. Masada shall never fall again.' But it also becomes a very human tale about conflict and freedom and determination and resolution and possibility and disappointment."

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Alice Hoffman, CBS's upcoming limited series THE DOVEKEEPERS is set in ancient Israel and features a group of extraordinary women whose lives intersect in a fight for survival at the siege of Masada. After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 C.E., 960 Jews sought refuge at Masada, a mountain fortress in the Judean desert. Though outnumbered 10-to-1, they held out for months against a vast Roman army. THE DOVEKEEPERS recounts the events from the perspective of women who arrive at Masada with unique backstories, but a common bond for survival. It premieres Tuesday, March 31 and Wednesday, April 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

SIEGE OF MASADA is produced by JWM Productions for Smithsonian Channel. It is produced, written and directed by Jason Williams. Bill Morgan is executive producer for JWM Productions. David Royle and Charles Poe serve as executive producers for Smithsonian Channel.

Smithsonian Channel(TM), owned by Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, is where curiosity lives, inspiration strikes and wonders never cease. This is the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing entertainment across multiple platforms. Smithsonian Channel combines the storytelling prowess of SHOWTIME(R) with the unmatched resources and rich traditions of the Smithsonian, to create award-winning programming that shines new light on popular genres such as air and space, history, science, nature, and pop culture. Among the network's offerings are series including Aerial America, L.A. Frock Stars, Secrets, Mighty Ships, Mighty Planes and Air Disasters, as well as critically-acclaimed specials that include Civil War 360, 9/11: The Heartland Tapes; MLK: The Assassination Tapes and The Day Kennedy Died. Find out more at www.smithsonianchannel.com.





  [march 2015]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S


· DOVEKEEPERS, THE (CBS)





[03/18/24 - 01:59 PM]
Chrissy Metz, Jaime Ray Newman, Katie Lowes, and George Ferrier Join as Series Regulars for Starz's New Drama "The Hunting Wives"
Production on the thrilling new series has started in Charlotte, North Carolina.

[03/18/24 - 11:30 AM]
Video: ALLBLK Releases Trailer for the World Premiere of New Thriller, "The Influencer" Premiering Thursday, April 4
The original film stars Christina Cooper as Niecy Fields, a social media influencer on the cusp of stardom.

[03/18/24 - 10:06 AM]
E! Announces Trendsetting Guest Judges and Pioneering Disruptors for New Cutting-Edge Design Competition Series "OMG Fashun" with Julia Fox
Handcrafted is the new haute couture on "OMG Fashun" as Julia inspires pioneering fashion disruptors to upend traditional style convention, break the rules and redefine cool.

[03/18/24 - 10:00 AM]
Video: Peacock Debuts Trailer For New Original Documentary "Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal" Premiering April 1
The documentary looks at the remarkable career of the late Windham Rotunda also known as Bray Wyatt, one of the most skillful, tenacious, and creative WWE Superstars of all-time.

[03/18/24 - 10:00 AM]
NBC Is the Official Home of Competition and Games This Summer with a Slate of Powerhouse Hit Series
NBC is the summer home for both the Paris Olympic Games and high-stakes competition with a robust lineup of returning powerhouse favorites, including "America's Got Talent," "American Ninja Warrior," "Password," "The Wall" and "Weakest Link."

[03/18/24 - 09:02 AM]
Netflix Announces News About 26 Upcoming Nordic Titles - Including 12 Brand New Titles
Plus: the streamer offers new looks at "Deliver Me," "The Helicopter Heist," "Ronja the Robber's Daughter," "Billionaire Island" and season two of "Baby Fever."

[03/18/24 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver" - Official Trailer - Netflix
The rebels gear up for battle against the ruthless forces of the Motherworld as unbreakable bonds are forged, heroes emerge - and legends are made.

[03/18/24 - 09:01 AM]
Video: Disney's "Wish" - Streaming April 3rd - Disney+
Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Wish" is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force - a little ball of boundless energy called Star.

[03/18/24 - 08:01 AM]
Video: "Our Living World" - Cate Blanchett - Official Trailer - Netflix
This stunning nature series narrated by Cate Blanchett explores the intelligence, resourcefulness and interconnectedness of life on our planet.

[03/18/24 - 08:00 AM]
Acorn TV Fan-Favorite "Harry Wild" Returns Monday, May 13
Season three consists of six episodes and will be available on Acorn TV in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

[03/18/24 - 08:00 AM]
Prime Video Orders "Beast Games" from MrBeast and Amazon MGM Studios
Based on his already successful YouTube show, "Beast Games" is set to become the biggest reality competition series ever with 1000 contestants competing for a $5 million dollar cash prize which will be the biggest single prize in the history of television and streaming.

[03/18/24 - 07:14 AM]
ESPN+ Original Series "Full Court Press" Presented by State Farm Featuring Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso and Kiki Rice to Premiere May 11 & 12 on ABC and ESPN+
From Iowa's historic preseason game that broke attendance records all the way through the WNBA draft in April, the series uses unparalleled access, exclusive interviews, and unique game footage, to transport audiences into the lives of these exceptional athletes.

[03/18/24 - 06:01 AM]
Video: "Scoop" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Inspired by real events, this fictional dramatization gives an insider account of how the women of Newsnight secured Prince Andrew's infamous interview.

[03/18/24 - 06:01 AM]
Video: Apple TV+ Debuts Trailer for Season Two of Iconic Emmy Award-Winning Series "Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock," Premiering Globally March 29
Award-winning season two cast includes the return of Daveed Diggs alongside Ariana DeBose, Brett Goldstein, Catherine O'Hara, Adam Lambert and K-pop group aespa in guest star roles.

[03/18/24 - 04:01 AM]
Video: "Joy" - First Look Teaser - Netflix
Starring Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton and Bill Nighy, the new film based on the story of the birth of IVF.