"RUNNING WILD WITH BEAR GRYLLS" SPECIAL EPISODE WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA SET FOR THURSDAY, DEC. 17 AT 10 P.M.

Grylls and the President Relish the Great Outdoors in an Intimate and Freewheeling Discussion Deep in the Alaskan Wilderness

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - Nov. 9, 2015 - NBC has set Thursday, Dec. 17 at 10 p.m. ET as the airdate for its special edition of "Running Wild with Bear Grylls" in which the famed survivalist takes President Barack Obama on an intimate trek across the Alaskan wilderness.

In this unprecedented telecast, Grylls sojourns across the beautiful Alaskan countryside with the president as the commander-in-chief reveals off-the-script stories. In their intimate conversations, President Obama chats with Grylls about what it means to be a father who happens to be president, his relationship with his wife and children and, like all parents, balancing time between work and home.

No subjects are off limits in this candid 1-on-1 interview where the president clearly relishes being outside the confines of Washington, D.C., and in the great outdoors. In fact, the president calls his time with Grylls, "One of the best days of my presidency."

While doing their best to avoid bears, the two visit Exit Glacier up close and discuss the effects of climate change, new energy resources and how to maintain a clean environment. Grylls and President Obama speak about the importance of maintaining the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness for generations to come.

Last summer, "Running Wild with Bear Grylls" averaged a 1.4 rating, 4 share in adults 18-49 and 4.0 million viewers overall according to Nielsen Media Research. "Running Wild" remained undefeated through the summer in the Monday 10-11 p.m. ET time period versus regular ABC and CBS competition in adults 18-49. Guests appearing on the show included Kate Winslet, Drew Brees, Kate Hudson, Zac Efron, Michelle Rodriguez and Channing Tatum.

"Running Wild with Bear Grylls" is produced by Electus and Bear Grylls Ventures. Grylls will serve as executive producer along with Ben Silverman, Chris Grant, Laura Caraccioli and Viki Cacciatore.