SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL(TM) GOES BEYOND THE STUNNING LANDSCAPE OF NEW ZEALAND WITH ITS CAPTIVATING CHARACTERS IN

"FLYING HIGH WITH PHIL KEOGHAN"

NEW SPECIAL PREMIERES SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 AT 8 PM ET/PT

NEW YORK - July 11, 2017 - On the edge of the world, the island nation of New Zealand is known for its jaw-dropping scenery and incredible natural wonders, but it's the people who call this small country home that make it unlike any other. Amazing Race host and Kiwi native Phil Keoghan, who has traveled millions of miles and visited more than 100 countries, takes viewers on an unprecedented journey through New Zealand. From helicopters and hot air balloons to sailboats and a World War I plane, Keoghan drops in to meet some of New Zealand's icons, game changers, and global celebrities. FLYING HIGH WITH PHIL KEOGHAN premieres Sunday, August 6 at 8 PM ET/PT on Smithsonian Channel.

"It's the people that give places their own personality, and that was the foundation for creating this special," Keoghan said. "Beyond the stunning landscape, I wanted to share the stories of the passionate people of New Zealand - the unique characters who epitomize what the country is really made of."

From Academy Award-winning director of The Lord of the Rings and World War I aircraft enthusiast Peter Jackson to the world's fastest female rally driver, Emma Gilmour, Phil meets up with inventors, entrepreneurs, comedians and even his father, a plant scientist. He also shares a glass of red wine with Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill on his vineyard before "flying high" with the co-creator of bungee jumping. Discover the tenacious, humble and creative spirit of the Kiwis first hand.

FLYING HIGH WITH PHIL KEOGHAN was produced by No Opportunity Wasted LLC. Charles Poe and David Royle serve as Executive Producers for Smithsonian Channel.

Smithsonian Channel(TM), owned by Smithsonian Networks(TM), a joint venture between 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, Million Dollar American Princesses, The Weapon Hunter, 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. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Earth(TM), through SN Digital LLC., a new subscription video streaming service delivering spectacular original nature and wildlife content. To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.