A+E doubles down on live factual

US broadcaster A+E Networks is bringing one of its live stunts back for a second run on History in July, and has renewed another of its live factual series for a second season on A&E.

Live Rescue was commissioned by A&E in March

A+E has enjoyed ratings success in live factual following on from break-out series Live PD, which is stripped across Friday and Saturday nights on it’s cablenet A&E.

Live Rescue, which was commissioned in March and follows the work of US first responders as it happens, has now been extended by 10 episodes for Monday nights on A&E.

It takes the first season, produced by MGM-owned Big Fish Entertainment, the prodco behind Live PD, to 19 episodes.

Meanwhile, History has announced a return for live television event Evel Live, which will broadcast on the US cablenet on Sunday July 7 at 20.00 to kick off the network’s third annual car week.

The three-hour live television event will see motorcycle daredevils Axell Hodges and Vicki Golden, inspired by the stunts of Evel Knievel, attempt to set new world records in three separate stunts.

Broadcast live from the San Bernardino International Airport in California, the show will attempt to break the records for motorcycle jumps through flaming wooden boards, and over 25 trucks.

Alongside the three stunts will be live interviews and expert analysis, footage highlighting the inherent danger and risks of attempting to break these records and archive footage of the history of daring feats.

In July 2018, 3.5 million total viewers tuned in for stunt man Travis Pastana completing three of Knievel’s most dangerous feats live from Las Vegas.