Smithsonian stocks for Canadian debut

The launch slate for the Canadian version of The Smithsonian Channel has been revealed ahead of the network’s debut north of the border next month.

Smithsonian will start airing commercial-free in Canada from Wednesday November 13, operated by Blue Ant Media.

It is replacing Blue Ant’s speciality channel EQHD and will be available subscription-free for the first two months of broadcast.

The initial launch slate includes the Canadian broadcast premiere of The Incredible Bionic Man, which looks at scientists’ attempt to build the first fully functioning, talking, breathing and walking man from prosthetic body parts and robotic technology.

That will air on Wednesday November 13 at 22.00 (ET/PT) and prior to that Canada Over the Edge will explore Canada’s stunning coastline and scenery from the air.

Some series and specials have been taken from the US Smithsonian Channel, including fashion obs doc LA Frock Stars, which debuts on Thursday November 14 at 20.00, and Terror in the Skies, which premieres on Sunday November 24.

The channel, a JV between Blue Ant and Smithsonian Networks, will also get the world broadcast premieres of one-off special docs Kennedy Suicide Bomber and The Day Kennedy Died.

Toronto-based Blue Ant also operates speciality channels Cottage Life, Travel+Escape, Bite TV, and AUX TV along with three other premium, commercial-free channels Oasis HD, HIFI, radX.