Discovery Channel announced Friday it will be broadcasting a segment of late-night, live programs titled Everest: Live From Base Camp, beginning Monday, May 5, at 11 p.m. ET (weather permitting, of course — this is Everest.)
EW reports that the five nights of programming, hosted by NBC Sports’ Kyle Martino and Chris Jacobs, will lead up to the 2-hour epic Everest Jump Live, where California native Joby Ogwyn will attempt to jump off the top of the iconic mountain. The special will air on Discovery in 224 countries and territories and will allow viewers to go behind the scenes of what may be the one of the most challenging live broadcasts ever. (Your move, David Blaine.) Martino and Jacobs will check in with Joby nightly, providing viewers with updates, while a host of guests, including medics, Sherpa guides, and additional climbers will be interviewed.
“These nightly live programs will give viewers a chance to see what it’s like to actually be at Everest Base Camp — not just for Joby, but for all those who contribute to Everest’s unique culture,” Eileen O’Neill, Group President, Discovery, Science, and Velocity Networks, said in a statement. “We’re incredibly excited to show viewers from around the globe what it’s like to be there – and to get a closer look at something that has never before been done.”
Everest’s unpredictable conditions (including that air quality) will surely be a factor in the broadcast and in Joby’s venture. Viewers will have the opportunity to join in the conversation via social media as Discovery offers the opportunity to ask live questions to Joby each night, heading in to the jump. Live cameras will also be placed at Everest Base Camp, according to Discovery, allowing maximum access into Everest’s world.
