Skilled marksmen get a shot at making history in…
HISTORY™ Greenlights Series Debut for 2010
New York, December 8, 2009 – In Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, Annie Oakley used a mirror to shoot a rifle over her shoulder. William Tell shot an apple off his son's head with a crossbow. Whether it's the Romans shooting flaming arrows or Barbarians slinging stones, history is filled with legendary tales of amazing marksmanship. Now, HISTORY is tapping into these inspiring feats of sharp-shooting for it’s first-ever competition series – and one contestant will emerge with a $100,000 prize package and the title of “Top Shot.”
The new 10 episode series, Top Shot, is slated to premiere in 2010. The announcement was made today by Nancy Dubuc, President and General Manager, HISTORY.
In each episode, contenders will face team and elimination challenges inspired by real events in history, from Wild West shootouts to modern-day sniper missions. Every challenge will reveal the weapons, technologies and tactics of a different era, while hi-speed HD cameras capture the skillful execution of each test with breathtaking precision in extreme slow-motion.
“Not only will contestants have a chance to experience history in the making, but they might make history themselves by breaking a world record,” said Dubuc.
A nationwide search for contestants is underway. 16 finalists will be selected from among thousands of applicants, and only one will be declared “Top Shot.”
Top Shot is produced for HISTORY by Pilgrim Films & Television. Executive Producers for HISTORY are Dirk Hoogstra and Paul Cabana. Craig Piligian is Executive Producer for Pilgrim Films & Television.
Another non-”History” telling “REALITY SHOW”- that would be more appropriate on A&E. Another show I will not be watching on the channel that continues to call itself HISTORY. Please change the channel’s name or FIRE Ms Dubuc !!!!!!!!
What’s next- DANCING WITH THE STARS on the channel that still calls itself HISTORY ??? Ms Dubuc lives in a Fantasy World if she thinks this crap is “History”. It was a sad day for “History lovers” the day she came to THE HISTORY CHANNEL- she should have stayed at A&E.
@ltrazordaddio
I would slightly disagree about this show in relation to it being non historical like Ice Road Truckers for example.
There could be some historical context to the show if they recreate historical feats, battles, shots, or use historical weapons. Given the description above it looks like they will be doing just that. While not in documentary type form, it could be a way to get those not normally interested to watch.
My favorite History Channel show was called Conquest hosted by Peter Woodward. It had a similar premise (modern man’s use of weapons/tactics from specific eras) but the contest element was not there. So I don’t think this show is completely without merit in the context of the History Channel.
I think it sounds good…if they are actually going to show competition like say…..Billy Dixon’s long range shot at Adobe Wells Texas in 1874. Dixon shot a Kiowa warrior, at a distance of 1538 yards using a Sharps black powder charged rifle, and knocked him dead off of his horse.
If they manage to recreate shots like that with everyday participants, show me where to sign up!!