Travel Channel’s ‘Toy Hunters’ Picked Up As Series

It started as just a one-shot special that the travel channel wasn’t really expecting much from, but with several hundred thousand viewers and a network record for them most Facebook activity to ever be seen for a Travel Channel show, all signs were looking good. Now, word has just come down through The Travel Channel and a phone call we got minutes ago from the show host, Jordan Hembrough, ‘Toy Hunters’ has been officially picked up by the network and green lit as a new series!

Along with the news about Toy Hunters, there’s also an announcement for a new series from Man vs Food host Adam Richman and a new travel series from David Arquette.

Here’s the official release from The Travel Channel:
TRAVEL CHANNEL GREENLIGHTS TWO NEW ORIGINAL SERIES: “ADAM RICHMAN’S BEST SANDWICH IN AMERICA” (wt) AND “TOY HUNTERS”

Network Partners with Coquette Productions, Inc. with David Arquette, Courteney Cox and Omar Epps as Executive Producers, To Develop New Travel Series, “Mile High” (wt)

Greenlights Pilot for Hawaii Travel Tour Company Series “Aloha Gold” (wt) and Re-Ups a Second Season of “The Layover” with Anthony Bourdain

CHEVY CHASE, MD (February 15, 2012) – Travel Channel has greenlit two new original unscripted series and announces the development of two original travel series to complement the Network’s robust programming slate for 2012. New series include “Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America” (wt), featuring popular host and “comfort food czar” Richman as he travels from coast to coast on his personal quest to find the BEST sandwiches made in the U.S.A., and “Toy Hunters,” showcasing toy collector Jordan Hembrough, as he searches throughout the country for the rarest toys and turns them into big profit.

Travel Channel’s new series in development provide two very unique perspectives of travel. “Mile High” (wt) provides the unique perspective from the traveler’s POV, and follows best friends Mike McGuiness and David Arquette as they embark on a string of spontaneous, improvised adventures around the world. The Network will partner with executive producers David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Omar Epps and Mike McGuiness for Coquette Productions, Inc. to develop this new original travel series. “Aloha Gold” (wt) provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the wild world of one of the biggest independent tour companies in Hawaii, and the unique perspective of those who work hard to make vacations memorable.

In addition, the critically acclaimed original series “The Layover” hosted by Anthony Bourdain has been re-upped for a second season. In season two, Bourdain explores new jet-setting hubs proving that layovers are opportunities for travelers to mingle with locals, crash parties, dine on local cuisine and explore cultures.

“We have a dynamic programming slate rolling out this year, where we will be providing a diverse array of perspectives from a new team of travel experts and pros who will inspire and engage our viewers through their personal lens,” said Andy Singer, SVP, Programming & Production, Travel Channel. “Making the unfamiliar familiar is our aim this year, and we remain committed to providing compelling programming that moves our travelcentric audience beyond their every day destinations.”

NEW GREENLIT SERIES:

“Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America” (wt) has been greenlit as an eleven-episode (ten half-hour with a one-hour finale) weekly series featuring one man’s quest – Adam Richman – to find the best thing since sliced bread ON sliced bread. Richman will sample the three most mouthwatering masterpieces a region has to offer, and then name one “supreme.” Production of the “Man v. Food” franchise, hosted by Richman, which had a four-year successful run on the Network, will be rested. Travel Channel will continue to air past seasons of the popular series. “Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America” (wt) is based on an idea by Adam Richman and will be produced by Sharp Entertainment for Travel Channel. For Sharp, the executive producers are Matt Sharp, Dan Adler, Bob Larson and Adam Richman, and the series producer is Bonnie Biggs. The executive producer for Travel Channel is Daniel A. Schwartz.

“Toy Hunters” will be a weekly half-hour series which follows toy and collectibles dealer Jordan Hembrough as he scours the country for hidden treasures to sell to his buyers around the world. Originally a special that aired on the Network last month, this original series centers on Hembrough and his quest to claim the status as the ultimate toy collector. In each of the twelve episodes, Hembrough travels from city to city strategically maneuvering around reluctant sellers, abating budgets and avoiding unforeseen roadblocks. For this toy hunter, poking through cramped attics and rummaging around dirty garages to score rare vintage items is all in a day’s work. “Toy Hunters” will be produced by Sharp Entertainment with Travel Channel’s Stone Roberts as executive producer.

SERIES IN DEVELOPMENT:

“Mile High” (wt) is being developed as a weekly half-hour series featuring actor David Arquette and pal Mike McGuiness, owner of PR firm McGuiness and Feinstein. The series will follow Arquette and McGuiness as they squeeze in spontaneous adventures into their weekend travel abroad between work commitments. Part of the fun is watching the duo use their social media connections to get the “hook up” for an ultimate getaway. “Mile High” (wt) is produced by Coquette Productions, Inc. for Travel Channel. For Coquette, the executive producers are David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Omar Epps and Mike McGuiness. The executive producer for Travel Channel is Sean McKnight.

The half-hour pilot for “Aloha Gold” (wt) will be set in the iconic tourist destination of Hawaii, and centers around Discover Hawaii Tours, one of the island’s biggest independent tour companies. Operating all over the islands, the team runs dozens of tours for hundreds of tourists daily. Whether it’s for a family of four or celebrities looking for the ultimate in luxury, the team at Discover Hawaii Tours will do whatever it takes to make their clients happy. “Aloha Gold” (wt) will be produced by Fishbowl Worldwide Media with Travel Channel’s Bill Howard as executive producer.

These new original series join the previously announced 2012 programming lineup which includes: “Vegas Stripped;” “America Caught on Camera;” “Unpacked;” “Hotel Impossible” with Anthony Melchiorri; “Baggage Battles;” “Park Secrets;” “Trip Flip” with Bert Kreischer; and “Miami International Airport” (wt). Travel Channel also renewed new seasons of six popular series including: “Ghost Adventures” (season six); “Sand Masters” (season two); “Truck Stop USA” (season two, formerly “Truck Stop Missouri”); “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” (season eight); “Mysteries at the Museum” (season three); “Off Limits” (season two); and “The Dead Files” (season two).

Also announced today is the new season of “The Layover” with Anthony Bourdain. “The Layover” shows viewers how to cut right to the good stuff. Bourdain serves as guide and concierge, visiting major cities around the world in just 24-48 hours – from dive bars to five stars, and serves as the ultimate guide as he shares what he would do in one action-packed layover. “The Layover” is produced by Zero Point Zero for Travel Channel. They also produce the Network’s critically acclaimed and Emmy award winning travel series, “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.” Chris Collins, Lydia Tenaglia and Anthony Bourdain will serve as executive producers for Zero Point Zero and Stone Roberts will serve as the executive producer for Travel Channel.

TRAVEL CHANNEL (http://www.travelchannel.com) is a multiplatform travel lifestyle brand with the core mission of providing inspiring and compelling programming that takes viewers beyond their everyday destinations, making the unfamiliar familiar, whether it’s around the world or around the block.

A dual feed network that is also available in HD, Travel Channel is the world’s leading travel media brand, and is available in over 94 million U.S. cable homes. Owned and operated by Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), Travel Channel has offices in Chevy Chase, MD, and New York, NY. Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI) also owns and operates HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.