Spike TV'S Distinctive New Series Simulates Terrifying Disasters to Arm Viewers and Save Lives

Aug 04, 2009
By ViacomCBS Staff

--Navy SEAL Cade Courtley To Host--Ten One-Hour Episodes Premiere Starting Tuesday, September 1 On Spike TV

Picking up a few last minute items at the mall when violent gunmen storm the store. . .what to do? What if, on the daily subway commute, a bio weapon is released? Or a fire is blazing in the 12th floor office and the only way out is blocked? Disasters can strike at the most unexpected times, but Spike TV's new original series "Surviving Disaster," led by Cade Courtley, vividly takes viewers through catastrophic scenarios and arms them with the knowledge needed to survive the unthinkable. Navy SEAL Courtley is the ideal host for this timely series, having faced imminent danger for a living, conducting clandestine missions from the sea, air and land that include counter-terrorism operations, special reconnaissance and unconventional warfare. The series premieres Tuesday, September 1 (10:00-11:00pm ET/PT) with an episode dedicated to a plane hijacking.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060322/NYW096LOGO )

Each week, Navy SEAL Courtley tackles worst-case scenarios and equips viewers with the practical information needed to save their own lives and the lives of their loved ones. Whether the threat is natural or man-made or on a national or personal level, Courtley speaks directly to the viewers and guides them through a comprehensive, step-by-step process to not only survive the big picture disaster, but endure the many dangerous obstacles that may occur within each catastrophic event. While leading viewers out of danger, Courtley not only provides helpful tips and hands-on instruction, but swiftly points out common misconceptions and fatal mistakes. Unlike any other series, "Surviving Disaster" may actually save lives by providing actions that anyone can perform.

Other disaster-themed episodes this season include: Nuclear Attack, Home Invasion, Fire, Avalanche, Lost at Sea, Hurricane, Bio-Chemical Attack, Mall Shooting and Earthquake.

A standout from the beginning of his military career as a Naval Officer, Courtley was the Class Leader in his BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training and was chosen to attend the elite SEAL Sniper school, a privilege given only to a select few. While on active duty, he served tours in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Southeast Asia, where he led highly classified, high-risk operations. He continued this high-risk profession with several tours to Iraq in the private sector. His strong background in military Special Operations has given him the unmatched skills to survive and adapt in the direst of circumstances.

"Surviving Disaster" featured content on Spike.com will present an introduction to host Cade Courtley, including videos, a biography and an exclusive multi-week breakdown of the "Top 10 Most Impressive Survival Stories of All Time," presented by Courtley. The promotion will be timed to lead up to the premiere of the show. The show page will also feature exclusive downloadable survival guides based on each upcoming episode, sneak peeks, video clips and a forum for viewer commentary.

"Surviving Disaster" is produced for Spike TV by Shed Media US ("Man On Wire," "Supernanny," "The Real Housewives of New York City"). The series is executive produced by Alex Graham and Nathaniel Grouille. Sharon Levy, Tim Duffy and Joe Weinstock are Spike TV's executives in charge of production.

Spike TV is available in 98 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press.