Nat Geo’s Breakthrough Renewed

WASHINGTON, D.C.: A second season of National Geographic Channel’s global series Breakthrough is in the works for a spring 2017 debut in 170-plus markets.

The anthology series is executive produced by Imagine Entertainment and Asylum Entertainment. Directors Brendan and Emmett Malloy are joining the exec-producing team for season two, alongside the returning Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Michael Rosenberg, Steve Michaels, Jonathan Koch, Ryann Lauckner and Kurt Sayenga. The show will air on Nat Geo Channels in 440 million homes worldwide, and on Nat Geo Mundo.

Breakthrough spotlights leading scientists and explores how their advances are changing lives. Each episode is helmed by a different director. On the roster for season two are Ana Lily Amirpour, exploring breakthrough T-cell immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer; Shane Carruth for an episode on big data and artificial intelligence; David Lowery looking at psychedelic drugs to treat addictions; Shalini Kantayya showcasing innovative energy technology; the Malloy brothers on small commercial drones; and A.G. Rojas with a look at cyberterrorism.

“Not only are we pleased to continue our ongoing partnership with Brian and Ron, but we are proud to line up a second wave of films with renowned visionaries in the indie world that will address the challenges facing us today and shines a spotlight on the trailblazing scientists and engineers around the globe who are pushing the frontiers of innovation and exploration,” said Tim Pastore, president of original programming and production at National Geographic Channel. “Their passion and commitment to make a difference will greatly increase our chances of changing the world for the better.”

“Breakthrough is about taking the science, these hot-button issues, and looking at it from a storyteller’s eye,” said Howard. “It’s about finding the hope in it, finding the heroism. And I have no doubt that this new season’s visionary filmmakers will add their own style of storytelling to show the power of the intersection between science and human drama, making it relatable for audiences.”

Added Grazer, “We’re thrilled to continue our creative partnership with National Geographic, and look forward to working with the Malloy brothers and this season’s groundbreaking directors. We hope that these new stories will continue to use science to explain severe challenges to humanity, but also to offer optimism, possibly uncovering solutions to those problems.”