Two networks, The Hub and Sportsman Channel, have taken drastically different approaches to forthcoming animal-themed, week-long programming stunts. The Hub Network will attempt to build upon the success of Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” with its own “Bark Week” of canine-related programming, while the Sportsman Channel’s “Aporkalypse” will focus on the hunting of feral hogs in Texas.
The Hub, which is also owned by Discovery, has designated Sunday, August 17 through Friday, August 22 as “Bark Week.” The network will feature programming dedicated to dogs throughout the week, including Animal Planet series Bad Dog!, It’s Me or the Dog,Too Cute! and America’s Cutest. The network will also air films based on the canine theme, such as 101 Dalmations and Scooby-Doo.
The Sportsman Channel will go a different route with its planned week of themed programming, Aporkalypse. Beginning Monday, August 4 at 7 p.m. ET, the network will air content focusing on Texas’s feral hog population as well as Brian “Pigman” Quaca’s attempt to eradicate wild pigs in the area.
Quaca will once again appear with musician Ted Nugent in an hour-long special airing Friday, August 8 at 7 p.m. ET. Pigman: The Series will premiere Sunday, August 10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
“We are proud to give our viewers the 2014 version of the hit stunt Aporkalypse - the bacon will be flying this year,” said Marc Fein, executive vice president of programming and production for Sportsman Channel, in a release.
Discovery Channel will air this year's installment of "Shark Week" beginning Aug. 10, but Comedy Central will begin its parody week of themed programming on Aug. 3. Called "Shart Week 2014," the programming stunt will feature various series with what the network describes as "poop-themed" episodes or sketches. Series such as Tosh.0, South Park, Workaholics, and Chappelle's Show will be featured throughout "Shart Week." @midnight, the network's daily comedy game show, will also feature a #ShartWeek Twitter hashtag competition throughout the week.
