Hit series like “Modern Marvels,” “Mail Call,” “Guts & Bolts,” “Tactical to Practical” and “Deep Sea Detectives” are bringing younger viewers to the network and will return to the upfront lineup for 2004-2005. And, building on the achievements of the past year, The History Channel has an extraordinary array of new series and specials that will continue to propel the network’s dominance as the ultimate destination for historical programming on TV.

Already we premiered “Band of Brothers,” its first time on a U.S. network other than HBO. The critically acclaimed, award-winning series from executive producers Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, based on the book by the late historian Stephen Ambrose, was the most-watched, highest-rated program ever on The History Channel and was the highest-rated, most-watched show for all ad-supported cable networks on the night of its premiere.

The momentum will continue heading into the 2004-2005 season with several new series launching this year that will build on our core audience and attract new viewers.

“Wild West Tech,” hosted by Keith Carradine, rounds up the inventions, advancements, concepts and contraptions that once meant the difference between survival and disaster in the Wild West. “Investigating History” challenges accepted facts about history’s most intriguing topics through DNA analysis and other state-of-the-art scientific and investigative techniques.

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“Command Decisions,” a new interactive series, explores turning points in history and challenges viewers to put themselves in the position of actual decision-makers. Pop-up questions will challenge viewers, and experts will fill in the blanks. “Decisive Battles” is unlike any series we’ve ever aired. Using cutting-edge computer gaming technology, viewers will gain insight into battle strategy as they’ve never seen before. Plus, “Digging for the Truth” takes a fresh look at the world’s greatest ancient mysteries. We’ll shoot in HD, dig for the truth and go to extremes to do it.

The bar is also set high for premiere event specials. “FDR: A Presidency Revealed” will bring a new perspective to the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt through the intricate intertwining of the personal and political. “The French Revolution” examines the world-changing event that altered the French monarchy, destroyed feudalism and planted the seeds for modern politics. We’ll also premiere specials like “Alexander the Great,” “To the Best of My Ability,” “The Conquest of America,” “Meteorites,” Witch Hunt” and a revealing special on one of our most ingenious Founding Fathers, “Ben Franklin.”

In a sea of options, The History Channel is refreshingly unique, with an unduplicated, passionate male audience that you can’t get anywhere else. No cheerleaders, no breaking news. Just powerful programming and a great way to deliver the male side of an adult buy. History is hot! And clearly, Men Get It.