Calcutta is lucky for Discovery Channel. The Ultimate Discovery time band which was launched in the city has resulted in a 62 per cent viewership jump for the channel in the 9pm slot. No wonder the channel has chosen the city as the launchpad for the second season of Ultimate Discovery as well.

“In September 2008, we came here to launch Ultimate Discovery with a promise to show our best in the 9-10pm slot. It was a challenge as it is the most competitive slot, pitting us against the best news programmes and soaps. Thanks to the success of Ultimate Discovery, our viewership has jumped in the primetime (6pm-11pm) by 47 per cent,” said Rajiv Bakshi, director, marketing and communications, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific. “Calcutta itself has seen a 30 per cent rise in the last quarter.”

The new season is airing from this month. Using state-of-the-art imaging technology and high speed cameras, Cool Stuff (Sundays) will uncover secrets of gadgets. Leading scientists execute ambitious geo-engineering ideas in a bid to save the planet in Discovery Project Earth (Fridays). Josh Bernstein unravels earth’s mysteries on Mondays. Next World will unlock the door to a cool future with space tourism to personal jet packs (Thursdays). Man vs Wild, which aced all English films in viewership last year, will return to take viewers to more inhospitable terrains (Tuesdays). Nigel Marven searches for the world’s largest jaguars in south America on Wednesdays. Saturday remains a date with India — through diverse landscapes, expeditions with tigers, a miracle girl with eight limbs and other India-centric shows.