Full Breakdown
Smithsonian Channel Renews Popular Series for New Seasons
1/22/2026, 12:01:16 PM
Overview of the Renewals
The Smithsonian Channel has announced the renewal of three of its popular series: *Ice Airport Alaska*, *How Did They Fix That?*, and *How Did They Build That?*. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy by parent company Paramount to revitalize its cable networks.
Core Event: *Ice Airport Alaska* Returns for Season 7
*Ice Airport Alaska*, produced by British company Rare TV, is set to return for its seventh season. The series is filmed at Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska, which is recognized as one of the busiest cargo airports globally. The show highlights the challenges faced by airport staff, including extreme weather conditions, emergency landings, and encounters with wildlife.
Additional Series Renewals
Alongside *Ice Airport Alaska*, the Smithsonian Channel has also renewed *How Did They Fix That?* for its fifth season. This series, hosted by Mike Davidson and produced by Canadian company Attraction, showcases individuals tackling significant challenges to maintain large machinery. Additionally, *How Did They Build That?*, which explores remarkable engineering feats and is now hosted by Jay Ellis, will also return for its fifth season. Ellis, known for his role in *Top Gun: Maverick*, joined the show in its second season after it initially aired without a host.
Strategic Context: Paramount's Cable Network Revitalization
The renewals are part of a strategic initiative by Paramount, under the leadership of George Cheeks, chair of TV Media at Paramount, to inject new life into its cable networks. This move reflects a commitment to maintaining engaging content that resonates with audiences.
Official Statements & Responses
While specific statements from the Smithsonian Channel regarding the renewals were not detailed in the sources, the decision to renew these series indicates confidence in their popularity and relevance to viewers.
Criticism & Opposition
There were no dissenting viewpoints or criticisms mentioned in the sources regarding the renewals of these series. However, the broader context of cable network performance and viewership trends may suggest challenges that the Smithsonian Channel and its parent company face in a competitive media landscape.
What's Next: Future Prospects for the Series
With the renewals confirmed, viewers can anticipate new episodes of *Ice Airport Alaska*, *How Did They Fix That?*, and *How Did They Build That?* in the upcoming seasons. The continued success of these shows may influence further programming decisions by the Smithsonian Channel and its parent company.
In summary, the Smithsonian Channel's commitment to renewing these series reflects a strategic effort to engage audiences with compelling content while navigating the evolving landscape of cable television.
