Do you have what it takes to survive a Global Catastrophe?

MANILA, Philippines - Discovery Channel's New Series The Colony Challenges 10 Strangers To A Groundbreaking Experiment

What would you do in the wake of a global catastrophe? How would you find the very basics of survival: food, water and shelter? THE COLONY is a controlled experiment that attempts to determine exactly what it would take to survive and rebuild a functioning new society when the world we have grown accustomed to is destroyed. THE COLONY, a brand new series from Discovery Channel, premieres every Wednesday at 10:00 pm starting April 7. Encores Wednesdays at 3:00 pm, Thursdays at 1:00 am, Saturdays at 7:00 pm and Sundays at 6:00 pm.

In THE COLONY, a group of ten volunteers, whose backgrounds and expertise represent a cross-section of modern society, are isolated for two months in an urban environment in downtown Los Angeles and tasked with creating a livable society. With no electricity, no running water and no communication with the outside world, all they have to work with are their skills, and whatever tools and supplies they scavenge from their surroundings.

Their world – a 50,000-square-foot abandoned warehouse infested with rats and pigeons on three-and-a-half acres near the LA River – was designed by experts in homeland security, engineering and psychology using elements from both real-life disasters and models of what the future could look like after a global catastrophe.

Throughout the series, these experts comment on the challenges the Colonists would face in the context of real-world disasters as they work together to build the necessities of survival and society, such as a water filtration system, a battery bank for electricity, a solar cooker, a shower system, greenhouse – and even some comforts of home (a coffee maker!).

Certain elements, such as tools and sparse food items, were strategically placed to represent what might be viably available in an urban post-disaster landscape, based on actual event data recorded during past real-life catastrophes.

As part of the experiment, a hostile gang of looters and thugs challenges their resources and security, prompting the Colonists to devise a safety plan to protect themselves. Throughout the two-month experiment, their emotions are put to the test as they work through their feelings of isolation, desperation and interpersonal relationships with each other.

THE COLONY episode descriptions:

Arrival and Survival. Ten volunteers enter an experimental world to see if they can survive and rebuild after a global disaster. Cordoned off in a downtown Los Angeles warehouse, they must secure shelter, filter water, and defend their new home from thieves.

Power Struggle. With the wood smoke generator starting to falter, the volunteers form a search party to find more supplies to re-engineer their power grid. After finding solar panels on a nearby roof, the volunteers spot a pair of new arrivals to THE COLONY, two people roaming freely in the outside world in search of food, shelter and a home... or so the volunteers think.

Comfort in Chaos. After securing the basic necessities for survival, the volunteers focus on the one creature comfort they can't live without: a hot shower. But focusing on comfort leaves them open to a massive attack that threatens their long-term survival.

Safety and Security. After an attack shatters the volunteers' sense of security, they focus on building weapons and fortifying the warehouse. But before they can finish, a truckload of gun-toting traders arrives to test the volunteers' unity.

A Stranger Among Us. The volunteers have the opportunity to up their electricity and power capabilities when they scavenge a stock of abandoned solar panels. But the experiment takes a violent turn when a stranger breeches their security and tries to steal their supplies.

Loss and Communication. The volunteers are rocked by the disappearance of a treasured member during a search party mission. The loss spurs them to build a collection of communication devices in hopes that their missing member is somewhere out there listening.

A Test of Faith. The Colonists run into missionaries on a river trip, and John V's moral compass is shaken. The arrival of two new visitors creates an internal rift and the group must sacrifice one of their own to survive.

Recon Mission. A kidney stone puts Joey down for the count, and while he recovers, the Colonists are surprised by a new arrival and a very wet situation. Mike and Vlad set out on what turns into a dangerous Recon Mission.

Breaking Point. As their resources dwindle, the Colonists work on a scout vehicle and start to customize their escape truck. Tempers flare when the traders return and Joey reaches his breaking point.

Exodus. Mike recovers from a nasty crash and helps the others beef up the Colony's defenses. Then, the Colonists race to finish the escape truck before the marauders launch their final offensive.

Discovery Channel, the flagship network of Discovery Communications, is devoted to creating the highest quality non-fiction programming in the world and remains one of the most dynamic networks on television. First launched in 1985, Discovery Channel now reaches more than 165 million households in Asia-Pacific. Globally, Discovery Channel is one of the world’s most widely distributed television brands, reaching 371 million households in 175 countries in 35 languages. It offers viewers an engaging line-up of high-quality non-fiction entertainment from blue-chip nature, science and technology, ancient and contemporary history, adventure, cultural and topical documentaries. For more information, visit www.discoverychannelasia.com.