The writing was on the wall, and now it's in print: Discovery Communications -- in particular, TLC -- has acquired worldwide rights to the eight-hour docuseries Sarah Palin's Alaska, which will cost more than $1 million an episode as it explores the 49th state. That's over twice the cost of most other TLC series episodes, which range from $200,000 to $400,000. A&E, the other interested network, dropped out days ago. Catch your breath and ready yourself for the nauseating quote from producer Mark Burnett.
"With a dynamic personality that has captivated millions, I can't think of anyone more compelling than Sarah Palin to tell the story of Alaska," said Mark Burnett, according to Variety. "I'm thrilled to reunite with Discovery on this project, which brings together one of the most fascinating figures of our time with one of the most wondrous places on earth."
Discovery also helmed the Alaska-set Deadliest Catch, and the adrenaline crusades of both series undoubtedly parallel each other. Now's the time for Alaskans to speak up about whether Palin, who I shall now call Wink Bloomingdale's, is an appropriate emcee/narrator/voice for the series. I'm waiting for the competing VH1 series, Jewel Will Save Alaska's Soul.
Sarah Palin's Alaska to Air on TLC [Variety]