Copyright Deadline
EXCLUSIVE: The History Channel is bringing back its first and longest-running franchise. The A+E Global Media network has greenlit a new series of Modern Marvels, the franchise that was created more than 30 years ago and has aired nearly 700 episodes across 21 seasons. The new three-part series Modern Marvels: WWII (w/t) comes from Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) and will premiere in 2026. It is the latest long-running franchise returning to the network after Deadline revealed last month that Ice Road Truckers is returning for Season 12 – its first in eight years. Modern Marvels launched, as Time Machine, on A&E in 1993 before moving to The History Channel in 1995. It has covered areas such as science, technology, engineering, architecture, manufacturing and agriculture with the focus on the history and production of items. Seasons could feature close to 70 episodes a year. Season 17 finished airing in 2014. It was revived in 2021 with 29 episodes airing between February 2021 and August 2022 across four seasons with Man V. Food host Adam Richman involved. Modern Marvels: WWII will explore the greatest machines, most impactful weapons, and groundbreaking innovations of WWII, shining a light on the engineering and technological advances that shaped the course of the conflict and continue to influence our world today. It is exec produced by Rob O’Brien, David Doyle and Angelica Rosas McDaniel for Hearst Media Production Group and Jim Pasquarella for The History Channel. “Bringing this iconic series back allows us to celebrate its legacy while exploring one of the most defining events of the 20th century — when necessity and invention changed history forever,” said Eli Lehrer, EVP and Head of Programming for The History Channel. “By spotlighting the machines, weapons, and innovations that helped shape the course of WWII, Modern Marvels will remind audiences why this franchise has been synonymous with celebrating human ingenuity.” “We’re proud to be a part of returning this iconic series to the schedule and for our unscripted entertainment partnership with The History Channel,” added Angelica Rosas McDaniel, EVP and General Manager of Entertainment for HMPG.
