Discovery Explores ‘Stephen Hawking’s Universe’

By Lisa D. Horowitz

Discovery Channel has ordered three-part documentary series “Stephen Hawking’s Universe” from Darlow Smithson Productions.

The series, which will mix computer-generated imagery with live-action and archival footage, will air on Discovery Channel worldwide, the company said. Also, Discovery Enterprises International, the program sales and licensing group, will offer the program to broadcasters around the world.

With the participation of Mr. Hawking, the series will chart the history of the universe and tackle some of the mysteries of the cosmos, including how the universe began and will end and the potential for time travel.

“This ambitious series explores some of the most fascinating aspects of cosmology and I am pleased to bring these theories to a new audience,” Mr. Hawking said in a statement. “I hope these visions of the universe will evoke a sense of wonder for everyone, and maybe inspire a new generation of cosmologists.”

“We are breaking the mold of documentary filmmaking and storytelling in ‘Stephen Hawking’s Universe,’” John Ford, Discovery Channel’s president-general manager, said in the statement. “Visualizing the universe through one of the greatest minds on the planet is an incredibly challenging prospect.”

John Smithson and Ben Bowie are executive producers for Darlow Smithson Productions. Susan Winslow is executive producer for Discovery Channel.

(Editor: Baumann)