Discovery Channel commissions "Airplane Repo"

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Discovery Channel is stocking up on more rough-and-tumble reality, picking up a series about airplane repo men and renewing its adventure-documentary series "Swords" for a second season.

"Airplane Repo," from "Dirty Jobs" executive producer Craig Piligian, centers on repossessor Nick Popovich as he re-acquires jets and helicopters from delinquent owners. Each episode shows the team planning the best approach for snatching a plane, then follows the group as they attempt the high-risk acquisition.

"There's a lot of action, it has an element of danger and a lot of suspense, and there's always a ticking clock," Piligian said. "The show goes all over the world -- Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Finland -- anywhere there's a plane, whether for an airline that goes bankrupt or some rich guy who hasn't made his payments."

"Swords: Life on the Line" is from "Deadliest Catch" producer Thom Beers and BermanBraun. The show has averaged 1.4 million viewers an episode and consistently ranked No. 1 among men 25-54 during its eight-week run.

The series follows New England long-line fisherman and has helped Discovery maintain the Tuesday time period that's usually home to crab-fishing hit "Deadliest."

Eight episodes of "Airplane" will debut during the first quarter; "Swords" will return later next year.

(Editing by SheriLinden at Reuters)

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