A new reality show promising to portray the high-stress life of Navy bomb disposal technicians in “one of the most hostile environments in the world,” is headed for cable television this spring.
Comcast cable channel G4 is currently filming “Bomb Patrol: Afghanistan” with the blessing of the U.S. Navy. The show will follow members of a Navy explosive ordnance disposal unit through training in the U.S., and deployment to Afghanistan.
Inspired by the 2009 film “The Hurt Locker,” the program promises an “unparalleled level of access” to members of an EOD team.
“This is action, suspense and drama unlike anything captured on film before, and failure is never an option,” reads G4’s recent press release announcing the project.
With shows like “Human Wrecking Balls,” “Totally Outrageous Behavior” and “Wired for Sex” in their current lineup, “Bomb Patrol: Afghanistan” might be a slight departure from G4's normal fare.
“This isn’t a reality show, it’s more like a documentary,” insists Lt. David Bennett, a Navy spokesman for the project.
As part of the agreement with Big Fish Entertainment production company, the Navy gets to review the footage to ensure safety and security of the troops, and that any injuries or casualties are dealt with “respectfully,” Bennett said.
The Navy got involved with the project in part to dispel some of the myths portrayed in “The Hurt Locker,” and to help show what EOD techs really do.
“These aren’t cowboys,” Bennett said. “These are professional, highly trained warriors who can jump out of airplanes from 30,000 feet and dive underwater to 300 feet. This project is a way to tell their real story,” Bennett said.
The show is slated for 10 episodes and is due to start airing this spring.
American Forces Network is negotiating for the rights to air the show, according to network spokesman Larry Sichter.
AFN currently airs G4’s “Attack of the Show” weeknights on its Xtra channel.
