Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic Group to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic Group will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring original programming, showcasing the diverse contributions of U.S. Hispanics, across all three of its channels. Discovery en Español will premiere PIONEROS, an original, four-part documentary series, profiling prominent leaders in the U.S. Hispanic community who are impacting today’s society on Sunday, September 17, at 8:00 PM (ET/PT). Discovery Kids en Español will go back in time to showcase historic Latin American heroes, while Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir) will take viewers to important Hispanic historic sites in the United States.

“To commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, Discovery’s portfolio of Hispanic networks will honor the distinct contributions of Latino influencers who have shaped our country and have made a difference in our society through a variety of programming specials,” said Luis Silberwasser, senior vice president and general manager of Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic Group. “These special shows further demonstrate our commitment to offer culturally relevant programming in Spanish that accurately portrays Hispanics and stimulates our viewers.”

DISCOVERY EN ESPANOL

PIONEROS, an inspiring and uplifting documentary series, will honor the extraordinary achievements of many outstanding U.S. Hispanic influencers of our time. Each episode recounts the stories of sacrifice and success of those who have reached prominent positions in the arts, science and space, politics and public affairs, and professional sports:

PIONEROS (“Arts”), September 17, at 8:00 PM (ET/PT), will showcase exclusive interviews with music producer and entrepreneur, Emilio Estéfan; “Brokeback Mountain” Oscar-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla; writer Isabel Allende; and Hispanic actress Michelle Rodriguez and actors Edward James Olmos and Hector Elizondo.

PIONEROS (“Science and Space”), September 24, at 8:00 PM (ET/PT), will inspire viewers through revealing interviews with Franklin Chang Díaz, the first Hispanic astronaut; Mario Molina, the 1995 Nobel Prize winner in chemistry; Jose Szapocznik, a clinical psychologist and one of the nation’s leading family therapists specializing in Hispanic families; Victor Penchaszadeth, director of the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Center in Community Genetics and Education; and Seismologist Ines Cifuentes.

PIONEROS (“Politics and Public Affairs”), October 1, at 8:00 PM (ET/PT), will enlighten viewers with substantive discussions with U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FLA.); Anthony Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, María Elena Salinas, co-anchor of Noticiero Univision, U.S. Representative Hilda Solis (D-CA), and Antonia Novello, New York City Health Commissioner and Former Surgeon General of the United States.

PIONEROS (“Sports”), October 8, at 8:00 PM (ET/PT), will feature behind-the-scenes interviews with New York Yankee star baseball player Jorge Posada; world-famous boxer José Torres; San Antonio Spurs basketball player Manuel Ginobilli; Florida Marlins baseball player Miguel Cabrera; Venezuelan race car driver Milka Duno; and soccer great Marcelo Balboa.

DISCOVERY KIDS EN ESPANOL

During Hispanic Heritage Month, Discovery Kids en Español will air a series of short, original programs that feature the lives of four Latin American heroes that fought for freedom in their countries: General Simón Bolivar (Venezuela), known as “El Libertador” and often referred to as the “George Washington of South America”; Mexico’s greatest and most beloved national hero and former president Benito Juárez; Francisco de Paula Santander (Colombia), former president, soldier and statesman who fought beside Simón Bolívar in the war for South American independence; and José Martí (Cuba), Latin American writer and poet, known for his opposition to slavery and for his dedication to freedom from colonial rule in Cuba.

DISCOVERY TRAVEL & LIVING (VIAJAR Y VIVIR)

Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir) will explore important sites in the United States that hold a significant place in Hispanic-American history. Premiering during Hispanic Heritage Month, these travel vignettes will highlight the consequential events that occurred at such recognized landmarks as the California Missions, the Freedom Tower in Miami, and St. Augustine, Fla., the nation’s oldest city. These original shorts are designed to help preserve the cultural heritage of the U.S. Hispanic community and to encourage viewers to visit the sites for their distinctive beauty and contribution to history.

In addition, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir) will feature U.S.-focused episodes of two of its most popular programs. On MIENTRAS NO ESTABAS, unsuspecting Southern California residents are surprised with amazing transformations to their homes as the design team and workers complete dream makeovers. MIENTRAS NO ESTABAS will air on Friday, September 15, September 29, and October 13 at 9:00 PM ET/PT. CIUDADES & COPAS will present the local scenery culture and character of Los Angeles and Miami as it highlights select beverages that represent those vibrant cities. These special episodes are set to air on Sunday, September 22 and October 9, at 9:00 PM ET/PT.