Discovery Channel is a cable and satellite TV channel distributed by Discovery Communications. Formerly better-known for its nature and animal programming, now it also provides non-fiction variety programming focused primarily on the themes of popular science, history, and knowledge about the world. Whereas previously the channel was known exclusively for its science documentaries, it now includes a mix of documentaries and reality shows. It was 1985 as the flagship channel of Discovery Communications, which today offers 29 network brands in 33 languages.

Popular programming on the channel today includes Shark Week, an annual week of programming dedicated to facts about sharks; Deadliest Catch, about fishing for crab in the Bering Sea; popular science show MythBusters; Dirty Jobs about difficult jobs; and FutureWeapons, about the weapon technology of the future. The Discovery Channel reaches 431 million homes in 170 countries. Discovery Networks International offers 19 television brands, reaching 746 million cumulative subscribers. In India, three Discovery brands reach 79.5 million cumulative subscribers with programming available in English and Hindi. Discovery Channel has had clear spikes when it comes to programmes with an Indian context and contemporary foreign programmes.

"Colours of India", airs every Monday and showcases different hues of our ancient nation and gives an unprecedented access to the old and the new India. Viewers get to go behind the world`s second largest mass rapid transit system - The Delhi Metro and get to witness the Other Side of Outsourcing with Thomas Friedman. Other programmes include Painted Nation, an analytical look at India`s vanishing hand-painted commercial art and what is replacing it. "Spiritual Nation" is aired every Tuesday and it takes the viewer on a journey across the country to experience some of its unique faiths, beliefs and rituals. Some of the programmes include Lost Temples of India and Valley of the Gods.

Every Wednesday its time to pack your bags and go on a trip with "Destination India", a voyage across the many spectacular landscapes and fascinating cities with intrepid travellers. Programme such as Jeremy Piven`s Journey of a Lifetime and Himalaya with Michael Palin form an integral part of this strip. Next on every Thursday is "Wild India", a comprehensive guide to the wild side. With programmes such as Ladakh - The Forbidden Wilderness and In the Pink, a story about 20,000 flamingos descending on the city of Mumbai every year.

Virtual History, on Discovery, is the first TV documentary to completely reconstruct the secret plot of kill Hitler, `a key moment in history that was never originally caught on film`. A conscious mix of programmes with Indian content and contemporary themes has helped Discovery Channel to maintain a sustained viewership.