SMITHSONIAN NETWORKS(TM) PREPARES AMERICA TO EXPAND ITS PALATE WITH "BUG BITES"

SUMMER'S MOST CREEPY CRAWLY COOKING SHOW TO STREAM EXCLUSIVELY IN THE U.S. ON SMITHSONIAN EARTH(TM) AND SMITHSONIANCHANNEL.COM STARTING AUGUST 27

NEW YORK - AUGUST 13, 2018 - America's culinary boundaries are about to be shattered as Smithsonian Networks introduces BUG BITES, a six-part, short-form series exploring the worldwide art of cooking and consuming insects. Nutritious, protein-packed and easy to sustainably farm, bugs are regularly eaten by 30 percent of the world's population, and while most of North America has yet to fully embrace this culinary delight, U.S. foodies are beginning to take note. BUG BITES takes viewers into four notable chefs' kitchens to explore traditional methods of preparing high-end insect delights, from grasshoppers to scorpions, as well as cutting-edge recipes curated for the modern palate. All six episodes of BUG BITES begin streaming exclusively in the U.S. on Monday, August 27 on Smithsonian Earth, available on Apple(R), Roku(R), Amazon, Android(TM) and at SmithsonianEarthTV.com. Viewers will also be able to stream all episodes at SmithsonianChannel.com/BugBites.

In BUG BITES, host Haley Chamberlain Nelson, biologist and self-proclaimed foodie, begins each episode diving into the natural history surrounding some of the food world's favorite insect critters. Her next stop is to whip up a dish starring that particular bug with one of the series' expert chefs, which include celebrated culinary artists such as:

David George Gordon - Gordon is a Seattle-based, award-winning author of 20 cookbooks who is well-known in the insect cooking field. He creates a waxworm stir fry with Nelson, as well as his favorite dish, tarantula tempura.

Joseph Yoon - Founder of New York-based catering company Yummy Eats, Yoon is a former music executive turned caterer and the mind behind 2017's first annual Brooklyn Bugs event. He walks Nelson through the art of concocting a mealworm popover and tapenade, followed by a lobster scorpion frittata.

Omar Rodriguez - Head chef at Jose Andres' popular DC restaurant Oyamel, Rodriguez introduces Nelson to Mexico's popular grasshopper tacos.

Megan Miller - San Francisco-based Miller is the co-founder of Bitty Foods and a former editor and writer for Outside Magazine. Her tropical spin on macadamia nut cookies includes her company's signature cricket flour.

BUG BITES is produced by Smithsonian Earth in co-production with Blue Ant Media.

Smithsonian Channel(TM), owned by Smithsonian Networks(TM), a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, is where curiosity lives, inspiration strikes and wonders never cease. This is the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing factual entertainment, available in HD and 4K Ultra HD across multiple platforms. Smithsonian Channel, winner of Emmy(R) and Peabody awards for its programming, combines the storytelling prowess of SHOWTIME(R) with the unmatched resources and rich traditions of the Smithsonian, to create programming that shines new light on popular genres such as air and space, travel, history, science, nature and pop culture. Among the network's offerings are series including Aerial America, America in Color, The Lost Tapes, Mighty Ships, Million Dollar American Princesses, The Pacific War in Color and Air Disasters, as well as critically-acclaimed specials that include The Coronation, The Mountain Lion and Me, Earth from Outer Space and Titanoboa: Monster Snake. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Earth(TM), through SN Digital LLC., a subscription video streaming service delivering spectacular 4K original nature and wildlife content. Smithsonian Channel is also available internationally in Canada, Singapore and Latin America. To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Smithsonian Earth(TM) is a subscription streaming video service specializing in original nature and wildlife programming shot in stunning 4K resolution that's available through Apple(R), Roku(R), Amazon, Android(TM) and at SmithsonianEarthTV.com.

Smithsonian Networks(TM) is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Networks operates Smithsonian Earth, through SN Digital LLC. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Channel(TM), the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing entertainment across multiple platforms. To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.