Do people still watch regular TV? I asked myself this question more than a few times as I lounged (bored to death) in yet another hotel during a recent drive across North America. After sanitizing the remote, I flipped through the channels, searching for entertainment that could justify the endless ad breaks selling cures to the aged—the only people, other than those who spend a lot of time in hotels, who evidently still tune in. But now, we might just have a very good reason to click away from Netflix.
Off Road Travel TV—which made its worldwide debut on January 12 at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT on the MAVTV channel (Maverick Television, the satellite television channel owned by automotive lubricant company Lucas Oil)—is a digital platform dedicated to exploring remote destinations and rugged terrain. The show highlights journeys through challenging landscapes, offering viewers a close-up look at the preparation, vehicles, and techniques involved in off-road travel.
CEO and co-founder of Off-Road Travel TV, Mark Mitchell, said,
“After two years in the making, we are excited to see the launch of Off-Road Travel TV on MAVTV, the fastest-growing motorsports network in the USA. We look forward to providing the MAVTV audience with a weekly glimpse into the exciting and inviting world of off-road and overland travel through amazing destinations, top-notch builds, and the latest in gear and equipment.”
Launched by enthusiasts who understand the appeal of venturing beyond paved roads, Off-Road Travel TV documents trips across varied environments. Each episode presents the challenges that come with desert crossings, mountain ascents, or dense forest trails while also showcasing the camaraderie that develops among travelers on the road. The production team prioritizes comprehensive reporting, ensuring that gear and mechanical aspects are thoroughly discussed. This approach is designed to inform and inspire both novice explorers and more experienced off-roaders seeking fresh ideas for their next journey.
President, Executive Producer, and co-founder of Off-Road Travel TV, Ken Faught, states,
“This show is created by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and it’s about as genuine as it gets. I have been lucky enough to go on off-road excursions in Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Peru, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and all over the United States, and the experience you get is simply amazing. I believe travel is the best thing you can do in life.”
The TV show emphasizes safety and skill. Viewers frequently see demonstrations of practical techniques for navigating treacherous conditions, such as how to negotiate steep inclines or recover vehicles trapped in deep mud. The hosts also use their platform to emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship, often highlighting sustainable travel practices and ways to minimize one’s footprint in remote areas. These messages, interspersed with scenic footage and candid interviews, add an educational layer that distinguishes the program from purely entertainment-driven offerings.
In addition to core episodes, Off-Road Travel TV features product tests and equipment reviews. The platform’s reviews focus on durability and functionality rather than flashy features, reflecting the show’s practical approach. Newcomers are given pointers on essential tools, while more advanced travelers gain insights on specialized items such as rooftop tents, winches, and suspension systems. By bringing real-world experiences to these evaluations, the hosts aim to help audiences make informed decisions about their own gear.
Off Road Travel TV will be aired every Sunday at 9:30 am ET/PT, exclusively on MAVTV. Much of the inaugural season centers on Ken Faught and his son Wyatt’s 10,000-mile journey across the United States and Canada to Alaska. In the United States, MAVTV is available through Cablevision, Spectrum, Xfinity, AT&T U-verse, DirecTV, RCN Corporation, FuboTV, and GCI in Alaska.
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