G4 Launching ‘Hurt Locker’ Reality Series

First Published: August 24, 2010 4:21 PM EDT Credit: Summit Entertainment

Caption An exposive scene from ‘The Hurt Locker’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The folks at G4 are hoping for a big bang with their new reality series based on the Oscar-winning film “The Hurt Locker.”

“Bomb Patrol: Afghanistan” will follow a military bomb-disposal unit deployed in Afghanistan, the cable network announced on Tuesday.

The new series – set to premiere in Spring 2011 — will give viewers a glimpse inside the lives of a U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad, from training sessions at home to their missions abroad.

“There is simply no way to comprehend the incredible amount of pressure and split-second decision making these individuals must undertake in the worst possible physical conditions without riding along with them as our cameras will do,” G4 president Neal Tiles said in a statement. “This is a rare opportunity to showcase the work of the courageous men and women on the front lines and share with our viewers all the real-life drama, teamwork, danger and triumph that goes along with this specialized job. G4 viewers will see these real-life heroes putting their lives on the line as they go through what, for them, is just another day at the office.”

While the new series still targets the network’s young male demo, it’s a much more dramatic departure from the channel’s typical fanboy fare, which boasts favorites like “Attack of the Show” and “Ninja Warrior.”

“The Hurt Locker” – starring Jeremy Renner and directed by Kathryn Bigelow — was the darling of the Oscars last year, taking home the awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing.

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