Danger by Design

Nik Wallenda: Beyond Niagara was an American documentary/reality television program that aired on The Science Channel. The hour-long show followed daredevil and highwire artist Nik Wallenda and his family as they traveled the country performing dangerous feats. It focused on the science and engineering that go into Wallenda's acts, as he pushes "the limits of science further than ever before." According to Science Channel's general manager Debbie Adler Myers, the program gave "viewers some insight into the passion, skills, ingenuity and science behind the thrills, that has driven the Wallendas to world-renowned fame." Beyond Niagara officially premiered on June 18, 2012 under the title Danger By Design. However, the show's pilot episode had previously aired in 2010 under the title Life on a Wire, before Discovery decided to hold the show until after Nik Wallenda's highly publicized wire walk over Niagara Falls on June 15, 2012. After the first two episodes aired, Discovery renamed the show Nik Wallenda: Beyond Niagara. The next week, on July 2, it was put "on hold" and pulled from the schedule. On the decision to cancel the show, Wallenda commented: "There was really no marketing done on it, and it went through three name changes, so it's really not that surprising." He did, however, say the show had gained some traction overseas, so there was a possibility it could have a second life abroad. The Science Channel declined to comment on their decision. On July 8, the show premiered in India under the Danger by Design title. On July 11, it premiered in Malaysia, also under the Danger title. We follow Nik Wallenda, a seventh generation descendant of the legendary acrobatic troupe, the Flying Wallenda, and his family as they create spectacular acts that cheat death through science, skill, and discipline. On Friday, June 15, 2012, Nik successfully walked across Niagara Falls on a tightrope. To ensure he makes it through each performance successfully and alive, Nik works closely with his safety coordinator (his father Terry) and chief engineer (his uncle Mike) to design stunts that can withstand the elements. For Nik and the Wallenda family, even in the toughest of circumstances, the show must go on.