BEST SHOW OR SERIES - EDUCATION/INSTRUCTIONAL Expedition Unknown - Travel Channel Josh Gates' mission to unearth the truth behind the world's store of iconic legends has him visiting sites related to the stories, talking to the locals and gathering whatever evidence he can to understand the myths. Whether his journey involves excavating ruins in search of the real Robin Hood, exploring Nepal's " sky caves " to fi nd Shangri-La, or stalking real vampires in Romania, episodes often leave a few questions unanswered. But that's half the fun. Just watching Gates tackle these mysteries with gusto and enthusiasm makes us understand why they endure through the centuries. Honorable Mentions * Brain Games - National Geographic Channel * Handcrafted America - INSP * MythBusters - Discovery Channel BEST SHOW OR SERIES - FAITH BASED/RELIGIOUS When Calls the Heart - Hallmark Channel Have you heard of the " Hearties " ? If not, let us fi ll you in on one of the most passionate fan bases in all of television. This group owes its devotion to a series that proves it's possible to draw a loyal audience without pushing the envelope or forcing parents to change the channel every time the kids enter the living room. The show's uplifting stories, set in the aptly named Hope Valley, dance with themes ranging from forgiveness to redemption to the collective fortitude required to hold a community together. The most recent plot-involving a pastor who changes his name to hide his criminal past, drawing at fi rst condemnation and later understanding-is a perfect example of how this series invites its audience to fi nd their better angels. Honorable Mentions Story of God with Morgan Freeman - National Geographic Channel BEST SHOW OR SERIES - FAMILY FRIENDLY Kitten Bowl - Crown Media Family Networks Other fi nalists just didn't have a chance against these cuddly furballs whose epic competition rivals the intensity of the Olympics! Well, not really. But they're kittens! And adoptable! So c'mon! No wardrobe malfunctions here as Kitten Bowlers can rest assured that most shocking element of this epic rivalry will be an inappropriate overdose of cuteness. Honorable Mentions * Chopped Junior - Food Network * Kids Baking Championship - Food Network * Bringing Up Bates - UP tv Cablefax: The Magazine September 2016 cablefaxmag.com 19http://www.cablefaxmag.com