The Discovery Channel is starting the new year with three new shows, new series of returning favourites and a new special.

Gold Rush: Alaska, How Machines Work and Brew Masters are all new shows starting in January on the CTV-owned specialty channel.

Gold Rush: Alaska, on Tuesdays at 9 p.m., starting Jan. 4, follows six men who leave behind their homes and families to search for gold in Alaska.

How Machines Work airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., then again at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., starting Jan. 5. As the title suggests, the show explores how machines, such as ATMs and coal-crushing power plants, work. The 13 episodes cover 54 machines.

On Mondays at 10 p.m., starting Jan. 17, Brew Masters introduces Sam Calagione, owner of Dogfish Head Brewery, as he travels the world searching for ingredients and brewing techniques to take back home.

The Discovery Channel also has an original special on Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. X-Cars is a look at a team of gearheads from Maple Ridge, BC, who are trying to create the car of the future to win the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X-Prize.