Ever since 1996, when Discovery Communications launched the Animal Planet channel, the exclusive star of the latter was Steve 'The Crocodile Hunter' Irwin. Steve, with his daredevil acts and open affection towards all animals, made the channel rise in audience ratings and his shows have been a constant source of revenue for it.

After his tragic death, caused by a stingray, Animal Planet is currently star-less and the obvious question that arises is whether the networks' executives will try to replace him with another adventurous documentary-maker or not.

Already, there are a few shows that wait patiently in line to replace Irwin's traditional programs and, honestly, there are made in a fashion very similar to the one that characterized each episode of the beloved Australian. Jeff Corwin's show could be one of the replacements considered best suited to fill in Steve's shoes, because he also takes a 'hands-on approach to wildlife'. Another would be 'Meerkat Manor' (about the lives of a bunch of weasel-like creatures) and 'Ms. Adventure', featuring comedienne Rachel Reenstra.

'I only hope I can take what [Irwin] gave to this world and continue his legacy in the best way "Ms. Adventure" and Rachel Reenstra can', the host of the show said in a recent interview, in relation to her being named as Steve's replacement.

Meanwhile, Animal Planet has no intention of making a decision as soon as possible because, for the next few weeks, many of the old shows featuring 'The Crocodile Hunter' have been scheduled to go on air, as a tribute to his life and achievements.

Billy Campbell, president of Discovery Networks U.S, said in a recent interview that, although everybody mourns the death of such a great personality and of the first star the channel ever had, they are still aware that a star does not make a network work.

'One star does not make a company, but he's been very important to Animal Planet. This is one of those situations where on the business side it really won't impact us very much', Campbell said. But a media analyst is not of the same opinion with Campbell, by claiming that to try and literally replace Irwin would verge on the absurd. 'Can you replace Steve Irwin? He's one of a kind personality. When you try to get someone to be the wild, outrageous guy, it is going to fall flat', Andy Baker added.