Billy Ray Cyrus: 'Surprise Homecoming' One of Greatest Rewards of My Career (VIDEO)

In May, TLC celebrated Memorial Day with 'Surprise Homecoming,' a special hosted by Billy Ray Cyrus that reunited military servicemen and women with their families. Tuesday on 'Access Hollywood Live' (weekdays, syndicated on NBC), Cyrus talked about how 'Homecoming,' which will continue as an eight-part series in July, was a touching and emotional experience.

"Making this show, it has been so fun," Cyrus said, "and one of the greatest rewards of my career. Truly is a passion project, this show with TLC, because in a way I kind of get to be Santa Claus, like, in every episode putting these troops together and seeing the surprises and the tears of joy and laughter and love."

Three families get reunited per episode, without the family back home knowing it's coming. In one episode, a man returning from Afghanistan surprises his wife and kids at Disney World, when they see him on a float in a parade.