With Stars Made for Streaming, Nature Shows Are Hot Again

“Seven Worlds, One Planet,” the BBC’s latest, includes scenes filmed in 41 countries. In response to the devastating wildfires in Australia, BBC America will broadcast the Australia episode first, instead of the originally planned episode on North America. Though the episode was filmed well before the crisis, BBC America will inform viewers how they can help with relief efforts. “Seven Worlds, One Planet” is narrated by Mr. Attenborough, 93, a particular beneficiary of the boom, winning back-to-back Emmys for his work on “Blue Planet II” and “Our Planet.”

Discovery, a leader in the genre, has the streaming rights to the back library of BBC’s “Earth” series and plans to roll out a “definitive collection” this year on a streaming service now in development, Discovery’s chief executive, David Zaslav, said.

“Serengeti,” a nature series produced by Simon Fuller, the manager of the Spice Girls and the creator of “American Idol,” was a ratings hit for Discovery in August, performing especially well among young male viewers and families. A sequel is underway, and Discovery will also broadcast “Endangered,” a BBC Studios series produced by Ellen DeGeneres on vulnerable and endangered species. Other Discovery series in the works include “Mysterious Planet,” “Perfect Planet” and “Deep Planet.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/15/business/media/hot-nature-shows.html?emc=rss&partner=rss