National Geographic Reveals Its Spring Programming
“What a wild and extraordinary time to be in the television business,” said National Geographic Global Television Networks President Courteney Monroe as she kicked off network’s session at the 2020 Winter TCA press tour in Pasadena. As 2020 get’s underway National Geographic boasts for than 3.4 billion views on Youtube, is the No. 1 brand on Instagram and is one of five core brands on the Disney+ streaming network which launched in November 2019.
As National Geographic continues its efforts to be the world’s leading destination for premium factual storytelling, it previewed a creatively ambitious and exciting slate of content that will debut in the coming months:
- Rebuilding Paradise – Debuted at Sundance Film Festival on Friday (January 24th.) Directed by Ron Howard, the documentary looks at the devastation following the cataclysmic wildfires in Paradise, California. The film is slated to appear in theaters before moving to Disney+ by the end of the year.
- #Impact – National Geographic is partnering with Gal Gadot on a short-form doc series that highlights young women around the world who overcome obstacles to do incredible things. It will air on National Geographic in short form instalments before being released as a longform special.
- Limitless – Actor Chris Hemsworth will become a “human guinea pig” for a docuseries that will showcase how you can unlock the body’s secret superpowers to live smarter, healthier and longer lives.
The World According to Jeff Goldblum
The Disney+ docuseries will return to Disney+ for a second season as Jeff goes across the country to unravel fascinating truths behind familiar objects we know and love. In the 10 episode-second season will feature a new batch of everyday objects. The first season covered a spectrum of topics from ice cream and sneakers to denim and RVs.
Brain Games
This first season of this show hosted by Keegan-Michael Key debuted on January 20th and the show has already been picked up for a second season. The series mixes celebrity with science in an exploration of what makes our brains tick. Guests on the show will include Tiffany Haddish, Drew Brees, Jordan Peele, Meghan Trainor, Anthony Anderson, Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Jack Black, Mark Cuban, Kevin Hart, and Rebel Wilson.
Running Wild With Bear Grylis
The series has been renewed for a second season with National Geographic. In the season finale which aired on Tuesday, January 21st, Grylis and Emmy-nominated actor Zachary Quinto went on a treacherous adventure through the dense Panamanian jungle during tropical storm season. it’s definitely worth checking out!
Life Below Zero
This Emmy award-winning docuseries Life Below Zero remains one of the highest-rated series on the network and has just been picked up for two more seasons. In addition, National Geographic has added an additional season of Life Below Zero: Port Protection and an 8-part spinoff Life Below Zero: Next Generation to its line-up. Next Generation will follow new individuals who gave up their lives to face a challenging new world off the grid in Alaska.
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted
The second season of Uncharted will premiere on May 10th. The series will continue to follow Gordon Ramsay as he continues his journey across the globe to unearth cultures through food and adventure. In the second series, he travels to Tasmania, Indonesia, Mexico, India, Guyana, Louisiana, and Texas, among other locales.
The Hidden Kingdoms of China
Narrated by Michelle Yeoh (Crazy Rich Asian), this documentary showcases China’s beauty and grandeur from the highest mountains and plateaus to thickest jungles and bamboo forests. This epic two-hour natural history special will premiere on February 22nd when it will introduce viewers to the real-life drama surrounding the snub-nosed monkey, Tibetan fox, snow leopard and an array of other jungle creatures. It also promises to reveal never-before-seen behaviour from the giant panda.
National Geographic also provided a deeper look into several titles and programming events that fans can look forward to in Spring 2020:
The Cave
This feature-length documentary is nominated for an Oscar and can be seen in its commercial-free broadcast form on Saturday, January 25th. The Cave is directed by Feras Fayyad and is set in war-torn Syria where hope and safety lie underground inside a subterranean hospital. The film follows paediatrician Dr. Amani Ballour and her colleagues Samaher and Dr. Alaa who have claimed their right to work as equals alongside their male counterparts, something that wouldn’t exist in the oppressively patriarchal culture that exists above. They face daily bombardments, chronic supply shortages and the constant threat of chemical attacks. It’s a poignant exploration of courage, resilience and female solidarity.
Cosmos: Possible Worlds
The highly anticipated 3rd season of Cosmos will premiere on National Geographic on March 9th. This is 40 years after the title was introduced to a global audience by Carl Sagan. Now Sagan’s collaborator Ann Druyan takes over the helm to deliver a season of signature, fact-based storytelling conveying complex scientific concepts to the viewer through thought-provoking adventures. The 13-episode season features time travel to past eras, revealing unsung scientific heroes who sacrificed everything in the pursuit of scientific revelation. It transports the viewer to a hidden place where life may have begun on Earth, to some of the lost worlds of our ancestors, and to the possible worlds of our remote descendants. Neil deGrasse Tyson serves as host and executive science editor.
Earth Day Programming
On April 22nd the world celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. National Geographic will mark the occasion with two primetime specials that raise awareness of our dynamic planet and its inhabitants.
At 8 pm ET on April 22nd, National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD will broadcast a special hosted by Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts. The 1 hr live broadcast is called Born Wild: Earth Day Live. The program will be immediately followed by a 2 hour documentary Jane Goodall: The Hope.
Born Wild: Earth Day Live
Robin Roberts will be stationed at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, the largest marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation hospital in the world. There, she will interact with seal and sea lion pups while talking with species experts about what is being done to save these animals. National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry, a marine wildlife expert, and ABC News’ Matt Gutman will also follow a baby humpback whale and its mama, diving alongside the pair face to face, sharing their magical world and helping viewers fall in love with their precious ecosystem. Big cat experts, conservationists, and National Geographic Explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert and Nightline co-anchor Juju Chang will embark on a journey to find a specific pride of lions that the Jouberts have been following for years. The charismatic lion cubs are under the daily threat of poaching, which determines the course of all conservation in Africa. Renowned bear researcher and wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and ABC News’ Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee will work with biologists to extract newborn black bear cubs carefully from their dens to gather critical measurements to help biologists ensure the animals’ health and safety leading into the spring. Finally, biologist Dr Ian Singleton and ABC News’ Linsey Davis will meet infant orangutans as they prepare for life on their own.
Jane Goodall: The Hope
Follow Jane Goodall throughout her never-ending travels and witness her relentless commitment and determination to spread a message of hope. The film offers an intimate look at Goodall’s transformation from scientist to inspiration activities. The program will feature an extensive collection of photographs and footage that spans more than 7 decades. The documentary perfectly illustrates how her passion for wildlife and unshakeable drive have persevered making her one of the most important voices in animal conservation.
Heartland Docs, DVM
This series debuted yesterday (January 25th) and follows a husband-and-wife veterinarian team (Erin and Ben Schroeder) who practice together in rural Nebraska. Witness their unbridled commitment to their community’s farmers. With their two sons, Charlie and Chase the family is constantly on the go as they care for the regions myriad of different animals in need covering everything from cows, llamas and deer to potbellied pigs and possum. From winter blizzards to spring tornadoes and blistering summer heatwaves, Drs. Erin and Ben Schroeder overcome the obstacles with skill and heart.
Critter Fixers: Country Vets
This new show premiers on March 7th and follows Dr. Vernard Hodges and Dr Terrence Ferguson, two lifelong friends who own and operate Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital located 100 miles south of Atlanta. These physicians bring real heart, soul and humor to their treatment and care of more than 20,000 animals a year. The series covers everything from emergency visits to farm calls in rural Georgia. You’ll see them treat a police dog with cactus thorns around her eye, a potbellied pig with lacerations and so much more!
Race to the Center of the Earth
From the award-winning producers of The Amazing Race comes National Geographics first-ever global competition series. Race to the Center of the Earth is an extreme no-elimination competition series that pits four teams of three contestants against one another in a non-stop adventure across the globe. Over 8 episodes, the adventure will send teams racing through Canada, Russia, Southeast Asia and South America. The first to reach the finish line will win $1 million.
Genius: Aretha
The Emmy-winning global anthology series Genius is back with this dramatization of the life of Aretha Franklin. The show will make its debut on May 25, 2020. The 8-part series will explore Franklin’s musical genius and incomparable career as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture. Aretha will alternate between present-day storylines to scenes from her youth. It covers everything from her childhood to pivotal events that influenced her career as an adult.
So what are you waiting for? Make 2020 the year you have the experiences of a lifetime with your gang! Getting started is easy, simply fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels! Book before January 31, 2020, and I’ll even throw in a FREE Disney Gift Card!
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook
.