The BBC has taken viewers on another awe-inspiring adventure with the release of its new seven-part wildlife series, Asia, narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough. This monumental series, which took nearly four years to film, showcases stunning footage from some of the continent’s most spectacular landscapes, including Nepal, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Borneo, Thailand, and Siberia. Attenborough, now 98 years old, continues to captivate audiences with his distinctive voice and extensive knowledge of the natural world.
Hitting the airwaves on November 3, Asia promises to be both educational and visually stunning. The series kicks off with the episode titled “Beneath The Waves,” highlighting the rich marine life found around Asia's coastlines. Subsequent episodes will take audiences on breathtaking journeys across diverse ecosystems, such as high-altitude tea plantations home to elephants and elusive red pandas, followed by the chilling landscapes depicted in “The Frozen North.” Here, wildlife battles for survival, featuring majestic polar bears, Himalayan wolves, and sea eagles.
One of the episodes, “Crowded Continent,” explores the often complex relationship between humans and wildlife. The cinematography reveals how animals adapt to urban environments and coexist with people, beautifully illustrating life amid the hustle and bustle of some of the continent’s most populous cities. For every park in Bangkok showcasing its giant lizards, there are also tales of elephants halting traffic as they seek food from motorists—nuanced stories of survival and adaptation.
Closing the series is “Saving Asia,” which highlights various wildlife preservation efforts across the continent. This episode will touch on innovations such as breeding programs for endangered species, the use of artificial uteruses, and police crackdowns on the illegal wildlife trade, underlining the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Roger Webb, the series executive producer, described Asia's wildlife as "on par, if not even more incredible than anywhere else in the world.” He remarked on the continent’s rich biodiversity, emphasizing the range from frozen tundras to scorching deserts, each habitat offering unique opportunities for storytelling and wildlife observation.
While filming took place over four years, the challenges faced by the crew were formidable. Locations varied widely, from dense jungles teeming with life to the icy reaches of the northern climatic zones. The production team made use of cutting-edge technology, including drones and submarines, to capture the subtleties of animal behaviors and interactions. For the remarkable sequences featuring the Moorish idol fish and grey reef sharks, shots were captured as the crew followed the fish during their spawning season, leading to dramatic chase scenes under the waves.
Matthew Wright, the series producer, shared his enthusiasm during production, stating, “Having David there just felt right.” Attenborough’s impressive background, which includes decades of expeditions across Asia, meant he often refused the pronunciation guides offered during filming, explaining he was very familiar with the animals and locations featured. This intimate connection allowed for authentic storytelling sacrosanct to the Asia series.
Markhor goats battling for dominance among the peaks of Pakistan, majestic snow leopards prowling the Indian Himalayas, and herds of elephants meandering through tea plantations are just snippets of the rich array of wildlife the series portrays. Indeed, the show explores diverse themes, painting not just the beauty of wildlife but also the realities they face due to climate change and human encroachment.
According to Wright, the stories captured were unique, with many featuring animals rarely documented before—a point underscored by the team’s excitement upon successfully filming these fleeting moments. For all the tales told, it’s the encounters with rarely-spotting species and the complexity of their existence alongside humans which will resonate strongly with audiences.
Asia doesn’t just entertain; it educates viewers about the delicate ecosystems and interdependencies present within the world’s largest continent. This series, especially under Attenborough's narration, brings forth compelling narratives about conservation needs born from firsthand experience and passionate advocacy. For anyone who thinks they have seen the best of nature, Attenborough warns, "There’s nowhere else on Earth with so many untold stories."
With Asia, The BBC plays its part not just as entertainment but as part of the larger narrative of environmental consciousness. By showcasing the struggles and triumphs of wildlife, it instills urgency, reminding everyone of their role in preserving the rich tapestries of life. The captivating visuals paired with Attenborough’s wisdom promise to leave viewers not just in awe of nature’s beauty but also empowered to protect it.
