Paramount’s Channel 5 is embarking on an exciting new adventure as it ventures into South Africa to create two captivating wildlife series. The network has partnered with Sky Studios-owned factual specialist True to Nature to produce two hour-long episodes, titled Croc Watch and Hippo Watch, presented by renowned British naturalist Steve Backshall. This ambitious project marks a significant investment in natural history programming for Channel 5 as it delves into the lives of crocodiles and hippos, shedding light on the remarkable secrets of these fascinating creatures and showcasing the beauty of their natural habitats.
Croc Watch and Hippo Watch will take audiences on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of South Africa. Steve Backshall, known for his work on True to Nature-produced series Whale with Steve Backshall, will immerse himself in the world of crocodiles and hippos, revealing their mysteries and shedding light on their survival techniques. Through an exploration of their daily habits, hunting techniques, parenting instincts, and the intricate dynamics of the wild, Backshall aims to uncover the mechanisms that enable these creatures to thrive in their environments.
Meet the Perfect Host
Renowned naturalist Steve Backshall is the ideal host for this captivating exploration. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Backshall is poised to dive deep into the worlds of crocodiles and hippos, unraveling the enigmatic secrets of these incredible animals. Channel 5 and Paramount+ Commissioning Editor, Denise Seneviratne, expressed her excitement at collaborating with Backshall and True to Nature, highlighting Backshall’s suitability for the task. She also commended the production company for bringing these remarkable series to Channel 5, recognizing the significance of the project for the network.
True to Nature founder, Wendy Darke, emphasized the experience and expertise of Steve Backshall and the production team in capturing unprecedented footage of these iconic animals. As the former chief of the BBC Natural History Unit, Darke understands the importance of showcasing the natural world in a visually compelling and informative manner. True to Nature’s program-making style, which blends premium content with contemporary environmentalism, promises to captivate audiences and meet their expectations.
True to Nature’s Exceptional Portfolio
True to Nature is renowned for its blue-chip natural history programming. The production company boasts an impressive slate, including Sky and Netflix’s groundbreaking co-production, Predators, narrated by Tom Hardy, as well as Predators in Action, a collaboration between ITV and Disney’s National Geographic International. These projects exemplify True to Nature’s commitment to creating exceptional wildlife content that resonates with audiences worldwide, pushing the boundaries of storytelling in the natural history genre.
Channel 5’s foray into South Africa in search of the enigmatic crocodiles and hippos is an exciting step for the network. With Steve Backshall leading the way, viewers can expect to embark on an enthralling journey into the natural habitats of these magnificent creatures. The collaboration between Channel 5, True to Nature, and Backshall promises a groundbreaking series that will capture the beauty and intrigue of the wild. Croc Watch and Hippo Watch are set to redefine natural history programming, providing audiences with a unique and immersive experience filled with awe-inspiring moments and a deeper understanding of these remarkable animals.