BBC Factual Unveils New Natural History Programs

BBC Factual has unveiled three new natural history programs, including Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles with wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin.

The new four-part series with Yassin explores species and spectacles hidden in the urban and rural landscapes of the U.K.’s four countries, revealing nocturnal animals and camouflaged creatures hiding in plain sight.

Each of the four episodes follow a seasonal narrative as nature’s calendar unsolders across the year. The series is produced by Silverback Films (Wild Isles, Hamza: Strictly Birds of Prey) and is co-produced by the National Trust and The Open University. It will air on BBC One and iPlayer.

BBC Factual has also ordered Hidden Planet, which dives into the world of the most successful animals on Earth—insects. Across five episodes filmed around the globe, it will reveal insects as doting parents that defend their families, accomplished architects that build elaborate structures and sophisticated communicators. It is produced by the BBC Studios Natural History Unit and co-produced by The Open University. It will air on BBC One and iPlayer.

For BBC Two and iPlayer, the film Expedition Killer Whale will take a deep dive into the complex hunting methods and communication techniques of the killer whale. Using the latest technology, scientists and camera teams record everything they can about the whales, which are now under threat, and assess their chances for survival in the modern world. It is produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit.

“These are three thrilling projects that demonstrate the breadth of natural history programming on the BBC,” said Jack Bootle, head of commissioning for specialist factual. “I’m committed to ensuring that we remain the place where wildlife filmmakers do their best work, and I love collaborating with the creatives of Bristol. The city is an extraordinary global hub of talent, and its natural history producers are the envy of the world. I look forward to making more programs with them in the future.”