BBC Studios & Nat Geo to Expand Life Below Zero Brand

BBC Studios and National Geographic have agreed to a three-series commitment that expands the Life Below Zero brand in the U.S., Canada and Caribbean Basin.

The deal includes an all-new eight-part spin-off series, Life Below Zero: Next Generation, produced by BBC Studios’ Los Angeles production unit. Life Below Zero: Next Generation will follow new individuals who, in a brave move, recently left their traditional lifestyle behind to face a challenging new world off the grid in the wilds of Alaska.

The pact includes two additional seasons of Life Below Zero and an additional season of Life Below Zero: Port Protection.

“Life Below Zero has become a multiple Emmy award-winning fan favorite because it captures the harsh reality and stark beauty of living off the grid in one of the world’s most unpredictable and unforgiving environments. It truly delivers all the awe and wonder our viewers expect—with zero risk of frostbite,” said Geoff Daniels, executive VP of global unscripted entertainment, National Geographic. “I couldn’t be more excited to continue the LBZ adventure with Next Generation, which follows the dramatic stories of less experienced individuals who’ve made the brave decision to ditch their 9-to-5s and attempt to forge a new life for themselves in the vastness of Alaska’s wild frontier.”

Travis Shakespeare, senior VP of unscripted programming at BBC Studios and executive producer, commented, “This is a fantastic opportunity to expand all the best Life Below Zero has to offer, including a whole new generation of inspiring young women and men who are choosing to go against the tide of modernity in search of a life of freedom and self-agency. Viewers can expect the traditional society behind. Instead, they have chosen a different life, with varying degrees of danger and challenges, in the remote regions of Alaska. In the same high production values and riveting storytelling that have become synonymous with Life Below Zero, along with stylistic updates and all-new characters.”

Matt Forde, managing director of international production and formats at BBC Studios, continued, “We are incredibly proud of the reception our franchise, Life Below Zero, has had around the world and couldn’t be happier to see it have such an organic expansion with the addition of Life Below Zero: Next Generation. In National Geographic, we have a partner who believes in this brand and—like us—relishes bringing viewers the stories of women and men who risk it all to live a life that’s true to themselves.”