First off, the series can only be as likable as its host and Bertie Gregory delivers in a big way on that front. He’s as relatable a nature doc host as I can remember seeing and that makes the show so much more enjoyable to watch. It almost feels as though you’re along for this journey with a friend, rather than a documentarian who is simply trying to inform you on how these animals live.
That brings a much more fun energy to this show that you typically do not see in these types of series. Yes, it is still very educational and delivers the message of the importance of conservation, but it also makes it a point to entertain. Gregory, and the show in general, grab your attention right from the start of each episode and don’t let go until the credits are rolling.
Another great thing about this series is the variety of animals it covers. If you are specifically interested in sharks, there’s an episode for that. Want to see how eagles hunt in Africa? There’s an episode for that. This show offers something for everyone, regardless of what types of animals they want to see. And by the time you pick out a couple of specific episodes and watch, you’ll be hooked and fund yourself watching all of the others as well.
The true appeal of this show is without a doubt the mesmerizingly beautiful shots Gregory and his crew deliver. Looking away from your screen becomes impossible once your eyes lock on 10 million migrating bats silhouetted by the sunrise or a school of countless hammerhead sharks swarming above the host. It’s almost a guarantee that at least once in each episode, you will find yourself subconsciously saying “wow.”
And perhaps the most beautiful thing about this show is that you don’t have to wait until the very end to see those incredible sights. If Gregory is out to find lions, you’re going to see lions within the first 10 minutes of the episode. The show still manages to build suspense as Gregory seeks to get an even more impressive or perhaps a specific type of shot, but you’re certainly going to get some really great visuals leading up to that point.
Overall, Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory is everything you want a National Geographic series to be. The show covers all kinds of fascinating animals and lets you see them in ways you never have before. National Geographic has of course provided a lot of memorable and iconic nature shots in the past and this new series still manages to raise the bar.
Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory will debut on Disney+ on September 8th.
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