Wild Alaska Live

Wild Alaska Live is an ambitious three-episode wildlife documentary series from BBC Two that was aired in 2017, offering you a front-row seat to enjoy the pristine beauty and captivating wildlife of Alaska. With its fascinating landscape cloaked in ice and snow, teeming with a variety of fauna that thrive in the harsh conditions, Alaska proves to be a perfect canvas for this documentary series to portray a stirring narrative encompassing the cycle of life from birth, survival, to death. Airing live from the wilderness of Alaska, the show provides real-time insights into the natural world rarely visible to the human eye and offers an unparalleled viewing experience.

Wild Alaska Live was filmed in the Alaskan summer, a critical season when the wild denizens of Alaska emerge from a relentless winter and display a hurried rush of activity in their struggle for survival. The summer bursts with life; it's here that the documentary captures the region's inhabitants' fight for sustenance and procreation before the onset of another frostbitten winter. The live filming format of the series allowed viewers to witness the unpredictable events unfolding in the wilderness, leading to unexpected, spontaneous moments, making the viewing experience extremely thrilling.

Spearheading the series are the naturalist and presenter Steve Backshall, wildlife expert and TV presenter Matt Baker, and the much-acclaimed wildlife cameraman and presenter Gordon Buchanan. Their combined experience and mastery contribute significantly to the series' allure as they navigate the vast Alaskan wilderness, providing informative commentary and lending their sharp eyes for spotting wildlife in the landscape. Their passionate narrative, blended with striking visuals, guides you through the epic drama of life and struggle that unfolds in Alaska's enthralling backdrop.

Through the duration of the series, viewers sail along the mighty Alaskan rivers watching the journey of salmon as they travel upstream to spawn, witness the heart-stopping spectacle of grizzly bears hunting, explore dense green forests that are home to elusive black bears, observe the majestic bald eagles soaring high up in the sky, and peek into the world of beavers, sea otters, and seals. The series also courageously dives deep into the ocean, unveiling the largely unseen marine life, featuring humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions, just to name a few.

Each episode is a seamless blend of dramatic live action and pre-recorded footage, providing a comprehensive view of Alaskan wildlife. The live interaction of the hosts with the surroundings, coupled with the breath-taking cinematography, helps in constructing a compelling narrative. Additionally, the mini-documentaries filmed by the team in the run-up to the live broadcasts enrich the viewing experience by providing detailed information about the wildlife, their habitats, and the threats they face.

What’s commendable about Wild Alaska Live is the series' focus on conservation and its call to recognize the urgent need for sustainable practices. It poses a bold reflection on the impact of climate change on this pristine landscape and its magnificent creatures. It leaves viewers with a stark message about the profound influence our actions have on the natural world and urges us to respect and protect the balance of nature.

Truly a celebration of the animal kingdom and a testament to the resilience of life, Wild Alaska Live acts as a portal to the untouched wilderness of Alaska, full of surprises and breathtaking visuals. The series, with its engaging storytelling and awe-inspiring presentation, is bound to enchant nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and casual viewers alike. Wild Alaska Live is much more than a documentary—it's an earnest attempt to capture and present the raw, compelling drama of life, survival, and adaptation enacted by the daring denizens of the wild Alaskan frontier.