Exclusive: National Geographic is demonstrating full confidence in its new series Life Below Zero: First Alaskans, ordering a second season of the unscripted show days before the premiere of Season 1.
The spinoff of the long-running, Emmy-winning Life Below Zero focuses on indigenous Alaska natives, who “walk in two worlds: one of traditional ways and one of 21st century challenges… Life Below Zero: First Alaskans follows new Alaska Natives as they use sophisticated techniques and methods passed down from generation to generation to thrive in some of the most brutal environments.”
Spring Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
Season 1 debuts on National Geographic with back-to-back episodes Monday night, May 30, before settling into its regular Tuesday night time slot on May 31.
“The heart of the Life Below Zero franchise has always been the ingenuity, resilience and spirit of the individuals who survive and thrive in one...
The spinoff of the long-running, Emmy-winning Life Below Zero focuses on indigenous Alaska natives, who “walk in two worlds: one of traditional ways and one of 21st century challenges… Life Below Zero: First Alaskans follows new Alaska Natives as they use sophisticated techniques and methods passed down from generation to generation to thrive in some of the most brutal environments.”
Spring Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
Season 1 debuts on National Geographic with back-to-back episodes Monday night, May 30, before settling into its regular Tuesday night time slot on May 31.
“The heart of the Life Below Zero franchise has always been the ingenuity, resilience and spirit of the individuals who survive and thrive in one...
- 5/26/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
National Geographic is expanding its unscripted slate with greenlights for three new series — Life Below Zero: First Alaskans, a spinoff of the Emmy-winning Life Below Zero franchise, Appetite for Adventure with BBQ pitmaster Big Moe Cason, and The 7 Toughest Days on Earth with adventurer and explorer Dwayne Fields from One Strange Rock producers Nutopia. Additionally, Nat Geo has given an early Season 3 renewal to Emmy-nominated docuseries Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller. Courteney Monroe, president, National Geographic Content, announced the news during Nat Geo’s TCA session Tuesday.
“These new series are exciting additions to our stable of popular, returnable, scalable series led by charismatic personalities,” said Monroe. “The talent at the center of each of these series have unique voices and perspectives that will undoubtedly inspire the explorer in all of us.”
The three new series will also have a second window on Disney+.
Life Below Zero: First Alaskans expands...
“These new series are exciting additions to our stable of popular, returnable, scalable series led by charismatic personalities,” said Monroe. “The talent at the center of each of these series have unique voices and perspectives that will undoubtedly inspire the explorer in all of us.”
The three new series will also have a second window on Disney+.
Life Below Zero: First Alaskans expands...
- 8/18/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
National Geographic has renewed “Trafficked With Mariana van Zeller” for a third season ahead of its second season premiere, which comes Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. Additionally, the network ordered three new unscripted series: “Life Below Zero: First Alaskans,” “The 7 Toughest Days on Earth” and “Appetite for Adventures.”
The second season of “Trafficked” was produced amid the Covid-19 pandemic and consists of 10 new episodes; the third season will begin production this fall. Each episode of the series will continue to follow the titular Peabody and duPont Award-winning journalist as she works her way inside a black market or trafficking network to expose the business, the players and the inner workings of the shadow economy. In Season 2, those businesses include romance scams, a meth superhighway, California’s marijuana black market, a stolen car smuggling route, outlaw motorcycle gangs, black market plastic surgery, supremacy, and more.
“Filming a whole season of ‘Trafficked’ during...
The second season of “Trafficked” was produced amid the Covid-19 pandemic and consists of 10 new episodes; the third season will begin production this fall. Each episode of the series will continue to follow the titular Peabody and duPont Award-winning journalist as she works her way inside a black market or trafficking network to expose the business, the players and the inner workings of the shadow economy. In Season 2, those businesses include romance scams, a meth superhighway, California’s marijuana black market, a stolen car smuggling route, outlaw motorcycle gangs, black market plastic surgery, supremacy, and more.
“Filming a whole season of ‘Trafficked’ during...
- 8/18/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Nat Geo has ordered a third “Life Below Zero” spinoff, “Life Below Zero: First Alaskans.” Additionally, the cable channel ordered two new series, “The 7 Toughest Days on Earth” and “Appetite for Adventure,” and renewed “Trafficked With Mariana Van Zeller,” National Geographic Content President Courteney Monroe announced Wednesday at the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour.
Monroe also revealed the second season of Van Zeller’s Emmy-nominated series will premiere Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
“Life Below Zero: First Alaskans” is the first nonfiction series on National Geographic Channel centered on a cast of Native Alaskans. It also includes representation on the production team, Nat Geo said.
“The 7 Toughest Days on Earth” stars Dwayne Fields, the first Black British citizen to conquer the magnetic north pole, as he aims to survive the most extreme elements on the planet. On “Appetite for Adventure,” BBQ pitmaster and former U.S. Navy veteran...
Monroe also revealed the second season of Van Zeller’s Emmy-nominated series will premiere Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
“Life Below Zero: First Alaskans” is the first nonfiction series on National Geographic Channel centered on a cast of Native Alaskans. It also includes representation on the production team, Nat Geo said.
“The 7 Toughest Days on Earth” stars Dwayne Fields, the first Black British citizen to conquer the magnetic north pole, as he aims to survive the most extreme elements on the planet. On “Appetite for Adventure,” BBQ pitmaster and former U.S. Navy veteran...
- 8/18/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
In 2020, Hollywood productions worldwide were shuttered due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Reality TV shows were some of the first programs to return during quarantine, thanks in part to producers finding clever ways to adapt to their new surroundings. In Gold Derby’s Meet the Experts: Reality TV panel, four such storytellers — Joseph Guidry (“Full Bloom”), Joseph Litzinger (“Life Below Zero”), Craig Plestis (“The Masked Singer”) and Graham McTavish (“Men in Kilts”) — explain how they pivoted during the pandemic to keep the lights on.
Click on each name to watch that person’s individual panel interview. Watch our full panel above to hear everyone’s answers and more.
See Watch our Meet the Experts panels
“We were two weeks into our show and then Covid happened,” Guidry says about the competition series he directs that tasks florists with creating beautiful flower arrangements. “We were down for five months, and I think...
Click on each name to watch that person’s individual panel interview. Watch our full panel above to hear everyone’s answers and more.
See Watch our Meet the Experts panels
“We were two weeks into our show and then Covid happened,” Guidry says about the competition series he directs that tasks florists with creating beautiful flower arrangements. “We were down for five months, and I think...
- 6/2/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
After producing hundreds of episodes and winning five Emmy Awards, “Life Below Zero” is still going strong nearly a decade after it first premiered on Nat Geo in 2013. “It really felt like there was something special” from the very beginning, reflects showrunner Joseph Litzinger during Gold Derby’s Meet the Experts: Reality TV panel (watch the exclusive video interview above). “You never know if the audience is going to respond or what the ratings will be, but [there’s] no way I could have predicted [the show’s success],” he adds. The most recent 15th season aired on Nat Geo last fall and is now available to stream on Disney Plus.
“It’s nice to win awards and get recognized,” the producer says about the show’s recent triumphs at the Emmys, winning for cinematography in 2016, ’18, ’19 and ’20 and for picture editing in 2017. “The beauty of the cinematography and the editing awards is that it’s recognition from your peers.
“It’s nice to win awards and get recognized,” the producer says about the show’s recent triumphs at the Emmys, winning for cinematography in 2016, ’18, ’19 and ’20 and for picture editing in 2017. “The beauty of the cinematography and the editing awards is that it’s recognition from your peers.
- 6/2/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
As a group classification, reality TV shows include a lot more than just those wild and often poignant competition programs. That’s why the Emmys are creating more and more categories for reality shows all the time. Watch our intriguing and brutally frank roundtable chat with the creative bosses of these top contenders: “Full Bloom” (Joseph Guidry), “Life Below Zero” (Joseph Litzinger), “The Masked Singer” (Craig Plestis) and “Men in Kilts” (Graham McTavish). Hosted by senior editor Marcus James Dixon.
- 5/26/2021
- by Tom O'Neil
- Gold Derby
Four top TV reality producers will reveal secrets behind their projects when they join Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with key 2021 guild and Emmy contenders this month. Each person will participate in two video discussions to premiere on Tuesday, May 25, at 5:00 p.m. Pt; 8:00 p.m. Et. We’ll have a one-on-one with our senior editor Marcus Dixon and a group chat with Marcus and all of the group together.
RSVP today to this specific event by clicking here to book your reservation. Or click here to RSVP for our entire ongoing panel series. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following 2021 guild and Emmy contenders:
“Full Bloom”: Joseph Guidry
Synopsis: Ten of America’s budding florists vying to be crowned America’s best.
“Life Below Zero...
RSVP today to this specific event by clicking here to book your reservation. Or click here to RSVP for our entire ongoing panel series. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following 2021 guild and Emmy contenders:
“Full Bloom”: Joseph Guidry
Synopsis: Ten of America’s budding florists vying to be crowned America’s best.
“Life Below Zero...
- 5/18/2021
- by Chris Beachum and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
National Geographic will bring back a number of franchise titles for the 2021-2022 season. During its upfront presentation on Tuesday, National Geographic revealed that has handed renewals to its Life Below Zero and Wicked Tuna franchises. Also set to return for new seasons are adventure shows Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, Running Wild with Bear Grylls, and Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller.
The documentary network has also set the return for its annual Sharkfest special, marking its 10th anniversary on Nat Geo. It was also revealed that Good Morning America co-anchors Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan will join National Geographic for Explorer, a special produced in partnership with ABC News.
See National Geographic’s complete renewal slate below.
Returning Series
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted
Renewed for Season Four (Studio Ramsay)
Gordon Ramsay laces his boots, grabs his knives and buckles up as he hits the road to embark on more exhilarating adventures, exploring...
The documentary network has also set the return for its annual Sharkfest special, marking its 10th anniversary on Nat Geo. It was also revealed that Good Morning America co-anchors Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan will join National Geographic for Explorer, a special produced in partnership with ABC News.
See National Geographic’s complete renewal slate below.
Returning Series
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted
Renewed for Season Four (Studio Ramsay)
Gordon Ramsay laces his boots, grabs his knives and buckles up as he hits the road to embark on more exhilarating adventures, exploring...
- 5/18/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
National Geographic is getting into the Emmy Fyc podcast game. The network has launched “Consider This,” a new 12-episode series that will feature stars and producers from Nat Geo’s Emmy contenders.
Guests will include Marcia Gay Harden, Dr. Amani Ballour (“The Cave”), Jeff Goldblum (“The World According to Jeff Goldblum”), Dr. Jane Goodall (“Sea of Shadows”), Bear Grylls (“Running Wild with Bear Grylls”), Keegan-Michael Key (“Brain Games”), Gordon Ramsay (“Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted”), David Thewlis (“Barkskins”), Neil deGrasse Tyson (“Cosmos: Possible Worlds”) and Sue Aikens (“Life Below Zero”). Journalist Stacey Wilson Hunt hosts the podcast.
“Consider This” will be available to download starting Monday via Apple, Spotify, Radio.com, TuneIn, Deezer, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast and Pocketcast.The first episode features Tyson, followed by one with Key.
Other interviewees include Ann Druyan (“Cosmos: Possible Worlds”), Sigrid Dyekjær (“The Cave”), Jon Kroll (“Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted”), Joseph Litzinger (“Life Below Zero”) and...
Guests will include Marcia Gay Harden, Dr. Amani Ballour (“The Cave”), Jeff Goldblum (“The World According to Jeff Goldblum”), Dr. Jane Goodall (“Sea of Shadows”), Bear Grylls (“Running Wild with Bear Grylls”), Keegan-Michael Key (“Brain Games”), Gordon Ramsay (“Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted”), David Thewlis (“Barkskins”), Neil deGrasse Tyson (“Cosmos: Possible Worlds”) and Sue Aikens (“Life Below Zero”). Journalist Stacey Wilson Hunt hosts the podcast.
“Consider This” will be available to download starting Monday via Apple, Spotify, Radio.com, TuneIn, Deezer, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast and Pocketcast.The first episode features Tyson, followed by one with Key.
Other interviewees include Ann Druyan (“Cosmos: Possible Worlds”), Sigrid Dyekjær (“The Cave”), Jon Kroll (“Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted”), Joseph Litzinger (“Life Below Zero”) and...
- 6/15/2020
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Nat Geo is braving the Alaskan wildnerness again with a new Life Below Zero spinoff as well as a multiple season renewal for the original show.
The factual broadcaster has handed BBC Studios a three-season deal that includes two additional seasons of Life Below Zero and an additional season of Life Below Zero: Port Protection.
The deal also includes a new eight-part spinoff series, Life Below Zero: Next Generation, which will premiere in 2021. The spin-off 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. It will be produced by BBC Studios’ Los Angeles production unit — the original creative and production team behind Life Below Zero.
Nat Geo @ TCA: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
Life Below Zero and Life Below Zero: Port Protection both follow a cast of people who have left traditional society behind.
The factual broadcaster has handed BBC Studios a three-season deal that includes two additional seasons of Life Below Zero and an additional season of Life Below Zero: Port Protection.
The deal also includes a new eight-part spinoff series, Life Below Zero: Next Generation, which will premiere in 2021. The spin-off 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. It will be produced by BBC Studios’ Los Angeles production unit — the original creative and production team behind Life Below Zero.
Nat Geo @ TCA: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
Life Below Zero and Life Below Zero: Port Protection both follow a cast of people who have left traditional society behind.
- 1/17/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The kind of place where you know everyone and everyone knows you — that’s how the residents of Butte, Montana describe their sleepy hometown in “Zulu Summer.” A lot of towns fit that description, but not too many have hosted foreign delegations from the Zulu tribe. Joseph Litzinger and Eric Michael Schrader’s documentary, which just had its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, follows the stranger-than-fiction story of Prince Siboniso Zulu’s quest to learn more about America by visiting the heartland all the way from his own home of Nongoma, South Africa — a summer-long stay made even more notable by how long it took his eventual hosts to realize he was being serious about it.
Neither location jumps out as either a tourist destination or cultural hotspot, with Butte’s residents being the first to tell you that few visit the town of 34,000 unless they...
Neither location jumps out as either a tourist destination or cultural hotspot, with Butte’s residents being the first to tell you that few visit the town of 34,000 unless they...
- 2/13/2019
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has announced the lineup for its 34th edition, which takes place from Jan. 30 to Feb. 9. Sixty-three world premieres will debut at the California fest, which is also hosting 59 U.S. premieres from 48 countries. “Diving Deep: The Life and Times of Mike deGruy” will open the festival, with “Spoons: A Santa Barbara Story” closing it.
Sbiff also serves as an awards-season stop, and this year’s honorees include Viggo Mortensen, Glenn Close, Melissa McCarthy, Yalitza Aparicio, Sam Elliott, Elsie Fisher, Claire Foy, Richard E. Grant, Thomasin McKenzie, John David Washington, Steven Yeun, and Michael B. Jordan.
Here’s the lineup:
Babysplitters, USA – World Premiere
Directed by Sam Friedlander
Better Together, USA – World Premiere
Directed by Isaac Hernández
The Bird Catcher, Norway, UK – World Premiere
Directed by Ross Clarke
Cemetery Park, USA – World Premiere
Directed by Brandon Alvis
Diving Deep: The Life and Times of Mike deGruy,...
Sbiff also serves as an awards-season stop, and this year’s honorees include Viggo Mortensen, Glenn Close, Melissa McCarthy, Yalitza Aparicio, Sam Elliott, Elsie Fisher, Claire Foy, Richard E. Grant, Thomasin McKenzie, John David Washington, Steven Yeun, and Michael B. Jordan.
Here’s the lineup:
Babysplitters, USA – World Premiere
Directed by Sam Friedlander
Better Together, USA – World Premiere
Directed by Isaac Hernández
The Bird Catcher, Norway, UK – World Premiere
Directed by Ross Clarke
Cemetery Park, USA – World Premiere
Directed by Brandon Alvis
Diving Deep: The Life and Times of Mike deGruy,...
- 1/12/2019
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
National Geographic Channel has season premiere dates for a pair of its returning series. The 11th season of docuseries Life Below Zero bows September 25, and Season 4 of interview show StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson — which includes an interview with the late Anthony Bourdain — launches November 12.
The logline for the coming 12-episode run of Life Below Zero, which will include its 100 episode: Our daring and creative crew work tirelessly behind the scenes to capture the lifestyles our tough Alaskans live, putting themselves through the most daunting and challenging situations. They’ve shot the series in temperatures as low as minus 40 F, and often carry backpacks of batteries that weigh more than 100 pounds. The crew masterminded a technique, powered by solar energy, that withstood the harsh climate to record a 17-day long time lapse. In the winter months they may see a few hours of twilight — no full sun — each day.
In the upcoming season of StarTalk,...
The logline for the coming 12-episode run of Life Below Zero, which will include its 100 episode: Our daring and creative crew work tirelessly behind the scenes to capture the lifestyles our tough Alaskans live, putting themselves through the most daunting and challenging situations. They’ve shot the series in temperatures as low as minus 40 F, and often carry backpacks of batteries that weigh more than 100 pounds. The crew masterminded a technique, powered by solar energy, that withstood the harsh climate to record a 17-day long time lapse. In the winter months they may see a few hours of twilight — no full sun — each day.
In the upcoming season of StarTalk,...
- 7/25/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
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