The BBC is set to premiere a new documentary series entitled *Evolution* on July 13 at 9 p.m. on BBC2, aiming to present the topic of evolution with a modern narrative style designed to engage contemporary audiences. The series, hosted by presenter Chris, strives to captivate viewers by offering concise, impactful segments that act as entry points into broader scientific stories.
Chris explained that the approach differs from traditional nature programming by providing brief, 20-second snippets intended to spark curiosity and conversation among viewers. “We want people to go down the pub and say, ‘Do you know what? I just watched this programme and, you won’t believe it, we couldn’t have a head before we had an arse,’” he said, highlighting the show’s aim to surprise and educate.
The production prioritized sustainability by minimizing travel to reduce its carbon footprint. Unlike past series that required filming in numerous locations, each episode of *Evolution* was largely filmed in a single site. For example, elephants featured in the opening segment were shot in Kenya, while ostriches appeared in South Africa. Other locations included the UK for horses, France (reached by train) for parts of the production, the Bahamas for dolphin footage, and Borneo for bats.
Chris noted the importance of his enthusiasm in engaging the audience, drawing inspiration from Sir David Attenborough’s style. He recalled watching a program about birds of paradise filmed in Papua New Guinea, which fueled his passion for wildlife and underscored the value of connecting with viewers through genuine excitement.
Reflecting on moments from filming, he described the emotional experience of holding a newly hatched baby ostrich, underscoring the intimate encounters the series offers.
Chris also emphasized the joy of learning throughout the project, working closely with experts who distilled complex scientific knowledge into concise explanations. “There’s no dumbing down, but we are building a narrative which will keep our audience engaged,” he said.
*Evolution* promises to combine scientific rigor with innovative storytelling to provide viewers with fresh insights into the natural world and the processes that have shaped life on Earth.
