Hi TreePeople!
It’s no surprise that more people have been watching more and more shows on Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming services this past month (much more than before!!)
However, many of us still long for the chance to get outside and experience nature, which may be hard to do while respecting physical distancing guidelines.
If you’re looking for something binge-watch in between your neighborhood walks during Earth Week, TreePeople has put together some amazing environmental shows we love watching!
Planet Earth I and II (iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime, BBC America)
Planet Earth was incredibly ground-breaking when it came out 14 years ago, where Sir David Attenborough took us on a journey from the highest peaks of the Himalayas to the deepest depths of the open ocean, meeting some amazing and fascinating animals along the way. Watching this is a great way to travel the globe without leaving your house! Its sequel gets even more intimate, showing us never-before-seen footage and profiling animals adapting to life in our cities.
Seven Worlds-One Planet (Amazon Prime, BBC America)
Seven Worlds-One Planet is a brand-new series taking an in-depth look at wildlife on every continent; seven episodes for each continent. 1,794 days were spent filming this series in 41 countries, producing some of the most incredible footage of cassowary families (Australia), the courtship rituals of fireflies (North America), and the secret lives of wild hamsters (Europe)!
PBS Eons (YouTube)
The folks at PBS have created a cool web series exploring the mysteries of prehistoric life from the beginning of life to the last Ice Age. Recent episodes include how curious wolves became “man’s best friend”, how penguins might have lost the ability to fly, and how paleo art (art depicting prehistoric life) evolved.
Night on Earth (Netflix)
Ever wondered what animals and plants do when we go to sleep? In this series, we go beyond the traditional night vision cameras and see animals and plants go about their lives in darkness with the help of moonlight cameras, thermal imaging, and infrared light. Did you know black rhinos, normally solitary, have been filmed socializing with each other at watering holes at night?
One Strange Rock (Disney+)
Narrated by Will Smith, One Strange Rock takes a closer look at what makes our planet unique. Taken from the perspective of astronauts, we discover the processes that make life possible on Earth, cycles of life, and whether or not we’re alone in the universe. Get ready for a fascinating look at our cultures and societies and how we interact with nature!
NPR’s Skunk Bear (Youtube)
Similar to PBS Eons, NPR’s Skunk Bear, a web series hosted by Adam Cole and Ryan Kellman, dives deep into questions about astronomy, the human body, and efforts to save threatened species. The editor’s personal favorite was the story of the endemic Island Fox from the Channel Islands, which was close to extinction in the early 90s but brought back from the brink by dedicated scientists and volunteers!
Fantastic Fungi
Narrated by Brie Larson (aka Captain Marvel!), we’re taken on a journey to a world that lies under our feet, where fungi work behind the scenes to heal and save our planet. These fungi create networks that connect plants and trees and have some pretty amazing secrets for us to discover.
The Garden
In the aftermath of the 1992 riots in South LA, neighbors came together to create a 14-acre community garden on the corner of 41st Street and Alameda, calling themselves the South Central Farmers. More than a decade later, the farm was under threat by property developers, endangering a community’s effort to address food insecurity in one of the most under-resourced areas in the country. Follow community advocates as they fight for their farm and the livelihoods of their neighbors.