BBC Studios Announces Exciting New Series and a Second Season for “Big Cats 24/7”

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

BBC Studios has revealed an exciting new chapter for the acclaimed wildlife documentary series Big Cats 24/7. As the debut of the highly anticipated first series approaches, the broadcaster has also announced the commission of a second season, set to air in 2025. This news comes ahead of the series one premiere, which will debut on the BBC in August this year and on PBS in September.

Big Cats 24/7 takes viewers on a breathtaking journey into one of Africa's last wildernesses: the Okavango Delta in Botswana. This pristine and remote landscape serves as the backdrop for a captivating exploration of the lives of three of the most iconic big cats: lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Through unparalleled access and innovative filming techniques, the series offers an intimate, around-the-clock look at the daily dramas and struggles faced by these magnificent creatures.

The show promises to deliver a unique perspective on the big cats' lives through a combination of ground-level observation, aerial shots, and nighttime filming. This multi-faceted approach allows the team to capture the full spectrum of behaviors and interactions among the Okavango Delta's feline residents, presenting a comprehensive and immersive viewing experience.

Sreya Biswas, BBC Head of Commissioning for Natural History, expressed her enthusiasm about the series and the upcoming second season. "Big Cats 24/7 is a thrilling series following amazing animal behavior, with great on-screen talent and set in one of the most beautiful places on Earth," Biswas said. "Being able to follow the cats for long periods of time has been a unique opportunity and so I'm really excited to commission a second series so we can dive straight back in and continue telling the incredible stories of the lions, leopards, and cheetahs."

Tom Jarvis, the Executive Producer of Big Cats 24/7, also shared his excitement for the new season. "It's thrilling to be jumping right back into the dramatic lives of the big cats we have grown to love," Jarvis said. "What I'm most excited about in this series is that we are able to tell longitudinal and personal stories about the animals we are embedded with, and it feels like you are given a unique window into their world."

The first season of Big Cats 24/7 will consist of six one-hour episodes and will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer in the UK, while PBS will bring the series to audiences in the United States. The series is a co-production between BBC Studios Natural History Unit and PBS, with BBC Studios handling global distribution. The production team includes Series Producer Rowan Crawford, Production Manager Gillian Goodlet, and Commissioning Editor Sreya Biswas. Sylvia Bugg serves as Editorial Consultant for PBS, and Diana El-Osta is the Executive in Charge for PBS.

This announcement not only sets the stage for a thrilling new series but also highlights the ongoing commitment of BBC Studios and PBS to bringing viewers high-quality, immersive natural history programming. The success of Big Cats 24/7 has already set a high bar for wildlife documentaries, and the upcoming second season promises to continue this legacy with fresh stories and new perspectives.

Audiences can look forward to the premiere of Big Cats 24/7 this August on BBC Two and in September on PBS, where they will be treated to a visually stunning and emotionally engaging exploration of one of the world's most fascinating and endangered environments.

As the first season prepares to make its debut, the announcement of the second season ensures that viewers will have even more opportunities to delve into the captivating world of the Okavango Delta's big cats. With its stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and deep connection to the natural world, Big Cats 24/7 is set to be a standout addition to the lineup of nature documentaries.