Fierce Earth, Banished and more on BBC Worldwide Channels

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TheLuvvie.com takes a closer look at some of the new shows airing on BBC channels on DStv.
New to BBC Earth (DStv channel 184) at 6 pm on Sunday, April 24, is Fierce Earth. Hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, lightening strikes; Fierce Earth shows what it would be like to experience some of nature’s most destructive forces.

Each episode explores the anatomy of one incredible natural phenomenon and showcases the stunning power of nature’s fury with jaw dropping footage such as exploding volcanoes, car hurtling tornadoes and giant tsunami waves. Experiments and demonstrations show the impact of Mother Nature at her most furious.

This is a visually stunning series, filmed in a range of locations, revealing the true power of the planet in an accessible and entertaining way.

Over on BBC First (DStv channel 119) is Banished which airs from Wednesday, April 27 at 8 pm.

In 1787, Britain banished its unwanted citizens – orphans, petty thieves, prostitutes and highwaymen – to Sydney in Australia.

Among the first convicts are close friends Elizabeth Quinn, Tommy Barrett, and James Freeman. Elizabeth and Tommy are also engaged in an illicit relationship – illicit because it is a tenet of this combustible society, that relationships between the convicts are the sole preserve of the male soldiers.

When their relationship is revealed to those in charge it sets in motion a series of events that forces the pragmatic, idealistic Governor Phillip into further opposition with his nemesis Major Ross, a man who thinks the only chance of survival is to rule with an iron fist. But their relationship also threatens the close bond between Elizabeth, Tommy and James at a time, and in a place, where survival depends on having the back of those you love.

Koko: A Tale of a Talking Gorilla is on BBC Earth (DStv channel 184) from Wednesday, April 27. 

The unique and personal story of Koko the gorilla and researcher Penny Patterson, who taught Koko sign language and believes that she is living proof of the emotional capabilities of gorillas.

Koko’s extraordinary life has been recorded every step of the way and this film shows the most incredible, moving moments from this unique archive. It traces Koko’s loves, losses, her unfulfilled desire to have a baby and her work as an ambassador for better understanding and the protection of great apes.

As Koko reaches her 44th birthday, this film offers a unique window into the emotions and feelings of another species. Above all, it will question everything we believe makes us special.

New to BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) at 8 pm on Thursday, April 28 is season five of Choccywoccydoodah, a reality series following staff at a Brighton-based chocolate shop.

Space tourism pioneer Richard Branson commissions some cakes from the chocolate masters, and Joan Rivers sets the team a difficult challenge – to make a cake that has less than 150 calories per slice.

There are more celebrity surprises when singer Michael Bolton asks the team to create a party cake to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Desert Symphony Orchestra, and comedian Bill Bailey drops by for a special commission.

 

Last, but not least, catch Gorilla Family and Me from Wednesday, April 27 at 5.30 pm on BBC Earth (DStv channel 184).

 Wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan ventures deep into the Congo to form an intimate relationship with the world’s biggest gorilla.

Grauer’s gorillas are beautiful yet little known giants living in the foothills of eastern Congo’s Virunga volcanoes. To get to know his gorilla family, Gordon will have to earn the trust of the massive and potentially dangerous Silverback male.

Suspicious of newcomers, the Silverback weighs three times as much as Gordon, and could tear him apart with his bare hands.

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