Serengeti is Discovery’s latest visually-rich series about Africa: Here’s what you need to know

At the Television Critics Association 2019 winter press tour, it was announced that Discovery Channel will debut the six-part series Serengeti by American Idol creator Simon Fuller and multi-award-winning wildlife filmmaker John Downer.

There are few places on earth as target rich for a cameraman or photographer than the bio-diverse Serengeti, Africa’s vast wonder is an ecosystem located in northern Tanzania and wildly diverse in terrain.

Today at the TCA, Simon Fuller was said to have “fallen in love” with this amazing part of the world.

What is the Serengeti?

You may have heard of the Serengeti but never learned exactly what it is. To answer that question, it is a 12,000 square mile “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa” location where the large lion population and home of many lion prides and game reserves are found.

At last count, there were cataloged over 70 large mammal and 500+ bird species thanks to the range of terrain, from woodland and forests, swamps, grasslands, and even high desert-like spots.

From Elephants and zebras to lions, wildebeests, and giraffes, many animals call the Serengeti home.

Producers will use original music, as cinematographers capture the daily challenges of life on the Serengeti – the good, bad and the ugly reality that can be mother nature.

We are thrilled to be working with Simon Fuller and John Downer as we bring Discovery back to its roots of presenting one-of-a-kind television events showcasing the beautiful world we live in.

Nancy Daniels, Chief Brand Officer, Discovery & Factual  

Here is the logline from Discovery:

“With unrivaled access to one of the most pristine and unspoiled corners of the African plains, this groundbreaking series follows the heartwarming stories of a cast of African wildlife over the course of a year that showcase the dramatic moments that make each day of survival on the Serengeti a feat.”

It was mentioned that Mr. Fuller and Mr. Downer worked together on Serengeti for several years.

The state of the art cameras and techniques are truly innovative and unique to this series.

Simon Fuller was also quoted on this new series close to his heart:

Of all the shows I have created or worked on, nothing compares to Serengeti. The heartfelt stories, the intensity of the drama and the depth of emotion, is something I have been genuinely moved by.

The genius of John Downer capturing the most personal and extraordinary moments from these beautiful animals’ lives is truly awe inspiring. I am also proud to have Discovery and The BBC as the best possible partners for such an important television event.

John Downer commented too:

In this unique partnership with Simon and a shared vision, Serengeti was a chance to take the techniques and immersive viewpoint I’ve always pursued to the next level, to tell the greatest wildlife story of all – the dramatic and emotional relationships between the most charismatic animals on the planet.

Serengeti will debut in 2019 on Discovery.