Chris Packham returns to BBC screens with a stunning new wildlife series, 'Evolution,' which has left viewers hooked just as the network announced the axing of his long-running show 'Winterwatch.' The five-part programme charts the remarkable story of how life has transformed over more than four billion years on Earth, with each episode focusing on the evolution of a single animal: elephants, ostriches, bats, dolphins, and horses.
Viewers Hail 'Fantastic' Programme
Viewers have taken to social media to praise the series. One wrote on X: "The new series 'Evolution' is an example of why the BBC is one of our most important institutions and should be shown to every child, and adult really, a long overdue televised explanation of this indisputable fact of how all life on earth came to be, @ChrisGPackham fine work." Another said: "@ChrisGPackham’s #Evolution series on @BBCiPlayer is absolutely brilliant. Thoroughly recommend it if you’re looking for something to watch this evening."
A third viewer commented: "Just watched Evolution on BBC2 with @ChrisGPackham Stunning television." Yet another added: "Evolution on BBC2 last night. Didn't plan to watch (and not a particular fan of Chris Packham) but was hooked from the start. Outstanding TV and the five-star reviews are spot on. Was he really that close to the elephants?" One viewer also echoed: "Excellent first episode of 'Evolution' - The Elephant with @ChrisPackham this evening. Looking forward to the next one."
Winterwatch Axed After 14 Years
Chris’ new series comes after the news that 'Winterwatch' has been axed. The BBC announced the programme has been cancelled after 14 years and will be replaced with a new visualised podcast series titled 'Naturewatch.' It will run through all four seasons and launch later this year. Jack Bootle, head of commissioning, specialist factual, previously said: "Nature never stops – and neither should we. Every week, Naturewatch will give Springwatch fans – and all wildlife lovers – a new way to stay connected to the natural world, whether that’s on TV, iPlayer or Sounds."
Bootle added: "The BBC is committed to celebrating British nature across all our platforms, and we hope this new series will encourage audiences to fall in love with the natural world around them. By expanding the Watches brand we are making the BBC’s brilliant Natural History content even more accessible."
Cutting-Edge Science and Visual Effects
In 'Evolution,' Chris Packham recounts the stories of reproduction, feeding, intelligence, and the origins of animal movement, using cutting-edge science and visual effects to explore the breakthroughs that have shaped life today, according to the Mirror. The series hopes to reveal how diversity in life today was driven by survival, innovation, and partnership through evolutionary history.
'Evolution' is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
