ITV has announced a 'groundbreaking' and 'highly entertaining' new nature series, set to air in 2027, that will take viewers on a 'highly entertaining adventure' across the world.
Titled World's Wildest Cities, the six-part instalment will explore the remarkable wildlife living in five of the world's most iconic cities, showing how these animals not only survive but thrive there. Each episode will focus on a particular city, with Rio de Janeiro, New York, Melbourne, Singapore and London featured. The final episode will be a special behind-the-scenes look at how the series was made and the science behind these 'one-of-a-kind stories'.
Animals adapting to city life
A synopsis reads: "Today, over half of the human population lives in cities, and we are now joined by a surprising cast of wild animals. From possums to penguins, giant monitor lizards to cheeky monkeys who, through ingenuity, bravery and cunning, are now calling our cities home. These savvy city slickers don't always play by our rules, but that's okay - they've learnt how to conquer the city life."
Examples include New York City mice adapting to break down inedible pizza cheese, London's urban foxes developing shorter snouts better at ripping open bin bags, and Rio de Janeiro's marmosets altering their calls to be heard over traffic. The synopsis adds: "Animals aren't just adapting to their new, fast-paced homes - they're thriving."
Production and executive team
ITV has teased that 'state of the art cinematography' will capture breath-taking dramas, from animals hustling for food to their unfolding love stories. The series features the work of BAFTA and Emmy award-winning Mark Brownlow and Alex Rankin as Executive Producers, and award-winning Series Producer Doug Mackay-Hope.
ITV Factual Controller Jo Clinton Davis said: "We're delighted to bring this unique and revolutionary wildlife series, free-to-air, on ITV next year. Working with the top class wildlife programme makers at Plimsoll Productions, the six-part series encapsulates the heart and soul of the wildlife that lives among us in our cities."
Air date not yet confirmed
World's Wildest Cities showcases the constant challenges urban animals face in these hostile environments and the ever-changing wild landscape, as more animals emigrate and make special adaptations to survive. It is not yet known when the series will air.
