BINGE VIEWING
Showmax has whole seasons of shows you can save and watch any time – that is, if you can find the time – and all come highly recommended
member of The Flying Wallendas family (circus royalty), Nikolas “Nik” Wallenda is an acrobat, aerialist, daredevil, high wire artist, and author.
He is known for his high-wire performances without a safety net. He holds nine Guinness World Records for various acrobatic feats, but is best known as the first person to walk a tightrope directly over Niagara Falls.
In this series, Wallenda, with the help of his family, creates spectacular acts that cheat death by using science, skill and discipline. In each episode he will design, test, build and ultimately perform innovative and outrageous stunts. He leaves his life in the hands of chief engineer and uncle, Mike, and his safety co-ordinator and father, Terry, who meticulously prepare and co-ordinate each stunt. And also God; Wallenda and his family pray before every performance. Did I mention no safety net?
Naked & Afraid XL (Discovery, Tuesday at 10pm): I file this under “Are They Out Of Their Minds?”, in which nine series veterans – meaning they have done this madness before – attempt to survive the deadly jungles of Ecuador’s Amazon Basin for 40 days and 40 nights. In this season, the all-female team struggles for days to start a fire in the damp environment and gets ravaged by bugs as a result. Then the all-male team is shattered by a devastating injury on day one, leaving two teammates alone to face something prowling near their camp at night. The lack of food and stamina forces a member of the final team to call it quits. No. Just no.
Escaping Polygamy: After The Escape (Crime + Investigation, Wednesday at 8pm): The third season of A&E Network’s original docu-series returns to follow Andrea, Jessica and Shanell, three sisters who escaped polygamy in their youth and now devote their lives to helping others get out and successfully begin new lives. Black Girls Rock (BET, Thursday at 8pm): Founded by former DJ and model Beverly Bond, these awards honour the achievements of black women who have fearlessly broken barriers in the areas of art, business, entertainment and community service. This year’s ceremony took place on August 5 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Prudential Hall, and was hosted by Taraji P Henson (Empire). “I’m honoured to host the Black Girls Rock! ™’Awards,” she said.
“I love the message and I love Beverly Bond and her vision. I was lucky to be honoured in 2011. It is truly a highlight of my life. Now I’m back to be part of this amazing night. Let’s make history together as we come together as women of brains, beauty and in support of each other.” Awards recipients have included Shonda Rhimes, Danai Gurira and Gladys Knight. The show has also featured musical performances by recording artists like Kelly Rowland, Rihanna, Missy Elliot and more.