‘Wild Kratts’ stars explore ‘Wild Alaska’ in live PBS miniseries
Predicting what wildlife will do on live television is quite a challenge, but the sibling stars of “Wild Kratts” are ready to try.
For an hour on each of three nights, no less.
Emmy-winning zoologists Chris and Martin Kratt will serve as hosts as a team of filmmakers, scientists and others head deep into the title continent for “Wild Alaska Live,” a PBS miniseries – produced in association with England’s BBC – that begins Sunday, July 23 and continues the following Wednesday and Sunday (check local listings). Bears, wolves, walruses, eagles and orcas are among the creatures expected to be shown as they gather for Alaska’s so-called “summer feast.”
“In Alaska, there are a lot of remote areas and rugged areas, but there are also lots of wildlife ‘hot spots,’ ” Chris Kratt explains. “We know a lot of the places to go where you’re likely to find different animals with amazing behaviors. As part of the planning of this, we’ve identified some of those hot spots, and we’re going to be able to bring that immediate feel of a wildlife adventure in progress. And a good, broad feel of the natural history of the region.”
Whatever happens – or not – while “Wild Alaska Live” actually is on the air, the friendly Kratt maintains he’ll be satisfied: “One of the most amazing things about any wildlife expedition is that you don’t know what you’re going to find. There are unexpected events. You can go to places where you’re almost assured of getting some wildlife activity, but you don’t know exactly ... and that is really exciting.”
Liz Bonnin and Steve Backshall, who have experience in such as-it happens programming from their earlier PBS involvement in “Big Blue Live,” will join the Kratts as “Wild Alaska Live” correspondents. Also, Alaska-themed “Wild Kratts” specials will be shown on PBS Kids each day the new miniseries airs.