Big Cats 24/7

Veteran wildlife presenter Gordon Buchanan joins Anna Dimitriadis and Vianet Djeng for a six‑month trek across Botswana’s Okavango Delta, tracking lions, leopards and cheetahs in an intimate documentary series that blends drama with raw natural entertainment. This British TV programme on UK television gives UK viewers a quick overview at a glance, with each episode delivering programme highlights and another episode promising more RTE2 programming in the television guide.

Programme overview Gordon Buchanan, Anna Dimitriadis and Vianet Djeng embark on a six‑month expedition across Botswana’s Okavango Delta, following the lives of lions, leopards and cheetahs as they hunt, breed and navigate a landscape under pressure from climate change and tourism. The series is presented as a documentary‑drama hybrid, blending scientific insight with personal narrative, and will be broadcast as a weekly episode on RTE2. Each episode runs for approximately fifty minutes, offering full details of the team’s challenges, the animals’ behaviour and the stunning scenery of one of Africa’s most iconic wetlands. What to expect from the content Viewers can anticipate a balanced mix of high‑definition wildlife footage, on‑the‑ground fieldwork and candid moments that reveal the emotional stakes of long‑term research. The programme does not shy away from the harsh realities of predator life – from territorial disputes among lions to the solitary stealth of leopards – while also celebrating the rare moments of triumph, such as a cheetah cub’s first successful sprint. The narrative is anchored by the expertise of Buchanan, a veteran natural‑history presenter, and the fresh perspectives of Dimitriadis and Djeng, whose backgrounds in conservation biology and photography add depth to the storytelling. Key features and highlights Each episode includes a dedicated segment on the scientific methods used to track the big cats, including GPS collars, camera traps and drone surveys, providing an in‑depth review of modern conservation techniques. The series also highlights community engagement, showing how local villages collaborate with researchers to protect the ecosystem. Visually, the programme offers sweeping aerial shots of the delta’s floodplains, intimate close‑ups of predator cubs, and night‑time infrared footage that reveals nocturnal hunting strategies. A recurring theme is the impact of climate variability on prey availability, giving UK viewers a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of the savannah. Why this programme appeals to UK audiences British TV audiences have a long‑standing appetite for high‑quality wildlife documentaries, from the classic series of Sir David Attenborough to contemporary streaming hits. This programme adds a fresh voice by focusing on three charismatic predators within a single, ecologically rich region, delivering drama and entertainment without sacrificing scientific rigour. The personal journeys of the presenters resonate with viewers who enjoy seeing real people face adversity in remote locations, while the stunning African vistas provide an escapist visual feast that complements the UK television tradition of nature programming. Context within RTE2 programming RTE2 has positioned itself as a hub for compelling factual entertainment, and this series fits neatly into its slate of documentary offerings. It follows recent successes such as “Wild Atlantic Way – Nature’s Edge” and “Polar Frontiers”, reinforcing the channel’s commitment to delivering globally relevant, environmentally focused content. By slotting the show into a prime‑time weekly slot, RTE2 ensures that UK viewers receive a comprehensive guide to the series, encouraging binge‑watching and discussion across social media platforms that celebrate British TV’s contribution to global conservation narratives.