World Questions

GRECIAN CRISIS - In this gripping BBC News documentary episode, part of a new series, Jonny Dymond and a panel of politicians and experts debate Greece’s exodus, ageing population and over‑tourism, asking if the nation can survive its new crisis. A must‑watch for UK viewers, this quick overview offers programme highlights at a glance, blending drama and hard‑hitting analysis for British TV fans.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW GREECE: ON THE EDGE is a one‑hour BBC ONE documentary episode that brings together veteran foreign correspondent Jonny Dymond with a cross‑party panel of politicians, economists and social scientists. Filmed in the heart of Athens, the programme tackles the stark demographic shift that has seen over half a million young Greeks leave the country since the 2010 financial crisis, and asks whether Greece can reverse its ageing, dwindling population. The title promises a hard‑hitting look at immigration, over‑tourism and the existential threat of a nation that may be fading. WHAT TO EXPECT VIEWERS WILL BE treated to a blend of on‑the‑ground reporting, intimate audience Q&A and expert analysis. The episode opens with vivid footage of abandoned villages and bustling tourist hotspots, setting the stage for a debate that draws questions directly from an Athens audience. Topics range from the impact of EU migration policy and the lure of cheap holidays to the social cost of a shrinking workforce. Interspersed are personal stories from young Greeks abroad and from older residents coping with empty streets, providing a human face to the statistics. KEY FEATURES THIS DOCUMENTARY STANDS OUT WITH ITS RICH PRODUCTION VALUES – cinematic aerial shots of the Aegean, crisp sound design and a carefully curated soundtrack that reflects contemporary Greek culture. THE CAST includes Jonny Dymond, whose reputation for incisive international reporting adds gravitas, alongside a rotating panel of senior ministers, university scholars and grassroots activists. The programme’s format – a live‑style debate set in a historic Athenian hall – gives it the immediacy of a drama while retaining the rigor of a documentary, making it a unique entry in British TV’s current affairs slate. WHY WATCH FOR UK VIEWERS, GREECE: ON THE EDGE offers a timely, in‑depth review of issues that resonate far beyond the Mediterranean – from the challenges of brain drain to the sustainability of tourism, topics that echo debates in Britain’s own regions. The episode provides full details and nuanced perspectives that will appeal to discerning audiences who value thoughtful entertainment and informative documentary storytelling. It also serves as a compelling case study for policymakers and citizens alike, illustrating how demographic crises can reshape societies. BBC ONE PROGRAMMING CONTEXT THIS EPISODE FITS SEAMLESSLY INTO BBC ONE’S TRADITION OF HIGH‑QUALITY PUBLIC‑SERVICE PROGRAMME, sitting alongside flagship series such as HARDtalk and Panorama. It enriches the channel’s documentary line‑up, offering British TV fans a comprehensive guide to a pressing European issue while reinforcing the BBC’s commitment to delivering insightful, globally relevant content for UK television audiences.