What on Earth?

Lost City of Gold is a single‑episode documentary that slots into the “Satellite Stories” series. Hosted by geographer Dr Emma Collins, it blends high‑resolution space shots with on‑the‑ground footage, and the production values feel a lot like a mini‑BBC Earth special. Think of it as a visual detective story about two very odd spots on our planet. The episode opens with eerie, perfectly circular barren rings cutting across the Namib Desert – the kind of pattern that makes you wonder if it’s a natural quirk or a forgotten human imprint. Collins then jets off to the Amazon’s heart, where locals whisper about a city of gold swallowed by the jungle. The narrative stitches together satellite data, archaeology and a dash of local legend, keeping the mystery alive without giving away the final reveal. Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. The satellite imagery is surprisingly crisp and the on‑site shots are gorgeous – you’ll get a bit of the same awe you felt watching “Planet Earth II”. But the pacing does drag in the middle, and some of the CGI reconstructions look a touch ropy by today’s standards. Still, if you enjoy a proper blend of science and myth, it’s worth a watch, even if it isn’t groundbreaking. Rated PG, with mild tension during the desert sequences and a few tense jungle moments – nothing too graphic. First terrestrial broadcast on BBC Four this Thursday at 9 pm. Fair warning: the narration can get a little lecture‑y, but it’s generally engaging.