Daydreaming of Zion? Or maybe the Everglades? If your leave form hasn’t been approved yet, National Geographic’s new five-part series can take you there.
Nat Geo’s National Parks: USA aims to transport viewers to some of the country’s most renowned – and treasured – National Parks in the country from Zion and Yellowstone to Katmai, the Everglades and Olympic. The five-part series premieres September 8 on National Geographic and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Narrated by Indigenous actor Michael Spears, the series blends wildlife with the rich culture, history, and geological landmarks while illuminating each park’s unique beauty. According to a press release, the series also “reveals Indigenous stories from some of today’s tribes to link the past with the present, highlighting the importance these lands have had through countless generations and the need for these national treasures to remain for the future.”
Still not sure what to expect? We Are The Mighty had the privilege of getting advanced screeners of all five episodes and while we can’t give it all away, here’s just a small preview.
In the opening scene of the Yellowstone episode, dawn breaks on a frigid Wyoming morning and viewers are introduced to the oldest wolf in the park. Throughout the episode viewers follow the alpha white female of the Wapiti Pack as she traverses the iconic landscape using cinematographic techniques that viewers have come to expect from Nat Geo productions – think aerial footage of sweeping vistas and laser focus camera work of wild animals — coupled with engaging narration you can’t help but become entranced by. The other four episodes – Zion, Katmai, Everglades and Olympic – all follow suit.
lubber grasshopper in the Everglades. (credit: National Geographic/Jeff Reed)
Bottom line? It’s a slam dunk series the whole family can enjoy together at home while planning your next trip. Plus, if you’re inspired to plan a National Parks adventure of your own to some of the country’s most treasured lands, the National Park Service offers free entry to America’s National Parks for military families, veterans, and Gold Star Families.