Polar Bear Family and Me

Watch Polar Bear Family and Me

  • 2013
  • 1 Season
  • 8.3  (87)

Polar Bear Family and Me is a three-part documentary series that follows Scottish filmmaker Gordon Buchanan as he embarks on an extraordinary adventure into the frozen Arctic wilderness in order to document the intimate lives of polar bears. The show begins with a glimpse into the unruly and unpredictable nature of these giant, majestic creatures. Viewers witness a journey fraught with danger and challenges as Gordon travels to Svalbard, an archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, just a few hundred miles south of the North Pole. Accompanied by a local guide and a team of expert scientists, Gordon sets out to observe and record the behavior of a family of polar bears for several months.

In the initial stages of the documentary, the audience meets the mother bear named Lyra, and her two cubs, Miki and Luca. The cubs are only a year old, but they’re already twice the size of a large dog. Mother Lyra is incredibly protective of her offspring, which makes it challenging for Gordon and his team to get close without frightening her or putting themselves in harm's way.

Throughout the series, Gordon shares his experiences and observations with the viewer, giving them a rare insight into the lives and behavior of these intriguing animals. As he spends more time with the bears, Gordon not only learns to understand their behavior patterns, but he also forms a bond with the animals, earning their trust and respect along the way. He follows their daily routines, capturing on camera moments of playfulness, restlessness, and even mourning.

Over the course of the three episodes, viewers witness the family's journey in the harsh Arctic environment as they search for food, wrestle with each other, and stay warm in the unforgiving polar winter. Often under the watchful eye of an overprotective Lyra, the cubs develop the skills they will need to survive on their own in the future, while Gordon finds himself inching closer and closer to these magnificent creatures with his camera.

The show is an immersive and captivating account of the lives of polar bears, but it is also a stunning depiction of the natural beauty and struggles of the Arctic environment. The series showcases an array of breathtaking landscapes, from frozen tundras to icy seas, all of which serve as the backdrop for the dramatic lives of the animals.

Viewers who tune into the show are treated to a unique portrait of one of the world’s most difficult to access places, and one of the last wild frontiers. Throughout the show, David Tennant takes on a more understated role, serving as the narrator rather than an on-screen presence, as he guides the audience through David’s incredible journey and experiences.

In conclusion, Polar Bear Family and Me is an inspiring and heartwarming documentary series that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey into the world of one of the most iconic creatures on the planet. With breathtaking cinematography, intimate glimpses into the lives of Lyra and her cubs, and an exciting and engaging narrative, it is a must-watch for nature lovers and documentary enthusiasts alike.

Polar Bear Family and Me is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on January 7, 2013.

Polar Bear Family and Me
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Seasons
Autumn
3. Autumn
January 10, 2013
They have been away for six weeks and don't know if either bear is still alive. Lyra's collar hasn't sent a signal for a month - finding her this time will be a huge challenge. But Gordon does find her - and Miki is alive. Times are tough though. Lyra is very thin and has been reduced to eating moss and seaweed.
Summer
2. Summer
January 8, 2013
Gordon and the team return to Svalbard in mid-June on the trail of 'Lyra' and her cubs, 'Miki' and 'Luca'. Gordon works with scientists to try to understand how his polar bear family are surviving the unusual arctic weather.
Spring
1. Spring
January 7, 2013
Gordon, and arctic survival experts travel by boat to far flung Svalbard. They manage to find a polar bear birth den and meet mother 'Lyra' and her cubs 'Miki' and 'Luca' as they emerge from their den. Little is still known about polar bears family life because no one has been able to follow them this closely before.
Description
Where to Watch Polar Bear Family and Me
Polar Bear Family and Me is available for streaming on the Animal Planet website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Polar Bear Family and Me on demand at Amazon, Vudu and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    January 7, 2013
  • IMDB Rating
    8.3  (87)
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