Last Chance to See

Watch Last Chance to See

  • 2009
  • 1 Season
  • 8.2  (541)

Last Chance to See is a BBC television program, which aired in 2009 and 2010. The show revolves around the travels of writer and zoologist Mark Carwardine, and host and comedian Stephen Fry, as they set out on a journey to explore and observe some of the world's most endangered and elusive species.

The show is based off the book "Last Chance to See" by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine. In 1985, Adams, who was the author of the famous book "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and Carwardine went on a similar expedition. They chronicled their travels together and wrote the book, detailing their encounters with critically endangered species such as the kakapo parrot in New Zealand, the Komodo dragon in Indonesia, the Yangtze River dolphin in China, and many others. The TV series was a modern-day remake of that journey, and aimed to raise awareness about the importance of conserving these animals and their habitats.

The show follows Carwardine and Fry as they visit a variety of locations, from the dense jungle of Madagascar, to the remote islands of New Zealand, and the vast expanses of the Amazon rainforest. Along the way, the duo encounters a range of fascinating, and at times truly bizarre, species including blue whales, manatees, and the elusive white rhinoceros. They also encounter locals in these regions who share their knowledge and insight about the animals and their habitat.

The episodes are beautifully shot and offer breathtaking visuals of stunning landscapes and rare animals. The production quality is top-notch, and the conversations between Fry and Carwardine are engaging and thought-provoking. The show is not just an animal documentary, but also a testament to the precarious state of our natural world and the importance of preserving it.

One of the most poignant features of the show is how it showcases the incredible lengths that individuals and organizations are going to, in order to save these animals from extinction. The two encounter passionate conservationists from around the world who have dedicated their lives to these species. They meet with geneticists who are working on cloning rhinos to reintroduce them to their natural habitat, and conservationists who are working tirelessly to protect and preserve the remaining habitats of these species.

Fry, who is himself an advocate for animal welfare and conservation, brings a certain warmth and humor to the show, balancing out Carwardine's more scientific approach. He asks thought-provoking questions and is in genuine awe of the animals he encounters. His obvious interest and enthusiasm for the animals brings a certain levity to the show, without detracting from the seriousness of the subject matter.

In conclusion, Last Chance to See is an engaging and thought-provoking show, packed with stunning visuals and important messages about the need for conservation efforts. The show raises awareness about the plight of some of the world's most endangered species and showcases the incredible efforts being made to save them. Carwardine and Fry are an excellent duo, their conversations are thoughtful, and their encounters with wildlife are thrilling. The show is a must-watch for nature lovers and for anyone who is interested in learning more about conservation and the importance of protecting our planet's biodiversity.

Last Chance to See is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on September 6, 2009.

Last Chance to See
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Seasons
Blue Whale
6. Blue Whale
October 17, 2009
The San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja, is the mid-point in a 10,000 mile long migration route for the grey whale - one of the longest migrations of all mammals. They come here to mate, give birth and raise their calves in the safety of the lagoon. Because they come here every year at the same time, it is one of the most guaranteed wildlife spectacles. However, this regularity was a problem in the past when whalers used this to their advantage, killing thousands every year. Now protected, the grey whale numbers have begun to recover.
Kakapo
5. Kakapo
October 4, 2009
The first nest of the season is an exciting time for the scientists of the island. Mark has been to see it without Stephen and reports back saying it was the highlight of the trip. Under the roots of a tree, Lisa the kakapo sits on her nest and will be monitored by the researchers with remote cameras until the eggs hatch. The parrot appears to have no sense of danger with all the disturbance around her as the monitoring equipment is set up. Mark finds it poignantly sad that these birds are so trusting, given their precarious status. But, after the best season on record, the world population of kakapo parrots is now at 124 individuals.
Komodo Dragon
4. Komodo Dragon
September 27, 2009
On a journey through Malaysia and Indonesia to track down the deadly Komodo dragon, the travellers help to release turtles into the wild and encounter one of the deadliest snakes on earth.
Aye-Aye
3. Aye-Aye
September 20, 2009
One of almost a 100 species of lemur, the dancing sifaka has an extraordinary and unusal gait when they are forced to come out of the trees and move about on the ground.
Northern White Rhino
2. Northern White Rhino
September 13, 2009
Too late to spot a northern white rhino in the Congo after it's declared extinct in the wild, Mark and Stephen join efforts to save another species.
Amazonian Manatee
1. Amazonian Manatee
September 6, 2009
In a new approach to help end hunting of the Amazonian manatee, a research project is working with traditional hunting communities to rescue and release injured manatees back into the wild. It's hoped that while this will only affect a small number of animals directly, it may help to change attitudes towards them and effect a more profound change.
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Where to Watch Last Chance to See
Last Chance to See is available for streaming on the BBC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Last Chance to See on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    September 6, 2009
  • IMDB Rating
    8.2  (541)
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