Watch Serious Desert

Serious Desert is a documentary series produced by BYUtv that explores the magnificent and often treacherous landscapes of the American Southwest. Through stunning cinematography, the series reveals the hidden beauty and untamed wildness of the desert, while also investigating the unique challenges faced by those who live and work in this unforgiving environment.

The series features a diverse cast of characters, including scientists, ranchers, tribal leaders, and conservationists, who share their personal experiences and perspectives on life in the desert. Viewers will learn about the history and culture of the region, as well as the environmental issues that threaten its fragile ecosystems.

The first episode of Serious Desert, titled "Beyond the Rocks," takes viewers on a journey through some of the most spectacular and isolated landscapes in the American West. Beginning in the Grand Canyon, the episode explores the stunning rock formations and canyons of the Vermillion Cliffs and Zion National Park, and ends with a visit to the remote and otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley.

The second episode, "Water in the Desert," focuses on the incredible challenges of living in a region with limited water resources. The episode explores the history of water management in the Southwest, from ancient Native American methods to modern-day irrigation systems, and looks at the potential impacts of climate change on the availability of water in the region.

In "Wildfires," the third episode of the series, viewers learn about the devastating impact of wildfires on the fragile desert ecosystems. The episode features interviews with firefighters and conservationists, who share their experiences battling some of the largest wildfires in the history of the Southwest.

The fourth episode, "Desert Adaptations," explores the remarkable ways that plants and animals have adapted to survive in the harsh environments of the desert. Through stunning footage of wildlife, the episode reveals the incredible strategies that desert creatures use to find food, conserve water, and protect themselves from predators.

In "Canyon Country," the fifth episode of the series, viewers are taken on a tour of the stunning canyons and mesas of southern Utah. From the towering spires of Bryce Canyon to the narrow slot canyons of the Escalante River, the episode explores some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the Southwest.

The final episode, "People of the Desert," focuses on the human stories of the region. Viewers meet ranchers who have lived on the same land for generations, scientists studying the ecology of the desert, and Navajo leaders fighting to preserve their culture and traditions in the face of modern pressures.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of the Southwest, from sweeping panoramas of dramatic landscapes to intimate portraits of the flora and fauna that call the desert home. The series is a celebration of the unique beauty and diversity of the American Southwest, as well as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by those who inhabit this often harsh and unforgiving landscape.