Watch Bill Bailey's Jungle Hero Online

Bill Bailey's Jungle Hero

Where to Watch Bill Bailey's Jungle Hero

2.
Land of the Birds of Paradise
2021-03-15
Bill meets birds of paradise as he reveals how Charles Darwin's rival Alfred Wallace cracked evolution.

Watch Bill Bailey's Jungle Hero Season 1 Episode 2 Now

1.
Land of the Orangutan
2021-03-15
Bill meets orangutans and flying frogs in his journey through Borneo as he finds out more about British explorer Alfred Wallace.

Watch Bill Bailey's Jungle Hero Season 1 Episode 1 Now

Bill Bailey's Jungle Hero is an evocative and engaging television series broadcasted by BBC2 in 2013. This remarkable program is born out of British comedian and actor Bill Bailey's fascination with the natural world. The show draws on a blend of his unique humor, ebullient narrative style, and an absolute passion for wildlife, making it a truly appealing prospect for nature enthusiasts or those who have a thirst for knowledge about the planet we inhabit. Billed as part-nature documentary and part-history lesson, this two-part series indeed offers something extraordinary that goes beyond the typical comedic gig or wildlife documentary.

The premise shines the spotlight on the 19th Century naturalist and explorer, Alfred Russel Wallace, a man whose remarkable theories and fieldwork often placed him in the shadow of the more widely acclaimed Charles Darwin. Wallace is noted for independently conceiving the theory of evolution through natural selection; however, his contributions to science are often overlooked. Bailey brings out his story with due reverence, presenting a fresh perspective that veers from the oft-narrated tale of Darwin's revolutionary theories.

In the first episode, Bailey embarks on a fascinating journey to the Malay Archipelago, which is the same route taken by Wallace about 150 years ago. He vividly brings to life Wallace's voyages and hardships, tracing his footsteps across the Indonesian islands as he marveled at the unique species and diverse ecology. Whether it's the wild orangutans of Borneo or the flying lizards of Indonesia, Bailey's journey takes viewers through an incredibly diverse array of wildlife and educates them about Wallace's meticulous methodology and insatiable curiosity that led to the derivation of his evolutionary theories.

Each moment of this expedition is laced with Bailey's distinctive humor, providing light-hearted moments that contrast the educational content. He engages viewers with funny anecdotes, one-liners, and sketches, forming a quirky-yet-intelligent combination that keeps the audience engrossed. Yet, he never fails to infuse the depth of respect and admiration he carries for Wallace throughout his narration.

In the second episode, Bailey ventures into Wallace's later years, when his research led him to discover that species differentiated according to geography. With vivid visual imagery and in-depth explanations, Bailey tackles the theory of biogeography, treading further into the mysterious realms of evolutionary biology. Bailey also explores Wallace's pressing concerns about human impact on natural habitats, expressing his concern that echoes today's intense discussions about climate change and its catastrophic effects on biodiversity.

"Bill Bailey's Jungle Hero" is beautifully filmed by the BBC's renowned natural history unit, offering mesmerizing, high-definition visuals of lush rainforests, diverse fauna, stunning sunsets across the ocean, and even surprising encounters with indigenous tribes. It's a visual treat as much as it is an intellectual one, which lends weight to its appeal.

The show reflects Bailey's innate talent as a storyteller, which is engaging and riveting throughout the two episodes. His genuine enthusiasm, coupled with his witty comedic timing, subtly weaves entertainment and education into an enticing package. His passion for wildlife shines through, and it's this ardor that makes the series etch into the minds of viewers.

This series is a magnificent blend of history, comedy, and natural history that embodies qualities of a compelling documentary. "Bill Bailey's Jungle Hero" is a fitting tribute to Alfred Russel Wallace, and it presents a captivating tale of adventure, scientific discovery, and an unsung hero's struggles and triumphs. It may also incite a fascination or deepen interest in natural history and evolutionary biology among viewers.

Whether you are an avid Bill Bailey fan, a nature enthusiast, a student of biology, or just someone looking for an enlightening and entertaining show, "Bill Bailey's Jungle Hero" is a series that's sure to fit the bill.

Bill Bailey's Jungle Hero is a series categorized as a new series. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 2 episodes, the show debuted on 2021. The series has earned a mostly positive reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 8.5.

Channel
BBC 2
Rating
8.5/10
Cast
Bill Bailey, David Attenborough, Eric Thein