World's Busiest Cities

World's Busiest Cities from BBC 2 is a fascinating anthropological expedition into four of the most bustling metropolises on the planet. This documentary series, originally aired in 2017, whisks viewers to the cultural and economic epicentres of the world through their television screens. Over the course of four one-hour-long episodes, each episode dedicated to each city, the series guides viewers through Hong Kong, Mexico City, Istanbul and Moscow, both illuminating and celebrating the chaos of urban life.

World's Busiest Cities thoroughly invests in the belief that a city is not defined by its structural construction but by the people that inhabit it. Send out a trio of dynamic presenters - an apt, engaging crew consisting of journalist Anita Rani, comedian and actor Ade Adepitan and Dan Snow, a historian and broadcaster. As these three familiar faces navigate the cities, they interact with locals ranging from everyday workers to those who hold the reins of power, providing viewers an intimate look at urban life in some of the world's most populated locales.

For example, the inaugural episode takes viewers on a riveting journey through Hong Kong, a city that thrives on an intriguing mix of Eastern and Western cultures. The episode doesn’t limit itself to the shiny skyscrapers or popular tourist destinations; it delves deep beneath the sparkling facade of Hong Kong's glittering skyline to its core, exploring back allies, fish markets and underground sewage systems. Revealing the intricate networks that keep the city functioning, the episode showcases the extraordinary efforts of the city’s dwellers to adapt to their densely populated environment.

In Mexico City, viewers are introduced to the endurance and ingenuity of its residents who strive to keep the city afloat quite literally, as it's sinking due to it being built on a lake bed. They also experience the city's unique blend of history and modernity, from the teeming Zócalo, the second largest public square in the world filled with ancient Aztec ruins and colonial architecture, to the futuristic neighbourhoods that show the city's resilience and adaptability.

Radiating the charm of the East introduced through Istanbul, the series underscores the city's historical significance as a crossroad between Europe and Asia and its modern-day challenges and triumphs. Istanbul's episode shines a light on its vibrant culture, diverse population, and the balancing act it performs daily, accommodating tradition and modernity, secularism and religion, East and West.

Finally, Moscow's episode reveals a city steeped in history but also overshadowed by political and economic influences. It looks at how Muscovites are harmonizing their rich past with the rapid pace of modernisation, mapping out the transformation of this iconic city.

The series beautifully elucidates the truth that cities are more than just populous concrete jungles; they are dynamic organisms that evolve, grow, and burst with life, shaped by their inhabitants. World's Busiest Cities humbly displays the resilience, willpower, and innovative spirit of people determined to make their cities livable and lovable, despite the challenges that come with urbanisation.

World's Busiest Cities does not shy away from the harsh realities of metropolitan life. Issues of overpopulation, environmental impact, economic inequality, and cultural clashes are woven into the narrative, offering a balanced and realistic portrait of these cities. It's a show that bravely goes beneath the surface, showing cities in their raw, uncensored, and undeniably vibrant states.

Furthermore, the series distinguishes itself with its stunning cinematography. Every episode is laden with breathtaking aerial shots, bustling street views, and thought-provoking visuals. Such compelling photography, paired with lively commentary and intimate conversations, creates a multi-sensorial experience that not only informs but also entertains.

To sum it up, World's Busiest Cities is an enlightening, humane, and often jaw-dropping exploration of what it takes to keep some of the world's busiest metropolitan hubs ticking. It offers an engaging and inclusive look at city life, all from the comfort of your living room. Engage with this series, and let it inspire you to see the world beyond your own city's limits with new understanding and appreciation.