8 Shows Like ‘The National Parks: America’s Best Idea’

Description: Both 'Life' and 'The National Parks' showcase the wonders of the natural world with exceptional cinematography. They share themes of biodiversity, survival, and the intricate balance of ecosystems, educating viewers while inspiring awe for nature's complexity.

Fact: 'Life' was narrated by Oprah Winfrey in the U.S. version. The series took over four years to film across every continent. It features groundbreaking slow-motion and time-lapse photography of animal behaviors.

Description: Like 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea', 'Africa' is a visually stunning documentary series that celebrates the beauty and diversity of natural landscapes. Both series emphasize conservation and the importance of preserving natural wonders, with breathtaking cinematography that immerses viewers in the environment.

Fact: 'Africa' was narrated by Sir David Attenborough, known for his iconic nature documentaries. The series used cutting-edge camera technology to capture never-before-seen wildlife behaviors. It took four years to film across 27 countries.

Description: Another Ken Burns documentary, this series shares with 'The National Parks' a deep dive into American history and the individuals who shaped it. Both highlight progressive conservation efforts and the interplay between personal stories and national identity.

Fact: The series covers three members of the Roosevelt family over seven episodes. It features voice work by Meryl Streep, Paul Giamatti, and Edward Herrmann. Theodore Roosevelt's conservation efforts directly led to the creation of many national parks.

Description: This series, like 'The National Parks', explores fundamental aspects of human existence and our relationship with the world around us. Both use a combination of personal stories and broader historical perspectives to create an engaging narrative about identity and belonging.

Fact: Morgan Freeman traveled to 23 cities in 7 countries to film the series. It explores universal themes like love, freedom, and peace. The show features interviews with people from all walks of life, from world leaders to everyday citizens.

Description: Similar to 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea', 'The Civil War' is a Ken Burns documentary that delves deep into American history, showcasing his signature storytelling style with a mix of archival footage, photographs, and narration. Both series explore the shaping of America's identity, albeit through different lenses—one through the preservation of natural landscapes and the other through a pivotal historical conflict.

Fact: 'The Civil War' was the most-watched series ever on PBS at the time of its release, with over 40 million viewers. The documentary's hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, featuring 'Ashokan Farewell', became iconic. It took Ken Burns five years to research and produce the series.

Description: This series shares with 'The National Parks' a deep appreciation for natural beauty and biodiversity. Both documentaries highlight the importance of conservation and the relationship between humans and their environment, using stunning visuals to tell the story of these landscapes.

Fact: 'Wild China' was a co-production between the BBC and China Central Television. It features rare footage of endangered species like the giant panda and snow leopard. The series won an Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography.

Description: Focused on America's first national park, this documentary shares with 'The National Parks' series a celebration of protected wilderness areas. Both highlight the unique geology, wildlife, and conservation challenges of these special places.

Fact: Yellowstone was the world's first national park, established in 187The park sits atop an active supervolcano. It's home to more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, including geysers like Old Faithful.

Description: This Ken Burns documentary, like 'The National Parks', examines Americans' relationship with their environment, though from a more cautionary perspective. Both series show how human actions can dramatically affect landscapes, for better or worse.

Fact: The documentary includes interviews with 26 survivors of the Dust Bowl. It took four years to research and produce. The Dust Bowl led to significant changes in American agricultural practices.