WBD has expanded its discovery+ and Animal Planet lineup this August with two high-profile wildlife titles – ‘The Dooars World’, narrated by actor-environmentalist Dia Mirza, and ‘The Americas’, voiced by Hollywood legend Tom Hanks with music by Hans Zimmer. The dual releases aim to spark global curiosity and drive conversations on wildlife conservation through compelling storytelling.
Premiering on August 15 with a simulcast across Discovery and Animal Planet, ‘The Dooars World’ takes viewers deep into the biodiverse Dooars region, a vital ecological corridor between India and Bhutan. Directed by first-time filmmaker Shaon Pritam Baral, the series captures the lives of the red panda, the Asian one-horned rhinoceros, and a host of bird species that coexist with local communities.
Baral said, “The Dooars is more than just a landscape, it’s a living, breathing world where wildlife and people share a delicate balance. Having Dia Mirza’s soulful voice guide this journey adds so much depth and warmth to the storytelling. I hope it inspires viewers to see the Dooars with the same wonder and respect that I do.”
Launched on August 18, ‘The Americas’ airs weekdays at 9 pm on Animal Planet with simultaneous telecasts on Discovery. Produced by BBC Studios’ acclaimed Natural History Unit in collaboration with Universal Television Alternative Studio, the 11-part series explores the only landmass stretching from pole to pole – from the Arctic’s icy wilderness to Patagonia’s rugged terrains.
Narrated by Tom Hanks, the series highlights extraordinary species and their survival strategies, while Hans Zimmer’s score heightens its emotional resonance. The show has already garnered Emmy nominations for Outstanding Narrator (Tom Hanks) and Outstanding Music Composition.
Sai Abishek, Head of Factual Entertainment, Lifestyle & Kids – South Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighted the synergy of established and emerging talent behind the productions, “At Warner Bros. Discovery, we love bringing together iconic voices and fresh new talent to tell stories that truly connect. The Dooars World is a great example – first-time director Shaon Pritam Baral pairs with Dia Mirza’s soulful narration to showcase one of India’s most biodiverse regions. On the other side, Tom Hanks brings his unmistakable voice to The Americas, an epic journey across two continents. Fun fact – The Dooars World was discovered during WAVES Film Bazaar, an NFDC initiative.”
Both series reflect Warner Bros. Discovery’s signature focus on awe-inspiring visuals, emotional storytelling, and conservation awareness – reinforcing its legacy in natural history programming while bringing global and regional narratives together on one stage.
India’s privacy rules come into force; industry bodies cautious
Disney misses Q4 revenue estimates; cable TV unit a weak link
Guest Column: My encounters with King Khan & Big B
Govt’s SoP for removal of online non-consensual intimate images
Writer-poet Javed Akhtar feels AI cannot be wished away
CBFC unveils multilingual film certification process
Peacock cancels popular ‘Poker Face’ after two seasons
Xbox games come to Amazon Fire TV devices in India
BBC Studios integrates media & streaming biz in APAC 

