Nat Geo orders ‘human herd’ series

National Geographic Channel has ordered Mygrations, a fact-ent series in which a ‘human herd’ follow the gruelling migration route of African wildebeest.

The 20-strong herd is comprised of elite male and female athletes, including ex-special forces operatives and zoologists, as they brave harsh elements and predators.

The 200-mile, six-week, journey is played out over six one-hour episodes. UK prodco October Films is making the series for Nat Geo.

“Mygrations is a series that truly embraces National Geographic’s pillars of exploration and adventure,” said Tim Pastore, NGC’s global president of original programming and production.

He added: “The human herd’s journey not only pushes the limits of human spirit and capability in extreme conditions, but demonstrates the strengths and resilience our ancestors needed to survive.”

The show will launch this spring on the National Geographic Channel in the US, and on the international Nat Geo channels later.

The commission follows a raft of orders from the reorganised Nat Geo, several of which were announced yesterday, including its first drama series Blood Ivory.

Jos Cushing, series executive producer said: “Mygrations will give viewers a visceral, heart-pounding experience – delivering gripping content together with breathtaking visuals of one of the most beautiful – and dangerous – places on earth.”

Fox-owned Nat Geo is fully funding the series, and Fox International Channels’ sales arm, which yesterday drafted in Jess Khanom as global formats chief, will shop the property internationally.