Peacock Releases Trailer for the Natural World’s First Reality Competition Show, ‘The Hungry Games: Alaska’s Big Bear Challenge’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Key Art for ‘The Hungry Games: Alaska’s Big Bear Challenge’ Courtesy of Peacock.

It is definitely safe to say that when we settle in to enjoy a nature documentary or a show about nature in general, we expect certain elements to be put on display. For instance, we expect there to be education involved since that is a core tenet of the genre. Plus, we expect there to be epic visuals and powerful moments, and of course… amazing narration from a familiar voice that will walk us through our journey. Because that’s just what stories about nature have come to provide and that’s just that, really. Which is why today’s announcement from Peacock is of note. Simply because Peacock let it be known that this summer, that the network wants to try something new with a nature show/documentary. In fact, it basically wants to see… if one can make a show about mother nature, that flips that script and instead is hilarious and loads of fun and well… a show in that vein is on its way.
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Because July 11 will see the release of The Hungry Games: Alaska’s Big Bear Challenge. The first, nature themed reality competition show where big ol’ Alaskan Brown Bears will duke it out to see who eats the most before retiring for the winter. Which happens in nature every single year, yes, but this go round… it’s a tad bit spicier. Since this will be souped up to make it feel akin to the gameshows we watch at home, complete with the most epic host ever. Since Rhys Darby will be narrating and commentating on what plays out. Which is freakin’ awesome and has garnered this writer’s attention and since you’re curious as well, here are all the details on this creative new show and a trailer to boot, as we count down the days to this lovely new twist on a tried-and-true genre.

-Premiering July 11 on Peacock, The Hungry Games: Alaska’s Big Bear Challenge is a playful competition spin on the bears of Alaska’s Katmai National Park as they gear up for winter hibernation. Audiences will get a glimpse into the bears using brains and brawn to consume three million calories and gain up to 200 pounds in over 150 days.
 
-Rhys Darby (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Our Flag Means Death, Trolls, Flight of the Conchords) will narrate and provide color commentary. 

The Hungry Games: Alaska’s Big Bear Challenge puts a playful competition spin on the bears of Alaska’s Katmai National Park as they bulk up for winter hibernation. Over 150 days, the bears battle the elements – and each other – using brains and brawn to consume three million calories and gain up to 200 pounds in Nature’s real-life survival show. Unbeknownst to the bears, their progress is being tracked and ranked for a television audience with narration that combines fascinating facts about bear behavior with clever color commentary. 

ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY:
Premiere: Tuesday, July 11, 2024 
Narrator: Rhys Darby  
Executive Producers: Alison Barrat, James Manfull, Ari Mark, Phil Lott, David Brown  
Production: Produced for Peacock and Love Nature by Ample Entertainment
Format: Competition Series, 3 x 60 mins 

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