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Warner Bros. Discovery Launches India: Epic Wild Stories Anthology on Animal Planet
Warner Bros. Discovery announced on July 29 that it will add a new documentary anthology, India: Epic Wild Stories, to the Animal Planet lineup. The series will debut monthly, showcasing India’s varied ecosystems through the lenses of four acclaimed local wildlife filmmakers.
The anthology’s first chapter, a six‑part series titled Shared Spaces, is already streaming on Animal Planet. Hosted by environmental journalist Bahar Dutt and shot by Emmy‑nominated filmmaker Vijay Bedi—who has earned four National Awards for cinematography—the show follows Dutt and Bedi as they traverse India’s diverse landscapes. Their journey documents how people and wildlife are learning to coexist amid rapid environmental change. The makers describe the series as an “intimate look at the communities, conservationists and species navigating a rapidly changing world. Through powerful stories of conflict, coexistence and hope, Shared Spaces reveals how people and wildlife are learning to adapt, survive and thrive alongside one another in an increasingly shared landscape.”
In addition to Shared Spaces, the anthology will feature three other documentaries crafted by Indian filmmakers:
Wild Kashmir – Directed by internationally acclaimed wildlife filmmaker and television host Malaika Vaz, the film follows her expedition into Dachigam National Park to capture one of the Himalayas’ most remarkable ecosystems. My Otter Diary – Award‑winning filmmaker Sugandhi Gadadhar chronicles the lives of smooth‑coated otters along the Cauvery River and their delicate coexistence with local communities. Turtle Walker* – Created by Taira Malaney, the film pays tribute to legendary conservationist Satish Bhaskar and his lifelong mission to protect India’s sea turtles.
Sai Abishek, Head of Factual Entertainment, Lifestyle & Kids for South Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery, said in a press statement that India’s natural history is “as rich and layered as its cultural heritage, yet many of these stories remain underrepresented in mainstream entertainment.” He added that the anthology “brings together some of the most exceptional wildlife films by Indian filmmakers, each offering a deeply local perspective on the country’s landscapes, species and conservation journeys.” Abishek also highlighted Animal Planet’s commitment to premium factual storytelling that “informs, inspires and fosters a stronger connection with the world around us.”
The launch comes at a time when India’s biodiversity faces mounting pressure from development, climate change and human‑wildlife conflict. By foregrounding local voices and on‑the‑ground footage, the series aims to raise awareness of conservation challenges and the resilience of communities that depend on natural resources.
Animal Planet, a Warner Bros. Discovery network that has operated since 1996, has historically focused on nature documentaries and wildlife programming. Adding India: Epic Wild Stories expands its global footprint and aligns with the company’s strategy to feature region‑specific content that resonates with local audiences while appealing to international viewers.
The anthology will roll out new episodes on a monthly basis, with the next documentary slated for release in early August. Warner Bros. Discovery has not announced a specific release window for the remaining titles, but the network has indicated that all four films will be available for streaming on Animal Planet’s on‑demand platform.
As the series progresses, viewers can expect deeper insights into India’s ecological diversity and the people who work to protect it. The anthology also positions Animal Planet as a key platform for showcasing under‑represented wildlife stories from South Asia, potentially influencing future production and licensing decisions in the region.
The current status is that Shared Spaces is already airing, while Wild Kashmir, My Otter Diary and Turtle Walker are scheduled for upcoming monthly premieres. No additional business transactions or regulatory actions have been reported in connection with the launch.
The anthology’s first chapter, a six‑part series titled Shared Spaces, is already streaming on Animal Planet. Hosted by environmental journalist Bahar Dutt and shot by Emmy‑nominated filmmaker Vijay Bedi—who has earned four National Awards for cinematography—the show follows Dutt and Bedi as they traverse India’s diverse landscapes. Their journey documents how people and wildlife are learning to coexist amid rapid environmental change. The makers describe the series as an “intimate look at the communities, conservationists and species navigating a rapidly changing world. Through powerful stories of conflict, coexistence and hope, Shared Spaces reveals how people and wildlife are learning to adapt, survive and thrive alongside one another in an increasingly shared landscape.”
In addition to Shared Spaces, the anthology will feature three other documentaries crafted by Indian filmmakers:
Wild Kashmir – Directed by internationally acclaimed wildlife filmmaker and television host Malaika Vaz, the film follows her expedition into Dachigam National Park to capture one of the Himalayas’ most remarkable ecosystems. My Otter Diary – Award‑winning filmmaker Sugandhi Gadadhar chronicles the lives of smooth‑coated otters along the Cauvery River and their delicate coexistence with local communities. Turtle Walker* – Created by Taira Malaney, the film pays tribute to legendary conservationist Satish Bhaskar and his lifelong mission to protect India’s sea turtles.
Sai Abishek, Head of Factual Entertainment, Lifestyle & Kids for South Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery, said in a press statement that India’s natural history is “as rich and layered as its cultural heritage, yet many of these stories remain underrepresented in mainstream entertainment.” He added that the anthology “brings together some of the most exceptional wildlife films by Indian filmmakers, each offering a deeply local perspective on the country’s landscapes, species and conservation journeys.” Abishek also highlighted Animal Planet’s commitment to premium factual storytelling that “informs, inspires and fosters a stronger connection with the world around us.”
The launch comes at a time when India’s biodiversity faces mounting pressure from development, climate change and human‑wildlife conflict. By foregrounding local voices and on‑the‑ground footage, the series aims to raise awareness of conservation challenges and the resilience of communities that depend on natural resources.
Animal Planet, a Warner Bros. Discovery network that has operated since 1996, has historically focused on nature documentaries and wildlife programming. Adding India: Epic Wild Stories expands its global footprint and aligns with the company’s strategy to feature region‑specific content that resonates with local audiences while appealing to international viewers.
The anthology will roll out new episodes on a monthly basis, with the next documentary slated for release in early August. Warner Bros. Discovery has not announced a specific release window for the remaining titles, but the network has indicated that all four films will be available for streaming on Animal Planet’s on‑demand platform.
As the series progresses, viewers can expect deeper insights into India’s ecological diversity and the people who work to protect it. The anthology also positions Animal Planet as a key platform for showcasing under‑represented wildlife stories from South Asia, potentially influencing future production and licensing decisions in the region.
The current status is that Shared Spaces is already airing, while Wild Kashmir, My Otter Diary and Turtle Walker are scheduled for upcoming monthly premieres. No additional business transactions or regulatory actions have been reported in connection with the launch.
