Watch Born Survivor: Bear Grylls
- TV-PG
- 2013
- 6 Seasons
-
8.1 (87)
Born Survivor: Bear Grylls is a survival show hosted by Bear Grylls, a former member of the British Special Forces. It premiered on the Discovery Channel in 2007 and ran for seven seasons. The show revolves around Grylls tackling extreme environments around the world with limited resources and relying on his survival skills and instincts to make it through the tough conditions. Throughout the series, he faces challenging terrain, extreme temperatures, and dangerous wildlife while demonstrating the techniques he's learned to survive in the wild.
Each episode begins with Grylls providing an overview of the location and the challenges he will face. These settings ranged from desolate deserts, dense jungles, snowy mountain ranges, and unforgiving terrains such as oceans and rivers. He then outlines the basic survival techniques he will use, such as hunting and gathering food, finding and purifying water, building shelter, and navigating the environment.
Grylls showcases practical techniques for finding and testing water sources, starting fires, and building improvised rafts or shelters. Throughout the episodes, he also highlights the value of improvisation, the importance of being calm under pressure, and how to prioritize tasks in challenging situations.
What sets Grylls apart from other survival show hosts is his willingness to demonstrate first-hand the techniques he recommends. This often includes Grylls eating live insects, drinking his urine or that of animals, and other extreme measures. While some may see his methods as extreme, Grylls highlights situations where such measures might be necessary for survival.
The show is shot with fast-moving camera work, employing point-of-view and steady-cam shots that give viewers an immersive experience. The cinematography captures the landscapes gorgeously, from the vast deserts of Namibia and Baja California to the dense jungles and forests of the Amazon and Panama.
Grylls' narration throughout the episodes provides useful insights into not only his survival techniques but also the mindset required to survive in such extreme environments. He emphasizes the importance of staying positive, alert, and focused, no matter how harsh the situation may be.
In some episodes, Grylls is accompanied by special guests such as celebrities, soldiers, athletes, and adventurers, who might bring new challenges and perspectives to the show. These guests often show up in the latter part of the episode, such as when he is stranded in the wild, already demonstrating his survival skills.
In addition to the standard episodes, several specials were produced as well. One such special is "Man vs Wild," in which Grylls pits himself against various deadly animals, including alligators, snakes, and sharks. Other segments include special episodes featuring Grylls' in-laws, his parents, and his brother, who join him on some of his excursions.
Overall, Born Survivor: Bear Grylls is an intense and educational survival adventure series that encourages viewers to push their limits and exercise their survival skills. Through Grylls' practical and creative techniques, the show reveals what it takes to tackle some of the toughest environments on the planet. With stunning cinematography, fast-paced editing, and impressive locations, it's a thrilling watch for anyone interested in outdoor adventure and survival.