Los Angeles – National Geographic is launching a four‑part documentary series titled Lion that provides an in‑depth portrait of a single pride of lions in Kenya. Over the course of four years, the production crew spent roughly 1,400 days in the field, capturing the animals’ daily routines, challenges, and milestones.
Unprecedented access to a lion family
Director of photography Sophie Darlington explained that the series is unique because the filmmakers allowed the pride to “write the script.” Rather than staging scenes, the crew simply observed, letting the lions dictate the narrative. The focus is on a young cub named Kio, who the filmmakers suggest may become the future king of the pride.
Executive producer Michael Gunton described the project as “risky” and “tricky,” noting that the extended commitment required both patience and resilience. He added that the story ultimately reflects the universal themes of perseverance and hope.
Creative talent behind the series
Jon Favreau, known for directing the live‑action adaptation of The Lion King, serves as an executive producer on Lion. Favreau said his involvement stemmed from a desire to explore a story “with a scope that’s never been told before.” He emphasized the importance of following the pride for an extended period to capture the full arc of their lives.
According to Darlington, the series contains no human characters; it is solely about the lion family and the drama inherent in their natural world. She described the documentary as a “story of heart” that can be appreciated by the whole family.
How to watch
The series premieres on Wednesday, Aug. 19, on the National Geographic channel. It will be available the following day, Aug. 20, on the streaming platforms Disney+ and Hulu, giving viewers multiple options to experience the groundbreaking wildlife storytelling.
By dedicating four years to a single pride, the filmmakers hope to set a new standard for natural‑history documentaries, offering audiences an intimate look at the lives of these iconic African predators.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
