Great Migrations (2010)
A landmark National Geographic miniseries capturing the breathtaking, life-or-death journeys of Earth's most extraordinary migrating species.
Great Migrations - Series Information
- Original Title: Great Migrations
- First Air Year: 2010
- Last Air Year: 2010
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 7
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: November 7, 2010 (United States - NR), November 7, 2010 (Germany - 16), November 7, 2010 (France - 16), November 7, 2010 (India - U), November 7, 2010 (Brazil - L), November 7, 2010 (Mexico - AA), November 7, 2010 (Spain - 13), November 7, 2010 (South Korea - ALL)
- Networks: National Geographic
- Alternative Titles: Great Migrations: Original Edition (US), Les grandes migrations D2 (FR), 国家地理：大迁徙 (CN), Những Cuộc Di Cư Vĩ Đại (VN)
- Production Companies: National Geographic Channels International, National Geographic
- Production Countries: United States of America, United Kingdom
Great Migrations - Plot
Shot from land and air, in trees and cliff-blinds, on ice floes and underwater, this documentary tells the powerful stories of many of the planet's species and their movements, while revealing new scientific insights with breathtaking high-definition clarity and emotional impact. The beauty of these stories is underscored by a new focus into these species' fragile existence and their life-and-death quest for survival in an ever-changing world.
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Great Migrations - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Alec Baldwin
- Vincent Cassel
- Thomas Fritsch
- Peter Coyote
- James Byrnes
- Rick Rosenthal
Great Migrations - FAQs
What animals are featured in Great Migrations?
Great Migrations showcases a sweeping range of species — from wildebeest thundering across the Serengeti and monarch butterflies drifting across North America to Christmas Island red crabs and humpback whales navigating vast ocean corridors. Each episode spotlights different creatures and the extraordinary distances they travel to survive.
Is Great Migrations worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time. Great Migrations delivers breathtaking high-definition footage captured from land, air, underwater, and cliff-blinds, offering perspectives rarely seen in nature filmmaking. Alec Baldwin's narration adds warmth and gravitas, and the series blends scientific insight with genuine emotional storytelling that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Where can you stream Great Migrations?
Great Migrations is available to stream on Disney Plus. If you prefer to own the series, episodes can be purchased through Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. Availability may vary by region, so check your local platform for the most current options.
How many episodes does Great Migrations have?
Great Migrations ran as a single-season miniseries with 7 episodes, each approximately 45 minutes long. The series aired on National Geographic in November 2010 and was designed as a self-contained event, offering a complete and immersive look at animal migration across the globe.
Who narrates Great Migrations?
Alec Baldwin serves as the primary narrator for the English-language version of Great Migrations. His authoritative yet warm delivery brings emotional depth to the series. Other regional versions feature different narrators, including Vincent Cassel for French audiences and Peter Coyote for additional international editions.
How was Great Migrations received by critics?
Great Migrations earned strong praise from critics and audiences alike, celebrated for its extraordinary cinematography and the emotional weight of its storytelling. Reviewers highlighted the series as a landmark achievement in nature documentary filmmaking, drawing favorable comparisons to the BBC's Planet Earth for its visual ambition and scientific depth.
What makes Great Migrations different from other nature documentaries?
Great Migrations distinguishes itself through its singular focus on the phenomenon of migration — the life-or-death journeys that define entire species. Rather than surveying ecosystems broadly, each episode follows specific animals across their full migratory arc, combining cutting-edge HD cinematography with a narrative emphasis on survival, fragility, and the rhythms of the natural world.
What are similar shows to Great Migrations?
Fans of Great Migrations will likely enjoy Planet Earth (2006), Our Planet (2019), and The Life of Mammals (2002) for their sweeping natural world coverage. Night on Earth (2020) and Tiny World (2020) offer fresh perspectives on wildlife, while Life (2009) and Natural World (1983) are beloved classics of the genre.
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