Quarantine hasn’t been great for most of us, but it sure has been a blessing for Mother Earth. From an “unprecedented” drop in global emissions to wild animals reclaiming their turf, the coronavirus crisis has highlighted the impact of human behavior on nature like nothing else before.
So it’s fitting that the 50th anniversary of Earth Day -- Wednesday, April 22 -- falls when most of the world is still under lockdown. Given the contemplative mood that many of us find ourselves in, there’s never been a better time to reconsider our relationship with the environment and how we can improve it moving forward, both individually and collectively.
A number of different networks have special programming planned in honor of the holiday. Here’s what to watch on Sling TV this Earth Day; follow this link for a list of activities and organizations you can support. And for even more Earth Day content, check out the ribbon under the "On Demand" tab.
Nat Geo Wild
As you might expect from the preeminent source for such things, Nat Geo Wild will be airing a pair of new specials in honor of the holiday. Hosted by Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts, Born Wild: The Next Generation premieres at 8pm ET. Avengers star Chris Hemsworth will be feeding a baby koala, which should be more than enough reason to tune in. Following that hour-long special, the two-hour documentary Jane Goodall: The Hope will celebrate the amazing life and accomplishments of the groundbreaking primatologist.
BBC America
In honor of Earth Day, BBC America is packing its programming with even more nature specials than usual. The network’s Planet Earth marathon got underway on Monday, the premiere of a "Best Of" cut of their newest series, Seven Worlds: One Planet will air on Tuesday night, and a Blue Planet II marathon is scheduled for Wednesday. Thursday will see a 12-hour marathon of Dynasties, which focuses on beloved but endangered animals as they attempt to stave off extinction. The biggest event, however, is the premiere of the documentary She Walks With Apes, which focuses on the lives of celebrated primatologists Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Biruté Galdikas and is narrated by Sandra Oh of Killing Eve.
Disney Networks
Disney Channel will be airing a simulcast of Born Wild: The Next Generation, along with well-received Disneynature films Monkey Kingdom and Penguins. Disney Junior is airing special Earth Day-appropriate episodes of shows like Mira, Royal Detective, Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures, T.O.T.S., Muppet Babies and Puppy Dog Pals, while Disney XD is serving up an all-day marathon of Amphibia, followed by the Disney XD premiere of the nature doc Born in China at 8pm. Also look out for original wildlife interstitials produced in conjunction with National Geographic.
Discovery Channel
Serengeti kicks off Discovery Channel’s Earth Day programming. Narrated by Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o, the six-part documentary series focuses on a year in the life of the various species that populate the Serengeti region of Africa. Discovery’s big event, however, is the premiere of The Great Global Cleanup, which features Zac Efron and and social media personality Zach King. The special will focus on the new generation of leaders who are dedicated to cleaning up the mess we’ve made on planet Earth. When all of this is over, let’s all commit to joining them.
