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NatGeo’s ‘Original Sin’ to uncover sex in new six-part series
MUMBAI: National Geographic Channel has commissioned, from World of Wonder, of Original Sin: How Sex Changed the World, which is currently starting preproduction and will investigate how the sexual revolution over the past 50 years has impacted every aspect of our society, including pop culture, science, politics and social interaction.
The six-part series will explore how sex has shed many of its taboos to increasingly permeate contemporary cultures all over the world, and how this new era of exploration is shaping our lives. Original Sin will take a frank look at how sex has become more visible, impacting the Internet, advertising, politics, education and the media. Hitherto marginalised sexual communities have entered the mainstream and new types of sexual aggression are on the rise. The series will air globally on National Geographic Channel in 2016, in 171 countries and 45 languages.
Exploring how sexuality is represented in various countries and cultures around the world, Original Sin will reveal how sex on the Internet has led to a collapse of traditional privacy, how sex education over the years has taught us more about our fears and anxieties than sex itself, how sex scandals often expose political hypocrisy, and how concepts of gender and sexuality have become newly defined thanks to high-profile personalities like Laverne Cox and Caitlyn Jenner.
The influence of sex on what is socially acceptable has also impacted cultures all around the world. The series will examine the sexual revolution globally, including the campaign against sex robots in the U.K., Japan’s bars where women can use vibrators in public while having a drink and Thailand’s moves to enshrine third-gender individuals in their constitution.
“Clearly, sex is necessary for the continuation of our species, but its influence goes well beyond the need to procreate. In the footsteps of our decades-defining series about how pivotal moments, people and innovations shaped the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s, we now turn our attention to a subject that was once taboo, but that impacts everything around us. This series will explore the myriad ways sex has evolved in public, from ancient art to being front and center in best-selling novels, technology and politics,” said National Geographic Channel president of original programming and production Tim Pastore.
“Sex is all around us, but it’s something that we seem reluctant to talk about. People decry it, moralise about it and get upset about it, but there are few attempts to understand this powerful and most fundamental of life forces. We feel it is time to cast aside modesty and examine without embarrassment the impact that sex has on our lives,” added World of Wonder co-CEO Fenton Bailey.
Using archival footage, animation and interviews with experts like sex therapist Dr. Ruth, Original Sin will uncover the surprising ways sex impacts humanity and how societal conditions have changed over the past 50 years.
Original Sin will be produced by World of Wonder for National Geographic Channel. For World of Wonder, Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell and Dan Partland are executive producers. For National Geographic Channel, Kevin Mohs is vice president, production and development; Alan Eyres is senior vice president, programming and development; and Tim Pastore is president, original programming and production.
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National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
