Factual
NGC’s ‘Mars’ showcasing space revolution in Nov
MUMBAI: National Geographic is all set to initiate an unprecedented global event series called Mars. The show is produced by Imagine Entertainment and RadicalMedia for the channel. For Imagine Entertainment, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Michael Rosenberg are executive producers. For RadicalMedia, Justin Wilkes, Jon Kamen, Dave O’Connor, Jonathan Silberberg are executive producers. For NGC, Robert Palumbo is executive producer; Matt Renner is vice president, production; and Tim Pastore is president, original programming and production.
Premiering this November, the series is set both in the future and in the present day. The show intends to redefine television storytelling by combining feature film-quality scripted drama and visual effects with best-in-class documentary sequences to drive forward a cohesive, edge-of-your-seat story of mankind’s thrilling quest to colonize Mars.
This six-part global event series tells the inspiring story from the vantage point of a fictitious crewed mission to Mars in 2033. The scripted portion focuses on Earth’s first crewed mission to Mars aboard the spacecraft Daedalus. Its maiden voyage in 2033 is crewed by a carefully selected international team of six uniquely qualified astronauts, including:
Once Daedalus successfully lands on Mars and sets up a preliminary base of operations, British nuclear physicist Leslie Richardson (Cosima Shaw) will lead a Phase 2 settlement team along with her husband, world-renowned experimental botanist Dr. Paul Richardson (John Light). Those interviewed on camera for the series include the following:
• Charles Bolden, Administrator, Former Astronaut, NASA
• Neil deGrasse Tyson, Director, Hayden Planetarium
• Peter Diamandis, Chairman and CEO, XPRIZE Foundation
• David Dinges, Director, Unit for Experimental Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania
• Casey Dreier, Director of Space Policy, The Planetary Society
• Ann Druyan, Creative Director, Voyager Interstellar Mission, NASA
• Charles Elachi, Director, LPL (Ret.)
• Jim Green, Division Director, Planetary Science, NASA
• John Grunsfeld, Associate Administrator, Former Astronaut, NASA
• Jennifer Heldmann, Planetary Scientist, NASA
• Jedidah Isler, award-winning astrophysicist; emerging Explorer, National Geographic
• Thomas Kalil, Deputy Director, White House Office of Science and Technology
• Roger Launius, Smithsonian Institution
• John Logsdon, Founder, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University
• James Lovell, Former NASA Astronaut, Apollo 13 Commander
• Elon Musk, CEO SpaceX
• Stephen Petranek, author, How We’ll Live on Mars
• Mary Roach, author, Packing for Mars
• Jennifer Trosper, Mars 2020 Mission Manager, JPL
• Andy Weir, author, The Martian
• Robert Zubrin, President, The Mars Society
National Geographic will extend the show’s storytelling in an unprecedented cross-platform effort, including a six-part digital companion prequel series.
Further, Mars will be the November cover story of National Geographic magazine and will be featured in a stand-alone National Geographic book, Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet. It will also be featured in the NG Kids book, Mars: The Red Planet.
Factual
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.
