Factual
History TV18 to premiere ‘Appalachian Outlaws’
MUMBAI: American reality television series ‘Appalachian Outlaws’ premieres on History TV18, 5 September onwards, every Sat-Sun at 11pm. The show draws attention to the trade revolving around ginseng, a scarce yet valuable herb native to the Appalachian Mountains. With global demand skyrocketing, dealers are eager to get in on the game, and with prices hovering around $1,000 per pound, diggers are in a frenzy to harvest the mountain gold. Some even believe its gnarled roots have special healing powers.
Sweeping some 1,500 miles from New York to Georgia, the Appalachian Mountains are a historic time capsule – a place where a way of life built around hunting, trapping and trading hasn’t changed since the early 1700’s. Furs, ginseng and moonshine still provide the basis of the economy as they did from earliest frontier days. These mountains have just the right elevation, rainfall and mineral-rich soil to produce the best wild ginseng in the world. But now, a war is brewing over this valuable commodity. Whoever controls the ginseng, controls the mountains.
To prevent over-harvesting in the U.S., a few states have started regulating where it’s legal to pull ginseng, which has made territorial lines even blurrier than before.The plot of this epic new series, set in a land which is famous for its feuds, follows five to eight clans fighting to claim their share of mountain riches during one of the most important seasons of their year: “the fat months” of late summer through harvest time.
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.
