Nat Geo announces UK version of Doomsday Preppers

The first slate of programmes out of Nat Geo’s new programming hub has been announced and includes a formatted version of Doomsday Preppers and a series with actor and former soccer hard man Vinnie Jones.

Preppers UK: Surviving Armageddon

Three programmes from the content unit, which is run by Hamish Mykura, were announced: Dubai: Ultimate Airport, Vinnie Jones’ Toughest Russia and Preppers UK: Surviving Armageddon.

The latter is a UK version of Nat Geo’s hit US show, which is also shown on its various international channels. The one-hour special will be produced by Bullseye TV, part of Zodiak Media.

Vinnie Jones’ Toughest Russia shows the titular host taking on some of the toughest jobs and lifestyles in Russia, from bodyguard to policeman. It will be made by Scottish indie Tern TV.

Vinnie Jones’ Toughest Russia

Dubai: Ultimate Airport is a ten-part series from Arrow Media, the prodco set up by ex-Darlow Smithson  execs John Smithson, Tom Brisley and lain Pelling. The show goes behind the scenes at the incredibly busy airport in question.

Mykura, the ex-Channel 4 head of documentaries, joined Nat Geo late last year as EVP and head of international content, NGCI and he promptly set up the London-based international content hub. Several organisational changes were made at Nat Geo last year following Fox taking full control of the TV division.

Mykura said of the new slate: “From capturing the tension and complexity of operating a very large, dynamic airport to following Vinnie Jones’ quest to uncover the grit and glory behind Russia’s toughest jobs, NGCI’s newly commissioned programming slate offers viewers extraordinary access to some of the world’s most remarkable people and places – all delivered by some of the brightest producers in the field.”