PBS’s venerable Nature returns with a new episode, “Big Cats, Small World: Outlanders,” continuing its look into the lives of three big cat families grappling with the ever-shifting seasons. Forget your house cats’ languid naps and insatiable appetite for kibble; this is a raw, sometimes brutal look at survival in the wild.
The episode focuses on a pride of lions, a cheetah family, and a leopard with cubs, each facing unique trials. For the aging lion patriarch, the threat comes from younger, stronger rivals eager to usurp his position. Meanwhile, cheetah cubs must learn the ropes of independent living, a daunting task in a world teeming with predators. And the leopard mother performs a delicate balancing act, providing for her offspring while protecting them from danger.
While Nature often features stunning landscapes and exotic creatures, “Outlanders” emphasizes the often-harsh realities of life in the animal kingdom. It’s not all breathtaking sunsets and graceful hunts; there’s competition, loss, and the constant struggle to find food and secure territory. The episode doesn’t shy away from depicting these difficulties, offering a more complete, if less romanticized, picture of these iconic predators.
“Big Cats, Small World: Outlanders” airs Wednesday, January 29, 2025, on PBS.