National Geographic Channel:

The Last Days of Osama

Wednesday, 2 May at 20:00

One of the most sensitive, top secret missions eliminates America’s number one terrorist target, Osama bin Laden, but the celebration is almost immediately tempered by thorny questions. How did the US finally catch up with the terrorist mastermind who eluded capture for nearly a decade? Why was he able to hide in plain sight just yards away from Pakistan’s most prestigious military academy? What was his day-to-day life like? Was he able to direct attacks from his hideout? And why did the man who vowed to resist to his last breath give up his life with not much of a fight? National Geographic Channel opens a special report that reveals the inside story of how the US gathered the intelligence needed to pull off the surprise attack, with insight from former CIA agents, Navy SEAL operatives and high-ranking government officials, including retired general and CIA director David Petraeus. Journalist Peter Bergen, to whom Bin Laden first revealed his intention to wage a terrorist war on the West, and one of a small handful to have met him, heads to Pakistan for answers on the ground. This multifaceted investigation reconstructs the last days of Osama Bin Laden.

Adventure Week

- Lucky Munkers

Monday, 7 May at 19:00

The adventures of five enthusiasts, who have the most extraordinary hobby; mud-larking along the banks of the River Thames are documented. Every week, whatever the weather, they’re to be found wading through mud and digging up artefacts. From Roman coins to Tudor chainmail, via shark’s teeth and 300-year-old shoes, the programme explores the thousands of years of London’s history they reveal, and follows their newest recruit, Chicago Ron, on his very first mud-lark outing.

- Treasure Hoard: Secrets of the Lost Gold

Tuesday, 7 May at 19:00

The program tells the story of the discovery of the largest hoard of Saxon Gold ever found. It begins with the unearthing of the first piece by amateur metal detectorist Terry Herbert; reveals the secret archaeological excavations required to rescue the gold; and demonstrates how and why the hoard has captured the imagination of the world's press. Throughout, the program explores the behind-the-scenes conservation work and academic debate the hoard has generated, as experts struggle to understand this magnificent and mysterious discovery.

Rock Stars

21 to 23 May at 19:00

Rock Stars follows a tight-knit company of rock technicians who plant explosives, man-handle three hundred pound hydraulic jacks, and set anchors into sheer rock, all while hanging hundreds of feet above the ground. Working with the constant threat of boulders the size of trucks falling around them, these men risk life and limb to protect us from the threat of massive avalanches and landslides. Throughout the season, the crew battles overwhelming challenges and severe weather, overcoming impossible odds while inventing new ways to contend with difficult scenarios. They put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of nearby communities facing the potential destructiveness of a massive rockslide.

Birth of Europe

Sundays (6, 13 and 20 May) at 20:00

Europe is an amazingly varied place. It reaches from the frozen Arctic North right down to the shores of Africa. It has had an epic history of colliding continents, erupting volcanoes, ice ages - and even massive asteroid impacts. This series explores its geological past and present.

Geology has made Europe what it is today - the position of its coastline, the separation of islands and mainland, the very shape of the Mediterranean itself - all these things have influenced how countries took shape, where people live and where trade routes were established. Almost everything about our continent - its history, the look and position of our towns and cities, and of course the very landscape itself - is in some way connected to our momentous geological past and the rocks beneath our feet.

Megafactories: X3

Tuesday, 15 May at 20:00

While South Africa is awash with red, the colour associated with the new 3 series sedan, Megafactories puts the spotlight on one of Beemer's most popular vehicles, the X3. Some call it a mom's taxi, the X3 is a heavyweight, and given the recent reports on obesity in America, it may be apt that the German car firm is getting closer to its core market. BMW has moved production of the Spartanburg County, South Carolina BMW facility. To keep up with the heavy demand, the South Carolina factory increased production by 50%, hired 1 000 new workers and purchased 300 additional robots, adding over a million square meters, and even built an eco-friendly painting facility that is powered by the methane gas emitted from a local landfill site.

Mercedez Overhaul - Tuesday, 1 May at 20:00
The Mini - Tuesday, 8 May at 20:00
Michelin - Tuesday, 22 May at 20:00
Extreme Rollercoaster - Tuesday, 29 May at 20:00

Nat Geo WILD:

Animal Underworld

11, 18 and 25 May at 19:00

Henry Rollins explores the complex relationship between humans and animals by investigating dangerous and seemingly taboo practices around the world in the three-part series, Animal Underworld. Rollins tries to understand why some people choose to come head to head with some of the worlds most dangerous and disturbing animals. He investigates the ways in which humans worship animals and the roles that animals play in religious rituals, and he examines the roles that animals play as food, medicine, and drugs around the world.

Animal Superpowers

3, 10 and 17 May at 18:00

How can an octopus turn itself invisible in the blink of an eye? How can a sailfish outrun a speedboat? How can a snake strike prey with deadly accuracy – in total darkness? Animal Superpowers uses a mix of action-packed character-driven location filming, stunning footage of extreme animal behaviour and immersive CGI animation to reveal the secret superpowers of the animal kingdom, striking in-field photography will capture creatures displaying truly alien-like traits. We’ll unravel each animal’s mysterious abilities by following teams of scientists on expeditions to hunt, track, and catch and study these animals in their natural habitats. These animals are elite creatures with extreme abilities to move, sense, hunt - heal and survive. The teams on their trail are larger than life daredevils who undertake risky missions to unlock the secret superpowers of each animal’s anatomy and behaviour.

Wild Mississippi

22 and 29 June at 18:00, 5 June at 18:00

This exploration of North America’s greatest waterway is a rollercoaster ride of drama with visuals that’ll be sure to take your breath away. A wild Mississippi river is revealed in this blue chip natural history series which highlights the rarely-seen magic of the longest river system in the United States, and the drama of the creatures that are drawn to the Mississippi for survival. Among them are bears, wolves, bobcats, giant five-foot long sturgeons, enormous wild boar, bull sharks and alligators.

Live Like An Animal

16, 23 and 30 May at 18:00

In Live Like an Animal, three presenters, Lloyd, Matt and James endeavour to emulate the architectural skills of animals by building a beaver’s lodge, a wasp’s nest and a hummingbird nest to human size. Tourists and commuters in central London, New York and Chicago will experience a unique and totally unexpected spectacle of both the build process and the sight of three fully grown men living in them for 24 hours. Authenticity is the key and the aim is to show how amazing these animals are as engineers and the lengths we humans have to go to get anywhere near it.