EARTH - A NEW WILD: Water

This five-part series, "Home" (repeats Sept. 21), "Plains" (repeats Sept. 28), "Forests" (repeats Oct. 5), "Oceans" (repeats Oct. 12) and "Water" (repeats Oct. 19) takes a fresh look at humankind’s relationship to the planet’s wildest places and most fascinating species.

Dr. M. Sanjayan, a leading conservation scientist, takes viewers on a stunning visual journey to explore how humans are inextricably woven into every aspect of the planet’s natural systems.

EARTH A New Wild Preview

"This five-part series takes a fresh look at humankind’s relationship to the planet’s wildest places and most fascinating species. Dr. M. Sanjayan

EARTH - A NEW WILD features spectacular natural history footage from the most striking places on Earth, filming encounters between wild animals and the people who live and work with them.

With up-close looks at a range of species, from giant pandas to humpback whales and African lions to Arctic reindeer, Sanjayan reveals that co-habitations with animals can work — and be mutually beneficial.

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Host Dr. M. Sanjayan with Samburu tribesman in northern Kenya during the singing wells film shoot.

Courtesy of Ami Vitale

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During dry season in Northern Kenya, the desperate need for water has forged an extraordinary relationship between man and animal: the Samburu sing from inside the wells, and the herds know the voice of their family.

Courtesy of Ami Vitale

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During dry season in Northern Kenya, the desperate need for water has forged an extraordinary relationship between man and animal: the Samburu sing from inside the wells, and the herds know the voice of their family.

Courtesy of Ami Vitale

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During dry season in Northern Kenya, the desperate need for water has forged an extraordinary relationship between man and animal. Domestic camels wait for water in the dry river bed.

Courtesy of Ami Vitale

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During dry season in Northern Kenya, the desperate need for water has forged an extraordinary relationship between man and animal. Domestic camels wait for water in the dry river bed.

Courtesy of Ami Vitale

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M. Sanjayan and cows. During dry season in Northern Kenya, the desperate need for water has forged an extraordinary relationship between man and animal: the Samburu sing from inside the wells, and the herds know the voice of their family.

Courtesy of Ami Vitale

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Cows. During dry season in Northern Kenya, the desperate need for water has forged an extraordinary relationship between man and animal: the Samburu sing from inside the wells, and the herds know the voice of their family.

Courtesy of Ami Vitale

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Giraffes. In the dusty, desert scrub of northern Kenya, man and animal come together at deep, hand-dug wells.

Courtesy of Ami Vitale

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The daily catch of a fisherman at Lake Malawi. Overfishing here is leading to an increase in HIV cases in the people living around the lake.

Courtesy of Anna McVey

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The Colorado River was once so powerful it could sculpt the Grand Canyon. But today the Colorado is the most controlled river on Earth.

Courtesy of M. Sanjayan

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Aerial view Colorado River. The Colorado River was once so powerful it could sculpt the Grand Canyon. But today the Colorado is the most controlled river on Earth.

Courtesy of M. Sanjayan

In the final episode, Sanjayan explores humankind’s relationship with the Earth’s most important resource: water.

Unraveling dramatic connections between fresh water and the health of the planet, he uncovers spectacular wildlife stories that center on managing the natural pulse of the planet’s water.

The episode includes a kayak journey that follows the Colorado River to the sea; the elephants and people at the singing wells of Kenya; the surprising connection between AIDS and a small fish in Lake Malawi; and a look at how hunters in America saved one of the greatest gatherings of birds on the continent.

EARTH A New Wild | Water Preview

"Sanjayan explores humankind’s relationship with the Earth’s most important resource: water. Unraveling dramatic connections between fresh water and the health of the planet

“PBS viewers love programs that explore our planet in new and intriguing ways, and EARTH - A NEW WILD takes this idea to an exciting new level,” says PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager Beth Hoppe. “This series is an amazing view of us and our natural surroundings as never seen before.”

You can follow @msanjayan on Twitter.

A Closer Look at the Series

"This five-part series takes a fresh look at humankind’s relationship to the planet’s wildest places and most fascinating species. Dr. M. Sanjayan

Dr. M. Sanjayan Discusses the Wild

"This five-part series takes a fresh look at humankind’s relationship to the planet’s wildest places and most fascinating species. Dr. M. Sanjayan

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This series originally aired in 2015. Full episodes are available to view on demand with KPBS Passport, video streaming for members ($60 yearly) using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.