Around the Next Bend

Watch Around the Next Bend

  • TV-PG
  • 2012
  • 1 Season
  • 6.6  (24)

Around the Next Bend is a documentary television series that explores the lesser-known regions of the world. The show takes viewers on an incredible journey to the corners of the globe to meet interesting people and experience their unique cultures, all while discovering the beauty of our planet.

Each episode takes the viewer on a vivid journey to parts of the world that are rarely seen by outsiders. From the tropical rain forests of South America to the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas, the show brings the viewer to the heart of these mesmerizing and exotic locations. The series is hosted by Thomas O'Dowd, a talented adventurer and filmmaker, who takes viewers on a thrilling, educational ride that highlights fascinating facts about the people, history, and culture of the regions he visits.

The show delves into different aspects of life, depending on the location being presented. For instance, in one episode, Thomas interviews a group of fishermen who live in the heart of the Amazon. Through his conversations, viewers learn about the challenges these fishermen face, including the difficulty of catching enough food to survive. The episode also explores the unique and diverse wildlife that inhabits the river, such as the caiman and the giant river otter.

Another episode takes viewers to the stunning mountain ranges of the Himalayas. There, Thomas explores the life of the Sherpas, who provide invaluable assistance to mountain climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest. The episode highlights the Sherpas' way of life, their religious beliefs, and the difficulties they face living in such a high-altitude environment.

Throughout the series, Thomas provides an objective, candid look at the cultures and environments he encounters. Whether he is interviewing locals or exploring the natural landscapes, Thomas always maintains a respectful, open-minded perspective about the sites he visits. He also highlights the various challenges facing these remote regions, from climate change to over-fishing or over-hunting. By doing so, the inquisitive host encourages other travellers to be responsible, respectful visitors.

The production value of Around the Next Bend is high, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of each region. For instance, the camera follows fishermen as they navigate through the Amazon's twisting rivers or the majestic snow leopards as they stalk through the Himalayas. The result is a visual feast for viewers, as they can virtually immerse themselves in these colourful, awe-inspiring locations.

The show also includes informative graphics and powerful soundtracks, which add to the overall viewing experience. The graphics break down complex concepts such as the geography of the region, the local economy, and the impact of climate change. Meanwhile, the music varies depending on the region, with traditional songs from Bolivia's Andean highlands or Indian classical music from the Himalayas.

One noteworthy aspect of the show is how it portrays its subjects. It's clear that Thomas values the people he meets and the cultures they represent. He allows local people to speak for themselves, which adds to the authenticity of the show. In doing so, the documentary has the opportunity to dispel pre-existing stereotypes and offer a more heartfelt, nuanced view of these fascinating communities.

Overall, Around the Next Bend is an informative, visually stunning programme, which offers an opportunity to see some of the world's most fascinating places through a fresh set of eyes. Through his conversations with local residents and his observations of the environment, host Thomas O'Dowd brings viewers close to these remote places, and offers them a chance to see the rich diversity that exists outside their immediate communities. By highlighting these varied cultures, Around the Next Bend reminds us that despite our differences there is so much that we can learn from each other.

Around the Next Bend is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between June 17, 2012 and on Janson Media

Around the Next Bend
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Seasons
Dhaka
12. Dhaka
June 17, 2012
Considered to be the most densely populated country in the world, Bangladesh is situated on large, low-lying river deltas, flowing from the Himalayas into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges delta, known as the Padma, joins two other rivers before finally filtering out into the ocean. With low elevations, Bangladesh is subject to severe flooding and is now recognized as vulnerable to climate change
Bangladesh
11. Bangladesh
June 17, 2012
The state of West Bengal is situated on the eastern bottleneck of India. The Ganges River divides in into the Hooghly River in West Bengal and the Padma River flowing southeast into Bangladesh. Calcutta is considered the cultural capital of India and the birthplace of modern Indian literature and art. West Bengal shares much of its cultural heritage with the neighboring Bangladesh.
Farakka Barrage
10. Farakka Barrage
June 17, 2012
In traditional Indian culture, social status is defined by the caste system. It is a strict hierarchy that assigns social standing based on hereditary descendants. Under this system Indians are literally born into their social status. Modern India has done much to combat caste-based discrimination, but in rural areas it is still very much a visible part of life.
Bihar
9. Bihar
June 17, 2012
With a population of over 100 million, Bihar is India's third most populous state. In ancient times, the area was considered the country's centre of power, learning, and culture. Today, slow economic development has led Bihar to becoming India's poorest state. The state has a reputation for crime and inter-caste violence. Foreigners are warned to exercise extreme caution while traveling in Bihar.
Monsoon
8. Monsoon
June 17, 2012
The monsoon season typically arrives in June and lasts until September. The season is marked by an intense initial downpour that lasts for days, followed by a pattern of heavy rain for several hours each day. Temperatures remain fairly high during this period. Flooding is a common occurrence in many Indian cities, as inadequate drainage systems struggle to cope with the large volume of water.
Nepal
7. Nepal
June 17, 2012
For Hindus, there is no city holier than Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, it is located on the banks of the Ganges in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Established over 3,000 years ago, it is one of the oldest cities in India. Hindus believe that dousing one's self in the holy waters of the Ganga is the only true way to cleanse the soul of sin.
Varanasi
6. Varanasi
June 17, 2012
In India the summer season begins in early March and lasts until late June. Much of Indian life during the summer is spent indoors and out of the sun. Daytime work is often abandoned between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Even so, the extreme heat claims thousands of lives each year. Even those acclimatized to such conditions are not immune to the power of the sun.
Allahabad
5. Allahabad
June 17, 2012
With over 1.18 billion people, India houses roughly one sixth of the world's population. Unfortunately, it's estimated that over 400 million Indians now live under the global poverty line of one dollar and twenty-five cents per day. High population growth rates and ineffective food management have resulted in fluctuating levels of famine.
Holi
4. Holi
June 17, 2012
The Taj Mahal lies on the bank of the Yamuna river in the city of Agra. While Agra is probably best known for the Taj and other historical buildings from the same era, it is also renown for its handy crafts, marble and stone inlay work and its sweets. The leather industry is also among the most traditional and original industries of Agra.
Agra
3. Agra
June 17, 2012
Vrindavan lies on the bank of the Yamuna river, 150 kilometers south of Delhi. The town was built upon the forest of Vrindavana, where Krishna spent his childhood. The town is a major pilgrimage destination for many traditions of Hinduism. Thousands of temples have been erected over the centuries.
Yamuna
2. Yamuna
June 17, 2012
The Yamuna is the largest tributary river of the Ganges in Northern India. Unfortunately the Yamuna is also one of the most polluted rivers in the world. New Delhi, the capital of India, dumps more than 50% of its waste into the river, which remains stagnant for nine months of the year. Millions of people depend on the polluted Yamuna water.
Delhi
1. Delhi
June 17, 2012
The Ganges River is considered one of the holiest rivers in the world. At 2510 km long draws from the Western Himalaya's in Northern India, flowing southeast to Bangladesh where it drains into the Indian Ocean. The river is home to millions of people, whose religions, traditions, and way of life have been shaped from centuries of living along its banks.
Description
Where to Watch Around the Next Bend
Around the Next Bend is available for streaming on the Janson Media website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Around the Next Bend on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Apple TV, Tubi TV and Pluto TV.
  • Premiere Date
    June 17, 2012
  • IMDB Rating
    6.6  (24)