EXCLUSIVE: PBS is leaping into Hope In The Water, a three-part docuseries from David E. Kelley.
The series, which was formerly known as Eating Up the Oceans: How Do We Save Our Seas?, will launch on the public broadcaster in summer 2024.
Shailene Woodley, Martha Stewart, José Andrés and Baratunde Thurston are starring in the series, which marks the Big Little Lies creator’s first foray into documentary. Kelley bought a fish farm a few years ago that raises steelhead trout.
The series is produced by Andrew Zimmern’s Intuitive Content, the company behind series such as MSNBC’s What’s Eating America and Magnolia’s Zoe Bakes.
It will explore the creative solutions and breakthrough blue food technologies that could not only feed people but help save threatened seas and fresh waterways. The series highlights the stories of aquafarmers and fishers who are working toward a sustainable future for the planet.
Woodley, Stewart, Andrés and Thurston will reveal hidden underworlds jeopardized by climate change, irresponsible fishing and exploitation, and habitat destruction.
Big Little Lies star Woodley, for instance, grew up surfing the California coast and has witnessed firsthand how “zombie” purple urchins have taken over and destroyed kelp forests. She goes underwater with urchin divers who collect the barren urchins and then deliver them to a farm where their buttery roe is grown and harvested – turning an ecological imbalance into a sellable commodity and helping to save the kelp at the same time.
“It’s my hope that through this important work, we can collectively practice better alternatives that will nourish communities across the planet and sustain our waters,” she said .
Stewart has a deep connection to the Gulf of Maine – the fastest warming body of water on the planet. She sails into Penobscot Bay where a young fisherman abandoned his plans of lobstering for a more sustainable alternative: scallop farming. As Stewart cooks the scallops, she notes that Maine’s famous lobsters are now migrating further north in search of colder water.
Andrés recounts the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico in 2017. He and volunteers with World Central Kitchen prepared more than four million meals to feed hungry survivors. World Central Kitchen also provided grants to fishers to repair boats, buy new engines, and rebuild their fishery. Marine conservationist Raimundo Espinoza assisted that effort and is now helping these fishers pivot to a new and sustainable species: 60-lb., diamondback squid.
Thurston tells the story of technology, democracy, and climate. He is the host of PBS’ America Outdoors.
Hope In The Water is directed by Brian Peter Falk. Andrew Zimmern and Patrick Weiland serve as executive producers. Blue-foods experts and advocates Jennifer Bushman, Jill Kauffman Johnson and Katherine Bryar serve as advisors and impact producers. Bill Gardner serves as executive-in-charge for PBS.
“Through Hope In The Water we are on a mission to reimagine a planet where both ecological balance and food abundance are possible. Our series is a fresh take on how we can rewrite menus worldwide that will create meaningful and lasting impact for generations to come,” said Kelley. “Andrew and I are buoyed by our enthusiastic collaborators – Shailene, Martha, Baratunde and José – and are proud to partner with the Earth-conscious changemakers at PBS.”
“We’re particularly excited about Hope In The Water’s potential to reach broad audiences thanks to the powerful voices at the forefront of the series, who demonstrate the possibilities of a more sustainable future,” added Bill Gardner, VP, multiplatform programming and head of development at PBS. “With a commitment to extensive public engagement around the series, we aim to not only bring compelling and authentic documentary content to audiences but also to connect and strengthen voices, people and communities with real world ways to make a difference.”
