CNN has tapped Bill Weir to host an original weekly series, “The Wonder List,” set for debut early next year.
The series is described as part travelogue and part enterprise environmental reporting, with Weir examining “people, places and creatures that could be lost to future generations.” Cinematographer Philip Bloom is on board to lense.
CNN has ordered eight hourlong episodes. Among the topics tackled are the disappearance of animal herds in Africa, the vanishing Dead Sea and the geological reasons why Venice, Italy is sinking.
“The chance to find stories across six continents with one of the best photographers in the business is incredible in itself,” Weir said. “But then to get eight primetime hours to explore the forces of change that effect so many lives is the assignment of a lifetime. We’ve already captured some jaw-dropping corners of the planet and met some brave and brilliant folks fighting to save them for our great-grandkids.”
Weir joined CNN last year from ESPN and has done reporting for the cabler on a range of breaking news and enterprise topics. CNN considered several original series prospects for Weir before settling on “The Wonder List.”