BBC’s new documentary, Tiger Island, has prompted a wave of online complaints as some viewers were left distracted by the “insufferable” presenters.
Documentary-maker Dan O’Neill and presenter Anna Dimitriadis fronted the show, which follows two tiger mothers, Goma and Mala, on an island in Nepal’s Bardiya National Park.
The programme also focused on the one male tiger in the area, Bandheil.
Specialist tiger guides also feature in the first of the two-part series, but some fans quickly lost patience with the main hosts.
The BBC show follows two tiger mothers, Goma and Mala, on an island in Nepal’s Bardiya National Park
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BBC
Not long into the first episode, which aired on Sunday, fans took to social media to express their frustration with Mr O’Neill and Ms Dimitriadis.
One penned: “My god. How annoying is that Dan guy on #tigerisland? Photography was incredible but the interference by the presenters and the tour guides spoilt the production.”
“Is it only me or are these presenters/camera people very annoying. Spoiling it for me #tigerisland,” a second echoed.
A third added: “#TigerIsland would benefit from being narration only. Presenters are insufferable.” (sic)
Tiger Island presenter Dan O’Neill divided viewer opinion
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BBC
“I would like less dramatic queen energy from the presenters and more tigers and knowledge. The presenters are centring themselves- annoying #TigerIsland,” someone else commented.
Another quipped: “Tiger Island? Really? Should be renamed Presenter Island, as they’ve made it all about them. #Tigerisland #BBC.” (sic)
However, some disagreed with the common takeaway from the show, with a few people sharing positive feedback about the enthusiastic presenters.
“I seem to be the only one that doesn’t actually mind the presenters. I also like seeing the two sister rangers #tigerisland,” one pointed out.
Documentary-maker Dan O’Neill and presenter Anna Dimitriadis fronted the show
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BBC
“Loved the new wildlife series #TigerIsland @BBCOne tonight. Seeing new behaviours as well as the ones already known was fascinating. Heartbreaking moments but also moments of pure joy. Fantastic camera work from the whole team. Keep it coming please,” one enthused.
Another posted: “A great first part of #TigerIsland, a fascinating glimpse into their lives and some beautiful footage.
“I think I’ve said before that penguins were the animal I was obsessed with as a kid and tigers were a close second so I’ve been looking forward to this.” (sic)
The two presenters recently appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss the show, with Mr O’Neill stating: “It’s hair-rising being so close to the largest cat in the world but I think it’s also important to say that they are exclusively stalk and ambush hunters so if they are looking at you and you are looking at them, they are far less likely to see you as prey.”
Tiger Island debuted on BBC One on Sunday
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BBC
Ms Dimitriadis shared: “Because we’re using drones so much, it meant we could stay at a distance from them, and that’s really important as well because you want to make sure that whatever you’re capturing is them in their most natural, pure form.
“The drone technology that we were using was incredible because it meant we were able to stick with the tigers and follow them like never before.”
She added: “People love to watch other people struggle and go through hard times.
“On this series, on the second shoot we were there during monsoon season, it was 40 degree heat, 90 per cent humidity, so we had to adapt the way we work to our tigers’ schedules and essentially become nocturnal because it was just so unworkable in the morning heat.”