Ditch the screen, touch grass
Real talk: growing up these days is a totally different vibe than it used to be. Wildlife presenter Steve Backshall, the absolute GOAT behind Deadly 60, is on a mission to get kids to put down their devices and go outside. He’s not here to lecture anyone or act like an 'old fuddy duddy'—he’s all about keeping it authentic and, lowkey, as adventurous as possible.
Why nature is the main character
Backshall grew up in a house in Surrey packed with rescue animals, describing his childhood as a 'crazy version' of the sitcom The Good Life. That experience shaped his career and his belief that being active and connected to nature is a massive W for a kid’s development. Scientific evidence actually backs this up, suggesting those 'old-fashioned' childhoods were way better for our health.
The ‘Deadly’ strategy
So, how does he keep kids interested? He pivots to the things that literally everyone is fascinated by: predators. Whether it’s sharks, crocodiles, spiders, or big cats, he knows these creatures grab attention. As he joked, even if people aren't into wildlife, 'they might watch anyway in the vague hope that I might get savaged by something.'
He’s gearing up for his Deadly Live show in Brighton on October 29th, and honestly, the energy he’s seeing from thousands of kids who are already hyped about natural history is what keeps him going.
Why it matters
Backshall’s approach is a masterclass in engagement: he’s not trying to force a curriculum on anyone; he’s meeting kids where they are. By framing nature as an epic, high-stakes adventure rather than a classroom snooze-fest, he’s trying to ensure the next generation actually gives a damn about the planet.
