Big Blue Live will not be a staid, serious-minded, slow-moving nature show. ​

PBS has big plans for the first-ever live event to be a dynamic look at the marine life at Monterey Bay, Calif., airing over three nights starting Aug. 31.

Those plans start with an interactive social hub that may make Big Blue Live the most socially engaged event in PBS history.

Screenshot of "Big Blue Live" social hub
Screenshot of “Big Blue Live” social hub

“PBS and its member stations are known for bringing unique, thought-provoking and eye-opening programming to viewers across multiple platforms,” said Don Wilcox, VP of digital marketing and services for PBS. “This ambitious real-time event is a testament to PBS’ commitment to delivering high-quality science and nature programming, and finding ways to continuously engage and surprise the public we serve.”

The social hub and the interactivity of the show itself are both meant to spur a family-friendly co-viewing environment, encouraging viewers to play along.

During the live on-air broadcast, PBS will also show a live simulcast at PBS.org/BigBlueLive, featuring several live camera feeds throughout the Bay. The social hub will update throughout the broadcasts with conversation around the show and PBS’ conservation effort from viewers as well as local station personalities. It also plans on integrating Periscope feeds, polls, photos, caption contests, videos and GIFs in a partnership with PBS, BBC, Monterey Bay Aquarium and NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

Co-hosts Dr. M Sanjayan and Liz Bonnin will also live-tweet answers to Twitter questions throughout the show.

For now, PBS and the BBC are teasing out what may be in store in a clip of what the BBC aired as its U.K. version of Big Blue Live:

[Images courtesy of PBS]

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