Sarika Cullis-Suzuki and Anthony Morgan have been named the incoming hosts of CBC’s The Nature of Things, following David Suzuki’s announcement last month he’ll be retiring next spring.
Announced by Suzuki during today’s CBC Live at Massey Hall industry event, the new hosting duo will take over TV’s longest-running science program during the 2023-24 season.
Cullis-Suzuki, David Suzuki’s youngest daughter, is a marine biologist and environmentalist, while Morgan is a molecular scientist and science communicator. Both have guest-hosted past episodes of The Nature of Things. They’ll each host an episode during Suzuki’s final season, launching Jan. 6, before debuting as co-hosts for Season 63.
“Anthony and Sarika are scientists from opposite ends of the country who studied different areas of science, but they share a passion for communicating the fun and importance of science,” said Jennifer Dettman, Executive Director, Unscripted Content, CBC, in a network announcement. “They bring a boundless curiosity and enthusiasm to their explorations that will resonate with new audiences, and with two fresh perspectives, the longest-running science and nature series will evolve to capture the world through a whole new lens.”
Suzuki, 86, who has hosted the show for 43 years, says he’s confident The Nature of Things legacy will continue in the hands of another generation.
“I leave with gratitude for having had the opportunity to be a guide in this world and with confidence that another generation with a younger perspective will continue to explore the important and exciting stories that The Nature of Things has always brought to Canadians,” wrote Suzuki, in a statement provided by the broadcaster.
“Just to be a part of this legacy—on a personal level because of my father, but also because I really believe in the show and the substance—feels amazing,” added Cullis-Suzuki. “So it is such an honour. I feel so humbled.”
Based in Victoria, BC, Cullis-Suzuki has been working in environmentally-themed media for the last 15 years, hosting documentaries for The Nature of Things, Parks Canada, National Film Board, Ocean Networks Canada, and Audible. She launched The Suzuki Diaries in 2008, a series for CBC that explored a sustainable future with her father. Trained as a Marine Biologist (Ph.D., M.Sc.), she has been a Visiting Scientist at Ocean Networks, was named an influential Canadian millennial by HuffPost Canada, and was nominated for “Best Host” at the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers in 2020. She has served on various boards and committees, including the David Suzuki Foundation, WWF Canada, and the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea.
Morgan is a television host, entrepreneur, game designer and Ph.D. researcher, based in Toronto, who has spent the last 20 years working in multiple fields across science communication. Starting as a host at the Ontario Science Centre, he’s since worked with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Asap SCIENCE, as a fill-in host on CBC Radio’s Quirks & Quarks, segment producer at the Daily Planet, and the Royal Ontario Museum. His Ph.D. work at Toronto Metropolitan University explores how we can reduce polarization to have better conversations around controversial science. He also hosts a conversational pub game for curious people (dubbed “Freestyle Socials”) across the Greater Toronto Area via his company, Science Everywhere.
Season 62 of the Nature of Things will premiere on Friday, Jan. 6 at 9 p.m. (9 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem.
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