South Carolina ETV’s (SCETV) Emmy award-winning digital series What’s Wild returns Oct. 7 for season 4 across SCETV’s digital platforms. The six-episode season continues to celebrate South Carolina’s biodiversity, encouraging viewers to explore the Palmetto State’s natural treasures and the people working to protect them.
This season, What’s Wild takes audiences on a journey from the mountains to the coast, featuring iconic and often overlooked species such as loggerhead sea turtles, American alligators, timber rattlesnakes, Bartram’s bass, antlions, and even mosses and lichens.
What’s Wild season 4 also underscores SCETV’s collaborations with leading conservation partners, with episodes highlighting the work of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center. SCDNR serves as the state’s principal advocate for natural resources, with more than 1,100 employees dedicated to protecting wildlife, habitats and outdoor opportunities across all 46 counties. The Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, spanning over 24,000 acres of marshes, wetlands, forests and beaches, is recognized as one of the most significant land gifts for wildlife conservation in North America. Known as a premier nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles and home to the world’s longest-running alligator study, the center provides a living research laboratory for institutions across the state and nation.
Here is a sneak peek at What’s Wild season 4:
Episode 401 – “Loggerhead Sea Turtles”
Along South Carolina’s sandy shores, an ancient species continues a timeless journey. Loggerhead sea turtles return year after year to nest and their hatchlings face daunting odds as they crawl toward the sea. Conservationists and volunteers work tirelessly to monitor nests and protect these fragile beginnings. This episode reveals the resilience of a species that has survived for millions of years and the dedicated people ensuring its story continues.
Episode 402 – “Timber Rattlesnakes”
In the rugged upstate of South Carolina, timber rattlesnakes quietly thrive in forests and rocky outcrops. With their iconic rattle and secretive nature, they are both feared and misunderstood. Biologists with SCDNR locate, tag and study these snakes to learn more about their movements, health and survival. This episode uncovers the truth about timber rattlesnakes and the conservation work protecting them in their native range.
Episode 403 – “American Alligators”
At Yawkey Wildlife Center, the longest-running crocodilian study in the world has been tracking the American alligator since 1979. Though often seen as fierce predators, female alligators are attentive mothers, guarding their nests and young with remarkable care. Researchers study these behaviors to understand how such powerful animals also shape and sustain their wetland habitats. This episode reveals both the strength and tenderness of an iconic species.
Episode 404 – “Bartram’s Bass”
Hidden in the waterways of the Savannah River basin lives a fish with a story newly revealed—Bartram’s bass. Once thought to be just another spotted bass, DNA research confirmed it as a distinct species unique to this region. The SCDNR stream team works to capture fish and send samples for analysis, building knowledge critical for conservation. This episode dives into the discovery, importance and future of this rare South Carolina native.
Episode 405 – “Antlions”
For many in the South, childhood memories include calling “doodlebugs” from tiny spirals in the sand. These larval antlions, small but skilled predators, build funnel-shaped traps to capture unsuspecting ants. Later in life, they emerge as delicate winged adults, completing a surprising transformation from hidden hunter to fleeting flyer. This episode explores both the nostalgic connection and the ecological role of these fascinating insects.
Episode 406 – “Mosses & Lichens”
Clinging to stones, trees and even city sidewalks, mosses and lichens bring life to overlooked spaces. These small yet vital organisms filter water, enrich soil and provide shelter for countless micro-animals. With ancient origins, they have adapted to thrive in nearly every environment on Earth. This episode highlights the beauty, resilience and ecological importance of these often unnoticed forms of life.
What’s Wild is produced and edited by Emmy award-winning producer Charles Dymock. In addition to What's Wild, Dymock also produced the SCETV digital series, Expedition VR, an immersive virtual reality series that takes viewers on journeys through the natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history of South Carolina.
New episodes of What’s Wild are published on SCETV’s YouTube channel every Tuesday starting Oct. 7. Viewers are also able to watch What’s Wild on the network’s Facebook page, the SCETV app, the PBS app and on the SCETV website.
Broadcast versions of the digital series are scheduled to air on ETV in January 2026. More information and previous episodes of What’s Wild can be found on the SCETV website.
QUOTES
“What’s Wild shines a spotlight on the incredible wildlife and ecosystems that make South Carolina so special. Season 4 continues to tell these powerful stories in a way that inspires curiosity, appreciation and a sense of responsibility to protect our natural environment. We’re excited to share this season with viewers across the state and beyond.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Season 4 of What’s Wild continues to highlight the incredible biodiversity of South Carolina. From loggerhead sea turtles nesting along our coasts to the surprising world of mosses and lichens, this series reminds us of the natural wonders that make our state so special. SCETV is proud to deliver programming that both educates and inspires audiences to appreciate and protect the wildlife around us.” –SCETV Director of Digital Ty Moody
“Each season of What’s Wild challenges me to look closer at the wildlife that calls South Carolina home. Season 4 was no exception, from studying timber rattlesnakes in the Upstate to documenting the delicate beginnings of sea turtle hatchlings on the coast. I hope this season sparks a sense of wonder and a greater commitment to protecting these species for generations to come.” –What’s Wild Producer and Editor Charles Dymock
FAST FACTS
- Season 4 of SCETV’s digital series, What’s Wild, is releasing on SCETV’s digital platforms.
- What’s Wild is produced by SCETV’s Charles Dymock.
- Each of the six episodes will premiere on SCETV’s YouTube channel on Tuesdays.
- Following the YouTube premiere each Tuesday, new episodes will be published on the network’s Facebook page, the SCETV app, the PBS app and on the SCETV website.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
