Original subtitles

[narrator] Welcome back to the wilds

of Alaska's Katmai National Park,

where summer is nearing its end.

The looming fall brings a chill,

and whispers of the end of feeding season.

There's a growing sense of urgency among our heroic bears.

[dramatic music playing]

The time for hibernation is looming, but it's not quite

"tuck-in time" yet for your long winter's nap!

[growling]

It's down to the wire in Katmai,

and our bears are in an eating marathon

before the salmon reach the end of their run.

It's a feast-or-famine frenzy,

and let's be honest, no one's here for the famine.

[dramatic music playing]

We're diving into the final stretch of The Hungry Games.

The finish line? Survival.

and the title of The Hungry Games champion.

[growling]

[dramatic music playing]

It's going to be a wild ride to the fur-flying finale,

where only the craftiest,

the hungriest, and the grittiest will triumph.

[dramatic music playing]

[music stops]

[growling]

[dramatic music playing]

As summer waves goodbye,

the bear contenders aren't just racing against time.

Their food supply is dwindling.

The sockeye salmon run is all but over,

the nutritional value of the grass is tapering

and the other caloric gifts

will soon be distant memories.

These burly beasts can't take a single calorie for granted.

With the countdown to hibernation counting down,

as countdowns tend to do, we're going to see who's got

the guts and the guile to be crowned

the king or queen of Katmai.

Well that's one kind of guts that'll help your score!

After 90 days of competing, this is the final chance

for the bears to demonstrate their survival superiority.

[growling]

[upbeat music playing]

They'll need to rack up one more hefty B.I.G. Score.

With one last opportunity to raise their beefiness,

gaining points for the last calories they consume

in the waning days of the feeding season.

A final shot to show their ingenuity

and demonstrate their resourcefulness.

Which bears have the brain to match their brawn

and finish strong?

Because surviving Alaska's harsh terrain

takes more than a lot of calories.

[upbeat music playing]

And one more chance to prove their grit

because this long battle isn't over yet.

The champion must demonstrate sustained

bravery & determination.

And just like in the first two stages,

there are 100 points up for grabs in Stage Three.

The bear with the highest score at the end

of this final stage will lay claim to The Big Bear Crown!

[upbeat music playing]

[music stops]

[epic music playing]

With only about 60 days left until hibernation,

[epic music playing]

let's check in on the bears who made the cut from Stage Two.

[wind]

[epic music playing]

They are spread throughout Katmai National Park

in locations we've come to know well,

from the legendary Brooks Falls

to Geographic Harbor to the river delta,

here at Hallo Bay.

[epic music playing]

[music stops]

[birds cawing]

It's a tranquil place.

[upbeat music playing]

Well, sometimes tranquil.

There's Quadmom, playing a high-stakes game

of Catch Me If You Can with the fish,

and winning.

Bit unfair, really.

She's benefitting from the staggered spawning runs

for the different types of salmon.

In this case chum,

which historically appear along the coast in early July,

and peak in August.

After a bit of a rough start to her fishing season,

it's good to see the harried mom of four get her sea-legs.

[upbeat music playing]

Except, it looks like she's forgotten to save some salmon

for Raphael, Leonardo, and the other two turtles.

Ma'am, sharing is caring, remember?

Keeping the fish to herself is a curious tactic.

Obviously she's stockpiling needed nutrition,

but her cubs are missing out on crucial calories,

which will have to come from her milk

if they don't eat enough fish.

And that will diminish her calorie bank.

It's a delicate dance between self-preservation

and maternal duty.

[upbeat music playing]

Right now Quadmom's dancing on the edge

of the proverbial knife and come on, nobody likes a dancing bear.

In fact, I think they've been banned.

[soft upbeat music playing]

And there's Boldface, a fan favorite

who's weathered a lot of drama, and her clingy cub Raccoon.

[soft upbeat music continues]

I see we're still hanging tight to mom's side.

After barely squeaking by in round two,

Boldface is doing everything she can to ensure

she and her lone cub bulk up to survive another year.

But a dwindling salmon run doesn't help.

Despite the tragic loss of two cubs,

there is a silver lining for this mama bear:

Focused now solely on Raccoon,

she doesn't have to use too many calories.

[soft upbeat music continues]

Although looking at this,

she's burning a few too many calories for my liking.

[soft upbeat music continues]

[panting]

Ma'am, your continued misses don't bode well

for a solid beefiness score...

or enough calories to make it through the winter.

[soft upbeat music continues]

[music stops]

Have you tried asking the fish nicely to be your meal?

I mean manners cost nothing.

[growling]

Apparently Raccoon's embarrassment at his mom's

performance outweighs any lingering anxiety he might have.

[upbeat music playing]

Now is not the time to lose your touch mama!

You've delivered a solid performance so far,

but these final few weeks are critical for you and your cub.

[upbeat music playing]

[music stops]

[upbeat music playing]

Meanwhile, at Geographic Harbor,

Bigboi's living large, thanks to a late season pink salmon spree.

Did you cast some sort of spell to keep

the salmon swimming up your river?

[panting]

Right, it's just mother nature doing her thing.

[upbeat music playing]

Geographic Harbor normally gets two to three waves

of different kinds of salmon throughout the spawning season,

typically ending with pinks,

like what he's munching on now.

[upbeat music playing]

Once thought to be all bulk and no brains,

Bigboi's stage two performance was chef's kiss.

As he outsmarted Redback and dominated

his second territory of the summer.

[upbeat music playing]

Since then he's been dining like a king,

but not even a royal decree

can keep this fish run going forever.

So what's your next brilliant move?

We've been bragging about you for months, it would be a shame

for you to come up short now

and fumble the crown at the one-yard line.

Sorry, I don't get it. Is that a grid iron reference?

I'm from New Zealand.

[upbeat music playing]

Hey, you set the hook and caught our attention.

We're fully committed now!

[music stops]

[birds cawing]

[upbeat music playing]

Checking in on Brooks Falls,

seems like everyone's right where we left them.

[growling]

Well not right where we left them!

There's Rizzo, Scarface, Denali and Blonde Ears

all congregating lower in the river.

With the end of feeding season drawing near,

the established seating chart

has been thrown out the window

and the bears are wandering all over Brooks Falls

in search of those precious salmon.

Typically the sockeye run would be complete

but they're hoping to snag some stragglers

since their spawning run started later than usual this summer.

[growling]

Oh you're right, these veterans of the falls

are also fishing for coho, which customarily

enter the Brooks river with a small run late in the summer.

[upbeat music playing]

With attention focused on two species of salmon,

everyone seems to be behaving.

[growling]

[soft music playing]

Except Rizzo!

Ma'am are we feeling a bit... hangry?

I know you want the salmon to yourself,

but let's not waste what calories we have.

[soft music playing]

I don't know if that's your best move right now, Blonde Ears.

[growling]

[soft music playing]

Oh, sigh. It's deja vu all over again.

[soft music playing]

Sounds like Rizzo's done with the "friend" part

of her frenemy.

Oh wait, what's that?

[soft music playing]

Wow, that's a legit wound Rizzo is sporting.

which could actually explain why she's testy-er than normal.

[growling]

But it definitely doesn't seem to be slowing Rizzo down.

It's just a flesh wound!

[growling]

[upbeat music playing]

It isn't unusual to find a bear surviving,

and thriving at Brooks Falls despite injuries.

In fact, Bowie,

Blonde Ears' cub from several years back

first appeared at the Falls with two lame front legs.

[upbeat music playing]

Despite the setback, she found a way to feed him

and his legs healed naturally with time.

[upbeat music playing]

And there he is, quite the confident

young man about Brooks Falls.

Look at him chowing down on some salmon leftovers!

As is his mom!

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Or the fish guts!

Looks like Rizzo sees something.

[music stops]

Close but no salmon flavored cigar I'm afraid.

[growling]

Except Rizzo's near miss has caught Scarface's attention.

[growling]

Oh, now hierarchy matters?

[upbeat music playing]

Well at least her bung leg isn't slowing Rizzo's free solo act.

She might be grumpy, but Rizzo's putting on

quite the gritty display in a desperate search for calories.

[upbeat music playing]

[growling]

Really, Blonde Ears?

Schadenfreude isn't a good look on you.

Well, well, well,

it looks like Rizzo's fairy godmother answered her prayers!

Not a bad ending, adding some beefiness to those grit points.

[music stops]

[soft upbeat music]

Back at Hallo Bay, Boldface is changing up her strategy.

Having no luck in the river, she's heading out to the ocean,

a decision that carries great risk.

[soft upbeat music]

[music stops]

I should point out the ocean isn't that dangerous.

the real threat comes from all the other grumpy bears

who had the same idea.

[panting]

One of those grouchy anglers is Muffled Ear,

a burly male who loves pilfering

the hard-earned catches of others.

[upbeat music playing]

[growling]

[upbeat music continues]

[growling]

[upbeat music playing]

His thieving ways have caught Boldface

and Raccoon's attention,

and not in a good way.

[growling]

[tense music playing]

[growling]

Raccoon uneasily watches Muffled Ear

bully another bear into giving up her fish.

Stay cool little man, it looks like

he's more interested in fish than fur!

[music stops]

Despite Raccoon's agitation, Boldface is not deterred.

[tense music playing]

She snags a flounder!

[tense music continues]

That's not a coveted salmon, but a welcome catch nonetheless.

[tense music playing]

It looks like food is the answer to Raccoon's nerves.

The cub fancies a bit of prancing as he parades

around with his prize.

[tense music playing]

Better not waste time gloating.

If the fish thief sees you,

you're gonna lose those precious calories...

or worse!

Ah but mom has his back.

Look at Boldface,

coolly body blocking Muffled Ear.

After a summer filled with challenges,

Boldface is more protective than ever,

and with good reason.

[soft music playing]

With his first feeding season nearing its conclusion,

she needs Raccoon to focus

on learning to take care of himself.

A rather difficult task if he doesn't feel secure.

He'll be on his own sooner than he realizes

and now is the time to hone those skills

under mom's protection.

[soft music playing]

[epic music playing]

As summer succumbs to fall,

Katmai National Park is in full transformation.

[epic music playing]

Our furry competitors are aware that time is of the essence,

particularly when it comes to their bodies.

[upbeat music playing]

Biology is taking over

as the bears enter a state known as hyperphagia.

Which is really just a fancy way of saying

they've got a serious case of the munchies.

[upbeat music playing]

It's a hormone-driven push that suppresses

bears' feeling of fullness.

[upbeat music playing]

You know how you feel when you've eaten an entire pizza

and you probably know you shouldn't have?

Well, these bears do not know that feeling.

And if that wasn't enough, this hormonal cocktail,

along with elevated levels of cortisol, adds a layer

of stress as they scramble to accumulate ample nutrition.

-[growling] -Overeating and anxiety?

Bears, they're just like us!

Wait a minute, that would explain so much.

I'm a bear!

Ultimately this is Mother Nature's way of making sure

these bears pack on enough fat

to survive 6 months of fasting.

[upbeat music playing]

But look, enough with the bear biology lesson,

let's get back to the competition and see how

the contenders are faring as they forage for food!

[upbeat music playing]

[music stops]

[upbeat music playing]

Heading over to Geographic Harbor.

Ah, there's Bigboi just banging it out.

Splash on you resplendent beast! Splash on!

[upbeat music playing]

Bigboi isn't the only bear racing to bulk,

as the hyperphagia hoedown is in full swing.

[upbeat music playing]

Unfortunately for all the bears, they're probably catching

the end of a coho run,

historically, the last salmon to do their spawning in this area.

And when they're gone...

well that's all she wrote folks!

[upbeat music playing]

With salmon disappearing, some bears are resorting

to any food option to fill their bellies.

Oh, buddy, I know you want more main course

but sometimes a salad is all that's available.

[upbeat music playing]

With the resources of Geographic Harbor

quickly drying up, Bigboi faces a tough decision:

stick around and battle other desperate bears,

or revisit his ronin ways

and hit the road to look for one last honey hole.

[growling]

[upbeat music playing]

Either choice is a gamble,

and he's betting with precious calories.

Oh, he's made his decision. A bit of a gambler.

Oh wait, there's Redback. Still down for the count.

[panting]

A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the riverbank,

am I right?

[growling]

[upbeat music playing]

He may be out of the competition

but it doesn't mean we don't care!

Hopefully he'll be able to get enough nutrition to make it

to next spring, or our next series, whichever comes first.

[upbeat music playing]

What do you say we try and get a little nibble

while there's still some fish?

[growling]

Hey Bigboi, just don't! Let him suffer in peace!

[music stops]

That's good, just take it slow

and easy and we'll see you next year!

[upbeat music playing]

Without a second thought for his one time adversary,

it looks like Bigboi did decide to leave.

Okay then, here you go again.

Life is a highway and you're just a ramblin man, born to run.

Hopefully these country roads take you home.

To some vital calories.

[upbeat music playing]

Good luck my man!

[music stops]

[soft upbeat music playing]

[soft upbeat music continues]

Oh, hello Boldface.

What've you got there?

Have your hyperphagia dreams been answered?

[soft upbeat music playing]

Unlike your friend down the coast in Geographic Harbor,

you're benefiting from the salmon continuing

their spawning run at Hallo Bay deep into September.

[growling]

After a turbulent summer, it's sweet to see mom and son

feasting to their heart's, and stomach's, content.

[soft upbeat music]

[whimpering]

I know your body's telling you to eat it all but bears

are known to save their food for when it gets scarce.

[soft upbeat music]

Yeah, there you go.

You're like a giant puppy,

burying its bones for a future meal.

[panting]

Although I don't think I'll try to scratch your belly.

For once, someone is giving these

dear departed salmon a decent burial.

Boldface, would you like to say a few words?

[panting]

No? Well let's get the rest buried.

You're probably not the only hungry animal on the river.

[seagull cawing]

Oh, too late. Boldface, 12:00 o'clock high!

[seagulls cawing]

Yeah one small problem with your haul,

the fish's decaying smell is a siren song

to Hallo Bay's most famished.

Starting with those annoying sky scavengers.

Seagulls!

[seagulls cawing]

[epic music playing]

Have you feathered fools not seen Boldface in action?

[growling]

[epic music playing]

I don't think you want to mess with her!

[epic music playing]

As if Boldface isn't harried enough,

the delicious fish aroma has caught

the attention of another bear.

Alas our fuzzy general is going to have to fight

this battle on multiple fronts.

Private Racoon, don't abandon your post!

[epic music playing]

[growling]

Fight on, you majestic mama!

Fight them on the beaches,

fight in the fields and the streets,

fight in the hills, fight...

Oh, come on man, we're trying to do something here.

[whimpering]

Raccoon, come on!

Your mom said you're saving this for later!

[soft upbeat music]

[growling]

Boldface, like any mom, is the ultimate multitasker.

Look after the kids, watch over the buried fish,

do a bit of nose nudging.

Mmm, but Raccoon's not listening to his mom is he?

Look, he's just being the prince of the pile.

Raccoon's focus on the immediate is the literal

opposite of the discipline and self-sufficiency

Boldface is trying to instill in him.

[soft upbeat music]

I know you love your boy but I'm shocked, shocked I say,

that you're giving up on saving that food.

You better hope it doesn't come back and bite you.

like Raccoon is doing to that fish.

[music stops]

[upbeat music playing]

Swinging over to Brooks Falls.

Yikes, what a sight!

Where once the fish buffet was seemingly open 24/7,

Denali, Scarface, Rizzo, and Blonde Ears

are now finding slim pickings!

Alas, all good things must come to an end

for our top tier munchers as it appears the sockeye

and coho are all but done with their spawning run.

[upbeat music playing]

[soft upbeat music]

It's nature, dude. Not much we can do about it.

Despite the apparent lack of salmon,

Denali is patrolling the shores, keeping an eye out

for any fish doing their best Waldo impersonation.

You know, wearing a tiny,

red-and-white stripey top and glasses.

Meanwhile, Scarface is auditioning

for Brown Bear's Got Talent.

Performing an underwater tap dance

to stir up salmon in the "jacuzzi" area.

Their continued effort is actually a testament

to their tenacity.

Many Brooks Falls bears have headed to other

places in search of easier fishing.

Shall we leave for greener pastures?

Or, hear me out, how about a fall

of vegetable salad to finish your meal?

[growling]

Okay, be stubborn!

Tenacious or stubborn.

They better hope that their summer feast

is enough to secure victory.

[epic music playing]

With the competition marching towards

its inevitable conclusion, the competitors

are devouring anything and everything.

[epic music playing]

We've reached the midpoint of the final stage.

Time to check the rankings and see

how they're positioned for the push to the finish line.

[epic music playing]

As a reminder, there are 50 beefiness points

up for grabs, with 25 more for ingenuity

and 25 for grit making 100 a perfect score.

[music stops]

[epic music playing]

Denali continues to put up a commanding score,

relying on a near perfect beefiness

to bolster his position.

Meanwhile, Bigboi has rebounded from a rough stage two,

using a well-rounded performance to tie Denali.

[epic music playing]

Oh, and look at Boldface's score.

Points earned from her ingenious dog-bone maneuver

pair nicely with a high Beefiness score.

After everything she's endured,

Boldface has positioned herself well to claim the crown!

Unsurprisingly, Rizzo, Scarface,

and Blonde Ears,

continue to rate solid Big Bear scores.

But do they have that something special,

that je n'ai sais quoi,to propel them from good to great?

Meanwhile, Quadmom's game continues to progress,

banking Beefiness points

like a champ and putting up a very respectable score!

Could this dark horse contender pull off

the upset of the summer?

If so, now is the time.

These bears are all neck and neck

with only one month left in the competition.

[epic music playing]

This is it.

Now we separate the bears from the cubs.

You've got to leave it all out on the field.

Well, I mean, don't leave any food

on the field but you know what I mean, right?

You get my metaphor.

[music stops]

[epic music playing]

October takes Katmai by storm.

I mean, literally. Look, look at the storm.

Mother Nature has upped the difficulty level

for our competitors.

[epic music playing]

As cold rain and heavy winds pound the coastline.

[epic music playing]

Testing the mettle of even the most seasoned bear.

[epic music playing]

Hey man, look, if it was easy, everyone would do it, right?

[epic music playing]

[growling]

Unfortunately, you don't have much of a choice, my friend.

[epic music playing]

Adding insult to hunger,

heavy rains can negatively influence fish,

disrupting their patterns,

making what few remain harder to catch.

[growling]

I'm sorry, sir, but what do you want me to do?

[epic music playing]

A storm of this magnitude in early October portends

a premature winter and a swift end to the feeding season.

And yes, that's right, I said portends.

Portends. Look it up.

[epic music playing]

Ah, but not yet,

as Mother Nature takes pity on the bears.

[soft upbeat music playing]

Well, that wasn't so bad now, was it?

[growling]

Nope, no I think I'll stay in my warm, dry house thank you.

While the storms have stopped for now, the experienced bears

know the food court might be closing quicker than usual.

[soft upbeat music playing]

Every calorie counts and even this brief halt to fishing

could hurt their nutritional status.

You know what else affects the bears' quest for calories?

The fact that the salmon runs have dried up!

To be fair, look, they can only spawn for so long.

[soft upbeat music]

So, some of our competitors are turning their hopes

to the region's many interconnected inland waterways,

a last option for potential nourishment.

When the salmon complete their spawning run,

these lakes are littered with their spent bodies,

giving the smart bear a bonus opportunity

to pack on salmon weight.

It's like, well, shooting fish in a barrel.

Not that we condone arming bears with guns,

or barrels for that matter.

Plus it does offer the opportunity to boost

ingenuity and grit scores for the bears in the know.

[soft music playing]

Like Boldface and Raccoon.

They've left the lush meadows of Hallo Bay

for a little adventure, chasing rumors

of late-season salmon in a lake to the south.

It's a gamble, but in The Hungry Games,

fortune favors the bold.

Or, in this case, the Boldface.

Look how big your boy has gotten!

[narrator gasps]

And he's hanging on the shore by himself.

I guess the changing seasons brought more than bad weather.

Keep this up and you could be wearing that crown!

[soft upbeat music]

Ma'am you're making catches like a premier league goalkeeper.

Well played!

Of course, let's be honest,

it's easier when they're half-dead...

or all dead.

Or all half-dead.

After their treacherous journey upstream to spawn,

the salmon are exhausted and without purpose.

Eventually they die and their bodies feed the ecosystem.

But Boldface isn't waiting.

[music stops]

[tense music playing]

Alas, this idyllic moment is interrupted

by another mother and her two older cubs

who seem none too pleased to find other bears here.

[tense music playing]

She's definitely acting like this is her spot.

[tense music playing]

Well, this is interesting.

Are we making friends, Raccoon?

Maybe you could have a playdate while the moms fish?

[upbeat music playing]

[growl]

Oh, of course not, bears don't do playdates!

I must say, though, these mini-me's

are doing a pretty awesome impression of their moms!

Do we think Raccoon can handle this on his own?

[growling]

Well, so far he's standing strong,

showing he's definitely matured since we last saw him.

[tense music playing]

Oh, but Boldface isn't going to risk it

and brushes past the other mama to stand by her kid's side!

[tense music playing]

Quite the stand off.

It's like a furry Tarantino movie.

Reservoir Bears or Once Upon A Time In Alaska.

Please don't steal my ideas!

[tense music playing]

[narrator gasps]

Yikes!

Boldface blinks first and is retreating with Raccoon.

[soft upbeat music playing]

Oh dear, that'll cost Boldface

a couple of grit points for sure.

But hopefully the fish she ate will compensate.

[soft upbeat music playing]

At the start of the summer, it would have seemed

inconceivable to see Boldface run from a challenge,

but after everything she's endured,

I mean, can you blame this sweet mama

for doing whatever it takes to keep Raccoon safe?

[upbeat music playing]

Over at Brooks Falls, it looks like a familiar

face is on the grind.

Hey Denali, what are you up to?

-[growling] -Right, fishing, of course.

Are you sure there's fish here?

[growling]

I guess we should trust you.

I mean, you've ruled the Falls

for a long time and probably know its rhythms best.

This is why you're top of the charts!

I don't see any of your "friends."

Have Scarface, Rizzo and Blonde Ears

really left the falls?

Don't tell me they did an Irish exit

when the salmon run finished?

Or more shockingly, have they already given over

to their biological urges and entered hibernation?

[scoffing]

More accurately "torpor,"

which is basically a fancy bear nap

where chill takes on a whole new meaning.

[upbeat music playing]

[music stops]

It's weird to see the falls so empty.

Are you a bit lonely?

Or does fall bring out your emo phase, Denali?

Perhaps you fancy a bit of poetry writing

and or we could listen to The Cure?

[upbeat music playing]

I don't mind a bit of make-up.

I mean, you've got to admire the determination

but there doesn't seem to be anything to eat.

Maybe a little Duck à l'Orange?

Yeah you're right, you're more of a sushi guy.

[music stops]

Oh nice catch, bravo big guy!

But with spawning season over,

how is he finding fish in the river?

Well, you know what they say,

what goes up must come down... river!

[upbeat music playing]

Those half-dead or fully dead fish that Boldface

was snacking on are quite obviously susceptible

to the rivers' currents.

Those that aren't eaten in the lake may get swept downstream.

right into the mouths of clever bears like Denali!

[upbeat music playing]

Bravo! Keeping your belly full,

and banking valuable points!

[upbeat music playing]

Hold on! Denali isn't the only Brooks Falls bear making moves.

Is that...? Yes! It's Rizzo!

Our apologies ma'am for suggesting you cut bait.

[upbeat music playing]

The presence of these two isn't just about finding food.

It's about maintaining their dominance.

It takes hard work and dedication to be the best,

and as they forage and fish, they're not just gaining

weight but also showing they have the ingenuity

and grit to sit upon the Hungry Games throne.

[music stops]

[epic music playing]

While the bears at Brooks Falls are enjoying a serene fall,

Mother Nature is making her presence felt

nearer to the coast.

A visceral reminder that the end of feeding season is imminent.

The gale force wind is pushing tasty sets

on the Lake that would excite Kelly Slater!

[epic music playing]

Cowabunga dude, surf's up! Gosh I'm cool.

[music stops]

And speaking of ninja turtles, here comes Quadmom and her crew.

Hello Leonardo, Raphael and...

Oh, no!

Oh, this is heartbreaking.

Another mother has suffered a catastrophic loss.

[sad music playing]

The absence of the two smallest cubs adds a layer

of sorrow to her journey.

It really is a stark reminder of the merciless nature

of survival in the Alaskan wilderness.

I'm so sorry Quadmom, you were so close to defying the odds.

[sad music continues]

On average at least one-third of cubs don't survive

their first year in the wilderness.

But like Boldface, Quadmom is all too aware

that the battle to survive does not, and cannot stop,

even in the face of the worst tragedies.

[sad music continues]

There's solace in doing the work,

and our grieving mom is throwing herself

into the hardest of work.

But it's telling she's picked an isolated section of the shore.

No real surprise.

[emotional music playing]

Her efforts are paying off as she makes some crucial catches.

A haul of salmon that completed their spawning run in the lake.

This might just be the shift in fortune Quadmom needs,

at this crucial juncture in the competition.

Aww, look at her sharing.

The loss has enabled Quadmom

to be more "paws on" with her remaining cubs.

[emotional music playing]

Eat up boyos, mom worked hard for those vital calories.

[emotional music playing]

Look at you, enjoying a lake-side picnic

despite the wicked windy conditions.

In the face of your tragedy,

it's sweet to see you bonding with the kids.

No doubt they appreciate it.

[emotional music playing]

[tense music playing]

Hey mama, you see that?

How're we feeling about these gatecrashers?

[growling]

[tense music playing]

What do you say, one more fish and then hit the road?

Yeah, I don't blame you, it's probably feeling a bit too much.

Let's grab the kids and roll.

[tense music playing]

[music stops]

Quadmom's taking no chances, opting to walk around

the intruders, understandably playing it safe.

[birds cawing]

[epic music playing]

Good on you Quadmom, we admire your resilience

and perseverance in the face of adversity.

[epic music playing]

Stay safe you sweet bears,

there's only a few more weeks until hibernation

and we want to see all three of you compete again next year.

[epic music playing]

Over 20 miles to the south,

October finds a familiar face in a new home.

Hey, Bigboi, how you doin'?

[growling]

After leaving Geographic Harbor, our road warrior followed

the bear highway system to a secluded lake.

[epic music playing]

You've made yourself right at home

and are looking bulked up sir.

Clearly your fishing hasn't slowed down in October.

Bigboi is snorkeling,

which is a classic maneuver to find food.

especially late in fall when many dead

and dying salmon float along the lake bed.

[epic music playing]

Success!

The red color of the fish is a telltale sign

of a salmon that's completed its spawning run.

Interestingly, salmon don't eat the entire

time they head upstream, so any fish Bigboi finds now

has far fewer calories than those he devoured in July.

But even a dead salmon is more nutritious than no salmon.

[epic music playing]

You, sir, are the master of your domain,

it's a joy watching you easily add

to your considerable bulk.

But wait, there's something different about you.

Ah that's it, you seem content and calm.

[soft upbeat music]

And no wonder, after months of navigating social hierarchies,

Bigboi's enjoying a little peaceful solitude.

[soft upbeat music]

Ah, serenity now.

[soft upbeat music]

I mean, does it get any better?

Food.

Tranquility.

Privacy.

[tense music playing]

Oh, man, I spoke too soon.

[tense music playing]

[music stops]

-[scoffing] -I swear there was a bear there.

-I wouldn't lie to you. -[growling]

Well, I guess your reputation precedes you sir!

That bear left faster than a cheetah driving a Porsche.

The uninvited guest is a good reminder

that the competition isn't over yet!

Bigboi can't rest on his past accomplishments

if he wants to claim that crown.

[epic music playing]

He's just got to stay in the zone,

because victory in Katmai is earned, not given.

And winners play to the final whistle!

[music stops]

[epic music playing]

As winter descends on the wilderness of Katmai,

the first bears return to their dens.

signaling the end of stage three,

and the inaugural season of The Hungry Games.

[epic music playing]

Our finalists stand at the threshold of greatness.

[epic music playing]

This competition has been a testament

to their incredible display of brawn.

[growling]

Brains.

[growling]

And bravery.

[growling]

But only one will etch their name into the annals

of Katmai as the first champion of The Hungry Games.

Will it be...

Denali?

Literally and figuratively towering over the competition,

he repeatedly lived up to his moniker.

[epic music playing]

And he even showed some youthful vigor,

staying at the falls to fish until the bitter end,

adding even more girth to his already considerable size.

[epic music continues]

Bigboi, from mystery to master.

This behemoth put on an action-packed display of guts...

[growling]

And brains.

While building a substantial reservoir

of fat to survive another year.

His beefiness isn't just for show,

it's a testament to a well-rounded game.

[music stops]

Quadmom, the epitome of resilience,

ultimately turned chaos into control.

[epic music playing]

Despite a painful late season tragedy,

Quadmom fought valiantly

to ensure she and her remaining cubs

banked enough calories to return next year.

[epic music playing]

Rizzo.

[epic music playing]

[growling]

The grand dame of Brooks Falls lived up to her reputation.

[growling]

Establishing her dominance from the jump,

and refusing to give up the fight until the final bell.

[epic music playing]

You did your namesake proud, a true pink salmon lady!

[music stops]

But some of her compatriots could learn

a thing or two from this queen.

Despite an expectedly strong start, Blonde Ears and Scarface

used the end of the salmon run as an excuse to relax.

[epic music playing]

Displaying a disappointing lack of determination.

While they'll no doubt return next year,

there's no way they'll win the crown this year.

Hopefully you two will take this winter slumber to reflect

on the missed opportunities and return next year,

ready to do whatever it takes to claim the championship!

[music stops]

And finally, everyone's favorite mom.

[epic music playing]

Amidst the lush greenery of Hallo Bay,

Boldface wasn't just surviving.

She was reigning.

[growling]

Her protective ferocity,

and dogged determination to survive,

paint a portrait of a bear whose heart

and mind are as formidable as her claws.

[epic music playing]

Boldface wasn't just a competitor,

she was a force of nature.

A warrior from the start.

And that's why she's earned the Most Valuable Bear award,

our salute to the standout bear for the season.

So here's to Boldface, our MVB, whose spirit and tenacity

have left an indelible mark on The Hungry Games and our hearts.

Or heart, if, like me, you just have the one.

But...

[epic music playing]

The crown awaits.

So let's reveal our winner.

Who will it be?

[epic music playing]

For the final standings, we took their entire

season's performance into account.

[epic music playing]

Mmm, Blonde Ears and Scarface in the bottom spots.

Just because you had one good stage,

doesn't mean you're going to win.

Just above them is...

Quadmom.

Unfortunately that painful ending hurt

an otherwise solid performance.

[epic music playing]

Sleep well this winter knowing you gave it your all

and we'll see you next year!

[epic music playing]

So we're down to four bears: Denali,

Boldface, Bigboi, and Rizzo.

Any one of them could claim the crown.

[epic music playing]

Oh, in fourth place is Rizzo with an 89.

such a great performance,

we can't wait to see more next year!

Taking third place is Boldface,

squeaking ahead by one point!

What an incredible journey which ends with a spot on the podium!

So now it's down to the two heavyweights.

They've been battling back and forth

for the crown from the jump.

Who will it be?

Denali...

[growling]

or Bigboi?

[epic music playing]

Oh! It's Bigboi by two points over Denali!

Wow, what a thrilling finish!

Bravo, Bigboi!

The inaugural Hungry Games champion!

What a powerhouse performance!

He thrilled with his prowess.

Forging a legacy,

and setting the bar awfully high

for any bears vying for future Hungry Games crowns.

[epic music playing]

[music stops]

[strong wind]

As the first heavy snow of the season blankets Katmai,

our furry friends meander to their winter havens

and we bid a fond "bearwell" to this season.

That's a wrap on an epic saga of strategy and survival.

[epic music playing]

Thanks for joining us on this incredible ride

through the wilderness of Katmai National Park.

[growling]

[epic music playing]

From thrilling throwdowns...

[epic music playing]

to fishy feasts.

[epic music playing]

It's been a season to remember.

For now, we leave our courageous competitors

to their peaceful slumber.

dreaming of next spring's new faces and challenges.

[epic music playing]

From all of us here, goodnight,

and stay hungry.

-[bear growls] -[narrator imitates growl]

[music stops]