The action kicked off on the BBC’s newest wildlife documentary with a story about “Carly” the lioness and her worries after giving birth to a litter of fluffy baby cubs.
Terrified what would happen should she return to her pride, Carly had been forced to give birth in secret out of fear what the king lion would do to her babies.
Actor John Boyega softly narrated the storyline, before going on to narrate similar stories surrounding elephants and various other animals living in the African plains of Tanzania.
Unfortunately, this ambition failed to hit the mark with some viewers, who couldn’t connect to the “soap opera” unfolding on-screen.
Taking to Twitter, viewers shared their annoyance in droves.
One person wrote: “Amazing filming & great footage but the narrator, songs, & trying to emotionalise animals is s***e #Serengeti.”
“#Serengeti The storyline did not match the quality of the photography. It spoilt an otherwise good programme. Don’t try to make a soap opera out of true nature!” another slammed.
A third complained: “@BBCEarth #Serengeti – I agree – the pics are stunning enough. Doesn’t need this melodramatic made-up storyline & music – sorry – #fail.”
“@BBCEarth Amazing scenery, the narrative though [thumbs down emoji] #Serengeti,” a fourth said simply.
A firth blasted: “I enjoyed the first five minutes of #Serengeti on catch up, then realised all this beautiful photography had been woven into the most contrived, pathetic, rubbish, animal based soap opera.
“What a complete and utter waste, disappointed #bbc shame on you, I’ve switched off!”
Others warned viewers to heed their advice, as one person tweeted: “#Serengeti Agree, watch it without the sound, it will put you off an otherwise great programme.”
“Great #Serengeti but watch it without sound!” another warned.
A third commented: “Surely not the only one that was laughing through this entire show, beautiful shots, cringe worthy stories #Serengeti.”
Not everyone felt the same, as plenty of viewers overlooked the jarring narration to appreciate the beauty of the programme and what the filmmakers had managed to achieve.
“@JohnBoyega #Serengeti was brilliant and you did a wonderful job conveying the ‘jungle soap opera’ of life. Nice one @BBCOne,” one fan gushed.
Another laughed: “That was a rollercoaster of emotions watching #Serengeti – I’ve only just realised it was a dramatised documentary.”
“Watching #Serengeti, amazing television,” a third enthused.
And a fourth added: “Oh my #Serengeti you are so beautiful. My heart warms to see the wildlife you home. Truly heaven on earth.”
Serengeti continues with episode two on BBC One.