Watch The Secret Lives of Animals

The Secret Lives of Animals is a captivating nature documentary series that premiered on Apple TV+ in December 2024. Narrated by acclaimed actor Hugh Bonneville, the series offers an intimate look into the behaviors and intelligence of various animal species across the globe. Over the course of ten episodes, the documentary showcases 77 unique species from 24 countries, providing viewers with unprecedented insights into the natural world.

Produced by the esteemed BBC Studios Natural History Unit, the series is helmed by showrunner Matt Brandon, known for his work on Planet Earth III, and executive producer Roger Webb, recognized for Mammals and Big Cats 24/7. This collaboration marks the third between the BBC Studios Natural History Unit and Apple TV+, following the success of Prehistoric Planet and The Year Earth Changed.

Each episode delves into pivotal moments in the life cycles of various animals, from birth and leaving home to raising a family, and from finding food to growing old. The series highlights the striking intelligence and adaptability of these creatures, capturing rare and remarkable behaviors that have never before been seen on film. For instance, viewers are introduced to an orb-weaving spider that constructs a deceptive self-portrait puppet to deter predators, a wood mouse that creates its own signposts, and an unexpected relationship between a reticulated humming frog and a burrowing tarantula.

The documentary employs cutting-edge technology to capture these behaviors, offering a fresh perspective on the animal kingdom. The cinematography is both breathtaking and immersive, transporting viewers to diverse habitats and allowing them to witness the intricacies of animal interactions and survival strategies. The series also features behind-the-scenes footage, providing insight into the challenges and dedication involved in capturing such intimate moments in the wild.

The Secret Lives of Animals has been met with critical acclaim, earning six nominations at the 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Science and Nature Program, Outstanding Directing Team for a Single Camera Daytime Non-Fiction Program, Outstanding Music Direction and Composition, Outstanding Cinematography, Outstanding Single Camera Editing, and Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing. These accolades underscore the series' exceptional production quality and its contribution to the genre of nature documentaries.

The series is available for streaming on Apple TV+, offering viewers the opportunity to explore the wonders of the natural world from the comfort of their homes. Its engaging storytelling and stunning visuals make it a must-watch for nature enthusiasts and documentary lovers alike.

The Secret Lives of Animals is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between December 18, 2024 and on Apple TV