The Secret Lives of Animals: All we know About the Fascinating Documentary Series

Get ready for an eye-opening adventure with The Secret Lives of Animals, the new nature docuseries narrated by Hugh Bonneville, coming to Apple TV+. 

In a groundbreaking move, The Secret Lives of Animals will share incredible insights into some of the most surprising and clever behaviors in the animal kingdom. From animals creating artwork to the most intricate survival strategies, this series takes the viewer deep into the heart of the wild.

Curious about how these animals have mastered their environment? Prepare to be amazed—there’s so much more to discover. Keep reading to find out all the exciting details about this remarkable show, and stay tuned as we continue to update you with new revelations.

Release date & Where to Watch

The Secret Lives of Animals is a ten-episode documentary series set to premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024.

What is the plot of The Secret Lives of Animals?

The Secret Lives of Animals takes viewers on an extraordinary journey into the fascinating world of animal behavior, showcasing the remarkable intelligence and adaptability of 77 different species. 

Over three years of filming, the series captures never-before-seen moments, from animals building intricate tools and creating deceptive strategies for survival to developing unique relationships with other species.

The show highlights pivotal moments in the life cycles of animals, such as birth, finding food, raising families, and protecting themselves. One remarkable example is a trashline orbweaver spider, which crafts a deceptive “self-portrait” puppet to fend off predators, while a wood mouse creates signposts to navigate its environment. The series also reveals an unexpected alliance between a dotted humming frog and a burrowing tarantula.

Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, The Secret Lives of Animals uncovers the ingenuity and survival skills animals use to outsmart their predators, raise their young, and adapt to their environments. From a frog that can vanish by shrinking its organs to a young elephant crossing the Zambezi River using skills passed down by its family, the show brings the stunning intelligence of the animal kingdom to life.

Who Narrates The Secret Lives of Animals?

The series The Secret Lives of Animals is narrated by Hugh Bonneville, best known for his roles in Paddington and Downton Abbey. In addition to his iconic portrayal of Robert Crawley in Downton Abbey, Hugh has starred in I Came By, Twenty Twelve, Notting Hill, and more. 

Episode Guide

• Season 1 Episode 1: Leaving Home (Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 2: Raising a Family (Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 3: Protecting Yourself (Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 4: Home Making (Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 5: Finding Food (Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 6: The Art of Deception (Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 7: Making Friends (Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 8: Finding a Partner (Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 9: Mastering Your Talent (Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 10: Growing Old (Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024)

Is There a Trailer for The Secret Lives of Animals?

Experience the wonders of nature accompanied by Hugh Bonneville's narration in The Secret Lives of Animals trailer below.

Behind the Scenes

The Secret Lives of Animals is produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit for Apple TV+, with Matt Brandon (Planet Earth III) as showrunner and Roger Webb (Mammals, Big Cats 24/7) as executive producer. This series marks their third collaboration with Apple TV+, following the success of Prehistoric Planet and The Year Earth Changed.