Ryan Reynolds narrates new Nat Geo docuseries Underdogs, which premieres tonight, June 15, at 9pm Eastern on National Geographic and ABC, promising rare glimpses into the secret lives and odd behaviors of lesser-known animals. The five-part series puts the spotlight on creatures outside Africa’s iconic “Big Five,” revealing their unique traits, surprising tactics, and moments the cameras have never captured before.
Shedding Light on Nature’s Unlikely Stars
While lions, elephants, or famous marine giants often attract worldwide attention, Underdogs shifts focus to overlooked animals, spotlighting their “hidden talents,” “unconventional hygiene choices,” and “unsavory courtship rituals,” as described by the network. These less celebrated species will demonstrate their own quirky behaviors, both in the wild and in ways documentary audiences have never seen.
Exploring Strange Abilities and Peculiar Habits
Each Underdogs episode centers around a new theme, exploring unusual mating strategies, strange superpowers, clever deceptions, questionable parenting, and sometimes stomach-churning habits. The premiere, titled The Superzeroes, introduces viewers to creatures with unexpected strengths—such as being nearly indestructible, or having an arsenal of sticky, defensive slime—as well as other natural wonders. Throughout the series, audiences can expect fresh perspectives on how these animals survive and thrive in their respective environments.
Capturing Seldom-Seen Wildlife Moments
Ryan Reynolds lends both his voice and producer expertise to the project, guiding viewers through stories that highlight never-before-filmed wildlife action. For the first time, a film crew has ventured into a special cave in New Zealand, where millions of mucus-covered grubs cast an otherworldly glow reminiscent of a
“bachelor pad under a black light,”
according to the series description. These scenes promise to reveal the hidden world of animals that usually remain in the background, while noting:
“All over the world, overlooked superstars like this are out there 24/7, giving it maximum effort and keeping the natural world in working order for all those showboating polar bears, sharks and gorillas.”
—Series Description
How to Watch the Premiere and Additional Access
To see the first episode of Underdogs tonight, viewers will need access to National Geographic, which is available in many cable packages. Those without traditional cable can turn to popular live TV streaming apps such as Sling TV, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV (Ultimate plan), or YouTube TV to watch the Nat Geo channel. For cord cutters or anyone preferring streaming, Underdogs will also be available the next day on Disney Plus and Hulu, expanding accessibility for a wide audience.
What Makes Underdogs Noteworthy
By highlighting uncommon animal heroes and rarely explored habitats, Underdogs offers a refreshing change from traditional wildlife documentaries. The series is expected to intrigue longtime Nat Geo fans and new viewers alike, including those who appreciate unique storytelling from talents like Ryan Reynolds. As coverage continues, many anticipate that Underdogs will foster a deeper appreciation for the vital roles these lesser-known creatures play in ecosystems around the globe.
