Ryan Reynolds Narrates NatGeo’s 'Underdogs' Wildlife Series Premiere

The new five-part series "Underdogs," narrated by Ryan Reynolds and produced by his company Maximum Effort alongside Wildstar Films, celebrates the unique and often overlooked animals of the natural world. Premiering June 15 on National Geographic and simulcast on ABC, with streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day, the show spotlights creatures with surprising abilities, bizarre mating strategies, and unconventional survival tactics, positioning them as nature's true heroes rather than the usual charismatic megafauna. Innovative filming techniques including macro cinematography, infrared, thermal imaging, and high-speed cameras reveal previously unseen behaviors, such as the pistol shrimp's powerful claw snap and the velvet worm's gooey defensive slime. Reynolds brings humor and accessibility to the series, aiming to create an all-ages project that highlights lesser-known species like the honey badger, glass frog, and ratel, while contrasting them with iconic animals like elephants and lions. The series also features an original soundtrack including a song by Green Day and a score by Harry Gregson-Williams, enhancing the offbeat and educational tone. Overall, "Underdogs" offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on wildlife, focusing on nature's misfits and their remarkable adaptations.