The 10 best National Geographic series on Disney+ to help you learn something new
The 10 best National Geographic series on Disney+ to help you learn something new
Looking for something to watch on Disney+ that isn’t Marvel or Star Wars-related? You’re in luck: The streaming service boasts an impressive catalog of National Geographic series that are both entertaining and educational.
If you’ve always wanted to learn more about space, or the environment, or the animals we share this planet with, National Geographic has got you covered. We’ve gone through Disney+’s National Geographic library and chosen the 10 best series it has to offer. From adorable prairie dogs to space exploration to Jeff Goldblum, these shows are guaranteed to captivate you and teach you something new.
Here, in no particular order, are the 10 best National Geographic series streaming on Disney+.
1. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
Credit: FOX Image Collection via Getty Images
This 2014 followup to 1980’s Carl Sagan-led Cosmos is a thrilling and informative journey through space and time. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson picks up Sagan’s hosting mantle and does a tremendous job of making complex ideas accessible to a broader audience. Each of the show’s 13 episodes explores a new topic, tackling everything from black holes to evolution to the Big Bang. You’ll feel incredibly tiny as Tyson explains the enormous vastness of the universe, only to later feel absolutely massive as he discusses the lives of microorganisms. Gorgeous visuals and helpful animated sequences add even more to the appeal of Cosmos, making it a scientific adventure you won’t want to miss.
How to watch: Cosmos is now streaming on Disney+.
2. America’s National Parks
From Yellowstone to the Everglades, national parks allow us to appreciate the United States’ biodiversity and natural beauty. With America’s National Parks, you can enjoy all the majesty of these stunning places from the comfort of your own home. Just know that after watching this series, you’ll be desperate to travel and see these parks for yourself.
Each installment focuses on a new park, allowing for a deep dive into its ecosystem. While the episodes tend to hit many of the same beats, the parks themselves are different enough that you won’t mind. And really, who can complain when faced with beautifully shot landscapes and wildlife?
How to watch: America’s National Parks is now streaming on Disney+.
3. Brain Games
Ever wonder how our brain processes color? Or language? Brain Games seeks to uncover these mysteries through a series of fun interactive puzzles. Get ready to give your brain a workout as experts walk you through a series of illusions, riddles, and other exercises. It’s a fun and educational time for the entire family, and you’ll get to know a lot more about your brain (and yourself) as you keep watching.
How to watch: Brain Games is now streaming on Disney+.
4. The World According to Jeff Goldblum
Credit: National geographic/martin klimek
If you want to watch Jeff Goldblum just be Jeff Goldblum, then The World According to Jeff Goldblum is the show for you. Combining Goldblum’s offbeat sense of whimsy with National Geographic’s informative style, The World According to Jeff Goldblum examines the stories behind everyday objects like bikes or sneakers through the lens of science and history. Goldblum’s excitement at every tidbit of knowledge is infectious and invites audiences to get excited about the subject matter as well. It’s a fun ride, made even more fun by Goldblum’s general aura.
How to watch: The World According to Jeff Goldblum is now streaming on Disney+.
5. One Strange Rock
Earth’s various secrets come to light in One Strange Rock, a series devoted to explaining how we are able to live on our remarkable planet. Hosted by Will Smith and featuring the commentary of astronauts who have experienced the wonders of Earth from space, One Strange Rock takes a deep dive into a wide range of topics, like the atmosphere or the possibility of alien life. The show is a cinematic spectacle, with some of the most arresting visuals out of any series on this list: dust storms viewed from space, close-ups of glow worms ensnaring their prey, and much, much more. One Strange Rock will dazzle and astound you — and hopefully prompt you to appreciate the intricacies of our planet even more.
How to watch: One Strange Rock is now streaming on Disney+.
6. Prairie Dog Manor
Prairie Dog Manor is what happens when you cross a very serious Western movie with a very cute nature docuseries. Endlessly entertaining and completely adorable, Prairie Dog Manor gives viewers a look into the high stakes world of prairie dog burrows in Northern New Mexico. It’s a prairie-dog-eat-prairie-dog world out there as burrow citizens with names like Furgie and Gnash fight to gain territory and protect themselves against predators. The show’s furry stars are all supremely cute (even when they’re rolling around in epic battles), resulting in a show that is at once funny, informative, and engrossing.
How to watch: Prairie Dog Manor is now streaming on Disney+.
7. Secrets of the Whales
Credit: national geographic for disney+/hayes baxley
Follow along with the whales of the world in this riveting series, which was filmed over the course of three years. Secrets of the Whales explores the cultures of orcas, belugas, and more, covering everything from their hunting patterns to their interactions with humans. Despite a few intense hunting sequences, this series is fairly calming thanks to its beautiful whale footage and Sigourney Weaver’s narration. You’ll marvel at the wonders of these whales and find yourself caring deeply for every pod you encounter.
How to watch: Secrets of the Whales is now streaming on Disney+.
8. Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet
A standout among National Geographic’s many vet-centric offerings, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet follows Dr. Michelle Oakley, the only all-species vet in the Yukon. Dr. Oakley has a very intense job, traveling long distances to reach many of her clients and treating a wide variety of animals, including dogs, minks, eagles, and more. It’s truly fascinating to watch Dr. Oakley at work, and she consistently provides clear information about what she’s doing to treat an animal and why.
Not only is this show a great look into the life of a vet, it’s also a wonderful introduction to the Yukon territory and the animals that live there. Fair warning though, especially for younger audiences: Some of the treatment sequences can get a little graphic.
How to watch: Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet is now streaming on Disney+.
9. Hostile Planet
Hosted by Bear Grylls, Hostile Planet takes a deep look at some of Earth’s most extreme environments and the animals who survive there. You’ll brave intense landscapes like sheer mountains and blazing hot deserts, and, even though these places are brutal, you’ll still find yourself in awe of their beauty and variety. You’ll also be stunned by the resilience of the animals who call these often hostile habitats home.
How to watch: Hostile Planet is now streaming on Disney+.
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10. Growing Up Animal
Credit: National geographic for disney+/Russell Maclaughlin
Do you want to watch baby animals navigating their childhoods? Of course you do! Then check out Growing Up Animal, a series that is exactly what it sounds like. Watch as baby bears, elephants, and more grow up before your very eyes. They face several dangers and learn how to survive in the wilderness, but it’s the simple moments of play or bonding between the babies and their mothers that really stand out. It’s nearly impossible not to say “awww” throughout the entire show.
How to watch: Growing Up Animal is now streaming on Disney+.