Ever feel like you could use a dose of nature to brighten your day? There’s nothing quite like watching adorable animals on TV to lift your mood and bring you joy. Luckily, there are some fantastic shows out there dedicated to our furry (and feathered and scaly) friends. Whether you’re an animal lover or just need an escape from the daily grind, these amazing animal shows are must-see TV.
From heartwarming rescue stories to hilarious pets with personalities, these shows have something for everyone. So grab some snacks, get comfy on the couch, and dive into the wonderful world of animals on your television screen. Their adorable adventures await!
Planet Earth
Planet Earth is a masterpiece of nature documentaries. This critically acclaimed BBC series explores all corners of the globe, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains.
Over 5 years in the making, Planet Earth follows the journey of the sun around the globe, showing you breathtaking footage of rarely-seen animals and places. You’ll see polar bears hunting for seals, birds of paradise performing elaborate mating dances, massive whale sharks filtering plankton, and much more.
Blue Planet
If you’re fascinated by the wonders of the deep blue sea, you’ll be hooked on Blue Planet. This award-winning BBC documentary series explores the world’s oceans and the creatures that inhabit them.
Over seven episodes you’ll journey to coastal seashores, coral reefs, open ocean, deep sea, and more. You’ll encounter everything from dolphins and sharks to plankton and coral polyps. The cinematography is breathtaking, with footage of rarely-seen creatures in their natural habitat.
Our Planet
Our Planet is a Netflix original docuseries narrated by David Attenborough that provides an in-depth look at some of the wonders of the natural world.
In “Jungles,” you’ll explore tropical rainforests, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. See everything from colourful toucans to stealthy jaguars. Learn about some of the millions of plant and animal species that call the jungle home. The dense greenery and vibrant wildlife will leave you in awe.
Dynasties
Dynasties follows different families of chimpanzees, lions, painted wolves, penguins, and tigers, showcasing their lives in the wild. This BBC docuseries is stunning and gritty, showing the harsh realities of life as wild animals as they try to survive and provide for their families.
You’ll get to know the individual animals and see their unique personalities emerge. Some are bold leaders, others nurturing mothers, and the youngsters are absolutely adorable. The cinematography is breathtaking, with sweeping scenes of the African savanna and the icy Antarctic. You find yourself deeply invested in the welfare of these animals and their vulnerable offspring.
Wild Yellowstone
Wild Yellowstone follows the lives of grizzly bears, wolves, bison and herds of bighorn sheep in Yellowstone National Park. This docuseries showcases gorgeous footage of the park’s scenic vistas and geysers, along with the daily drama of its wildlife inhabitants struggling to survive and raise their young.
You’ll get an up-close look at a grizzly bear teaching her cubs how to hunt for fish in a stream, a pack of wolves on the prowl for food to feed their pups, and an adventurous bighorn sheep lamb separated from its herd. The camera work capturing these intimate moments in the lives of Yellowstone’s animals is truly breathtaking.
Tiger
Tigers are powerful and beautiful but sadly endangered. One of the best ways to learn about and support tigers is by watching shows dedicated to them.
This National Geographic show follows staff at Thailand’s Tiger Kingdom sanctuary as they care for tigers from cubs to adults. You’ll get an up-close look at how the staff feeds, exercises and medically treats over 100 tigers.
The show spotlights each tiger’s unique personality and the special bond between the big cats and their caretakers. It’s a glimpse into the daily life of tigers in captivity and what’s being done to help conserve these magnificent creatures.
Dolphin Days
Dolphin Days follows the lives of dolphins at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. This show provides an intimate look into the lives of the aquarium’s dolphins through the eyes of their trainers and caretakers.
You’ll get to know each dolphin’s unique personality as the trainers work with them daily on enrichment activities, training, and veterinary care. The dolphins each have their own charming quirks and talents. For example, Spirit is a talented artist who paints with her rostrum, and Maya is a skilled jumper.
Crikey! It’s the Irwins
One of the most heartwarming shows about animals is Crikey! It’s the Irwins. This reality TV series follows Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin, the wife and children of the late Steve Irwin, as they continue his conservation work at an Australia Zoo.
You’ll see the Irwins tagging sharks, transporting crocodiles, and educating people about wildlife conservation. Bindi, Steve’s daughter, has really stepped into the spotlight. Now in her 20s, she’s a passionate advocate for animals and the environment. Her brother Robert shares that same dedication at a young age.
The Incredible Dr. Pol
The Incredible Dr. Pol follows the life of Dr Jan Pol, a veterinarian who runs a clinic in rural Michigan. Now in his 70s, Dr Pol has been practising veterinary medicine for over 40 years. The show documents the ups and downs of running a vet clinic, from emergency surgeries to routine checkups.
Dr Pol’s no-nonsense, caring approach has made the show a hit. Along with his staff, which includes his own son, Dr Pol treats a variety of farm animals and pets. The clinic is always bustling with activity, whether it’s birthing calves, dehorning goats or treating sick cats and dogs. While the work is difficult, the show captures the rewards of practising veterinary medicine, especially in a rural farming community.
Chimp Empire
The Chimp Empire follows chimpanzees in Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park. This show provides amazing insight into chimp communities and social dynamics.
You’ll get to know the chimps as individuals with complex personalities and relationships. The stars of the show are a powerful alpha male named Zeus and a clever female named Sauda. Watch as they forage for food, care for their young, and navigate the ups and downs of life in the troop.
There we have it, our list of 10 best animal shows. How many of these have you watched? Let us know in the comments section below: