Animal parents are just like us – they are fiercely protective of their young, raising them against all odds in a variety of environments. Witness amazing stories of dedication and sacrifice as animal parents embark on the greatest of all challenges. Parenthood premieres Wednesdays, February 4 – March 4 at 8/7c on PBS.
Filmed over 3 years, on 6 continents, and in 23 countries, this five-part series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, tells the stories of astonishing animal behaviors shaped by the environments they inhabit. Each habitat has its own unique challenges, but as the world changes rapidly around them, some parents have to adapt to a world shaped by humans. The stakes couldn’t be higher – success for all parents ensures the future of life on our planet.
“Parenthood is an extraordinary celebration of one of life’s great challenges: raising young,” said producer Jeff Wilson. “Working with the world’s best wildlife cinematographers and nature experts, we uncovered a huge number of fascinating and untold behaviors through incredible field craft and dedication. In an uncertain world, there are lessons to be learned from our animal characters that will resonate with all of us.”
Episode One, “Grasslands”
Premieres Wednesday, February 4 at 8/7c
Animal parents must balance risk and reward to raise their young in grasslands. In Zambezi, wild dogs must focus the energy of their unruly teenagers for survival, and in India, an expecting langur learns parenting skills by babysitting.
Episode Two, “Freshwater”
Premieres Wednesday, February 11 at 8/7c
Animal parents must overcome freshwater’s constant changes. A frog dad scales giant Amazonian trees with tadpoles on his back, while an elephant mom must choose between the safety of her baby and the quest for water and food.
Episode Three, “Oceans”
Premieres Wednesday, February 18 at 8/7c
Ocean parents must master dedication and intelligence to raise their young. In Australia, an orca mother teaches her young how to hunt blue whales, while in Indonesia, a Banggai cardinalfish protects his young inside his mouth.
Episode Four, “Jungles”
Premieres Wednesday, February 25 at 8/7c
See how jungle animal parents raise children by mastering their environment. An orangutan spends eight years teaching her baby the ways of jungle living, and a crab becomes the ultimate chemist to create the perfect home for her crablets.
Episode Five, “The Greatest Adventure”
Premieres Wednesday, March 4 at 8/7c
Parenthood is the ultimate journey, full of danger. Lionesses teach their cubs how to survive by showing them how to tackle giant buffalo. Burrowing owls provide an underground nest for their chicks and mimic a rattlesnake’s sound to protect them.