Calling all animal lovers! It doesn’t get much better than cuddling up with your furry friends on the couch, turning on the TV and watching the latest animal-related TV series. From documentaries to reality TV, check out this list of the top 13 best animal shows to watch on TV right now.
Keep an eye on this list as it is updated with the latest and greatest so you can be sure you’re in the loop. From The Incredible Dr. Pol to Extinct or Alive, this list will help animal lovers stay up to date on the most popular animal shows available.
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Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
TOP 13 ANIMAL SHOWS TO WATCH
Let’s get started. Here are the trending animal shows that TV-watchers are enjoying right now, with all the information you need to check them out for yourself.
1. ‘The Incredible Dr. Pol’
↔ vs. Prior Week
Venture into the heart of rural Michigan with The Incredible Dr. Pol. With over 19,000 clients (animal clients, that is), Jan Pol isn’t your average vet– he’s The Incredible Dr. Pol! This captivating show takes you on a journey through the world of large-scale animal care, from birthing calves to wrestling pigs. With his unwavering dedication, night or day, Dr. Pol’s determination to save every animal in his care, whether they are pets, farm animals or even exotic species, makes for a truly heart-warming and adventurous docuseries. Experience the trials, tribulations and triumphs of veterinary work on The Incredible Dr. Pol.
2. ‘North Woods Law’
↑ 19 vs. Prior Week
Immerse yourself in the high-stakes world of North Woods Law, where the Conservation Officers of New Hampshire’s Fish and Game Department work tirelessly to preserve and safeguard the natural resources of the Granite State. Get up-close and personal with real-life conservation officers like Chris Egan as they engage in a variety of operations. From the mundane to the dangerous, these heroes navigate rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
Each episode offers a well-crafted blend of nature, action and heartwarming animal rescue stories to captivate any outdoors enthusiast or wild animal lover. Be astonished by the challenges and triumphs of these unsung heroes that live and breathe North Woods Law.
3. ‘Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa’
↑ 12 vs. Prior Week
Welcome to the sun-drenched scene of Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa, where an extraordinary team of animal lovers comes together to care for a diverse menagerie. Go behind the scenes with the dedicated zookeepers, veterinarians and staff at Tampa’s famous Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park as they nurture over 1,300 animals, from the tiniest insects to the largest, most majestic predators. From dramatic rescues and emotional releases to heartwarming interaction between animals and their tenders, each episode of Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa invites viewers on a wild ride filled with unexpected challenges, joyful moments and an unforgettable glimpse into the lives of both creatures and caregivers.
4. ‘Yellowstone Wardens’
↑ 2 vs. Prior Week
Get an exclusive glimpse into the majestic yet dangerous world of the Yellowstone Wardens. This nature and animal reality series propels you into the throes of unpredictable wildlife situations faced by the guardians of the country’s first national park — Yellowstone. From implacable Mother Nature to the untamed wildlife, every day is a fight for survival.
Witness the dedication, courage and commitment of these brave wardens as they strive to protect the natural wonder that is Yellowstone, and all of the animals within it. A show that beautifully balances adrenaline-pumping sequences with breathtaking landscapes, Yellowstone Wardens is the perfect watch for adventure and nature enthusiasts alike.
5. ‘Lone Star Law’
↓ 1 vs. Prior Week
Wade deep into the captivating world of the Texas Game Wardens with Lone Star Law. This thrilling reality show follows an elite force of law enforcement agents as they patrol and protect the vast expanse of Texas. From the desolate desert landscape to the sprawling coastal areas and lush forests, these dedicated men and women tackle everything from poaching and animal trafficking to environmental crimes. With daily risks and ever-changing challenges, Lone Star Law offers an intriguing blend of nature, adventure and a very real taste of law enforcement on the wild frontier.
6. ‘Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild’
↓ 1 vs. Prior Week
Step into the adventurous world of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild. Join hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Gant as they delve into the thrilling realm of wild animals and their habitats. With a keen eye and fearless spirit, the duo immerses viewers into the lives of endangered animals, revealing their struggles and triumphs in the vast ecosystems they inhabit.
This spellbinding series not only presents the breathtaking beauty and diversity of wildlife but also emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation. Witness the captivating stories of survival from the world’s most untamed corners on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild.
7. ‘Wild Child’
↔ vs. Prior Week
Wild Child is a downright cute docuseries about the newest life coming into the animal kingdom. Hosted by Sheinelle Jones, this series takes viewers around the world to learn about the trials and tribulations young ones go through when they are first born. Experience the world through the eyes of some of the cutest and most curious creatures to walk the planet as they overcome challenges much bigger than themselves.
8. ‘Louisiana Lockdown’
↑ 4 vs. Prior Week
Immerse yourself in the gritty and touching world of Louisiana Lockdown. This show provides a unique look into the lives of select inmates in the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Witness how the privilege to work with animals becomes a form of cathartic rehabilitation for these prisoners. It’s a touching story of redemption, paths to personal growth and the surprising bond between man and animal. Louisiana Lockdown is a must-see, offering rare insight into a fusion of prison life and animal care that you won’t find anywhere else.
9. ‘Hope in the Wild’
↑ 5 vs. Prior Week
Hope in the Wild takes the audiences on a deep dive into the life of nature advocate and rehabilitation expert Hope Swinimer. With her dedicated team, she saves the lives of orphaned, injured, and displaced animals, providing them care and preparing them for the wild. The show is a captivating blend of compassion, wildlife education and touching wildlife success stories.
10. ‘Secrets of the Zoo’
↑ 7 vs. Prior Week
Get an inside look at the Columbus Zoo with the animal documentary series, Secrets of the Zoo. The show offers a riveting behind-the-scenes view of the near 6,000 annual veterinary cases, and the joyous yet intense journey ushering more than 100 births each year.
The tireless team of professionals who undertake the heroic endeavor of ensuring the well-being of the animals and the animals themselves are the stars in this must-watch series. Make no mistake –between the unexpected animal drama, heartfelt connections and life-saving endeavors, Secrets of the Zoo is packed full of unscripted excitement and palpable emotion.
11. ‘Planet Earth III’
↑ 48 vs. Prior Week
Experience the wonders of the natural world like never before in Planet Earth III. This gripping documentary series transports viewers to the most breathtaking corners of the planet, from dense rainforests to icy polar caps. Watch as the Earth’s diverse array of ecosystems and creatures, both big and small, go about their lives in awe-inspiring detail. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for some visual escapism, Planet Earth III promises an unparalleled and deeply immersive journey into the heart of our vibrant world.
12. ‘Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under’
↑ 43 vs. Prior Week
Embark on a thrilling expedition with Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under. Explore Australia’s largest zoo, the iconic Taronga Zoo Sydney. Each episode introduces viewers to exotic and endangered animals, as well as the dedicated zookeepers who care for them tirelessly. Uncover intimate and heartwarming animal stories as you dive deeper into the viscerally incredible world of wildlife rescue, rehabilitative care and conservation. It’s more than just a zoo tour: it’s a riveting and emotional journey into the lives of animals and those who protect them.
13. ‘Extinct or Alive’
↑ 3 vs. Prior Week
Dive into the thrilling world of Extinct or Alive, where adventurer and wildlife biologist Forrest Galante takes you on a globe-trotting journey to discover species assumed to be extinct. Armed with cutting-edge technology and an unwavering determination, Forrest’s mission to find the world’s forgotten animals is nothing short of exciting. Experience the beauty of the world’s biodiversity while learning about the importance of conservation. Forget the ordinary wildlife documentaries, Extinct or Alive brings with it suspense, thrill and heart-warming moments with each hidden life brought back into the spotlight.
And there you have it: the top 10 animal shows to stream at home. Stay tuned for updates to come so you can keep up with the best content available right now.
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And for even more insight into the top shows and movies to watch right now, check out these other lists:
- Top Nature Shows to Enjoy at Home
- The Best Scientific Shows on TV Now
- Most Interesting Documentary Shows Available
- Top 10 Most Popular Travel Shows
- Top 10 Most Popular Cooking Shows
- Most Popular Shows on PBS Now
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular animal-related documentary shows on TV?
Planet Earth, Secrets of the Zoo, The Incredible Dr. Pol
What networks have the best animal & nature TV series?
Animal Planet, PBS, Nat Geo Wild, Discovery Channel
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