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 10 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 Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet to Wild Child, 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 10 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. ‘Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet’
↔ vs. Prior Week
Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet features Dr. Michelle Oakley, a veterinarian who works in Yukon, Canada. The series follows her as she makes house calls across vast territories to treat all kinds of animals, from domestic pets to wildlife. Dr. Oakley often finds herself in challenging situations due to the remote and rugged landscapes she works in, showcasing her skill and dedication to animal care.
2. ‘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.
3. ‘Yellowstone Wardens’
↑ 1 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.
4. ‘Secrets of the Elephants’
↑ 50 vs. Prior Week
Get an up close and personal look at Africa’s largest mammals with Secrets of the Elephants. This wildlife documentary series reveals the complex social structures, emotional depths and unraveled mysteries of these magnificent animals. Follow the breathtaking elephant herds as they traverse the plains, overcoming hardships, nurturing strong bonds and exhibiting resilience and intelligence in each episode. With breathtaking cinematography and captivating narration, Secrets of the Elephants invites you to dive deep into the challenging journey these giants undertake and understand why they are a keystone species of Africa’s ecosystems.
5. ‘Secrets of the Octopus’
↑ 66 vs. Prior Week
Plunge into the hidden depths of the ocean with the groundbreaking aquatic documentary series, Secrets of the Octopus. Known for their unusual intelligence, this series highlights both the mysterious and fascinating behavior of these cephalopods. Marine biologists and underwater cinematographers bring viewers up-close and personal with these fantastical creatures — revealing their out-of-this-world features and highly adapted skills, helping us understand their unique place within the makeup of marine communities. Embark on this captivating oceanic journey, as we decipher the mystical realm of the octopus in this exciting wildlife documentary series.
6. ‘Rugged Justice’
↑ 69 vs. Prior Week
Rugged Justice is more than just your average outdoor reality show. The show delves into the harrowing and adrenaline-rushing responsibilities of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Police. It captures their everyday challenges — safeguarding both wildlife and citizenry from potential threats and upholding environmental laws.
Watch this team of unwavering wardens face everything from treacherous terrains to hazardous confrontations, all in the name of justice. Rugged Justice showcases unparalleled beauty, bravery and a testament to the commitment these officers have to preserving their state’s natural beauty and balance.
7. ‘Lone Star Law’
↑ 3 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.
8. ‘Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild’
↓ 3 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.
9. ‘North Woods Law’
↓ 2 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.
10. ‘Wild Child’
↓ 4 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.
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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