Nat Geo Slates Ryan Reynolds-Narrated Underdogs

Underdogs, a new series about the outcasts of the animal kingdom narrated by Ryan Reynolds, is to bow on National Geographic and ABC on June 15.

Each episode of the five-part series showcases a different aspect of often-overlooked animals’ bizarre mating strategies, surprising superpowers, dubious parenting skills and gross behaviors. After premiering on Nat Geo and ABC, it will stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

Underdogs features a range of never-before-filmed scenes. The series marks the first time a film crew has ever entered a special cave in New Zealand that glows bright due to the glowing butts of mucus-coated grubs.

The series is produced by Reynolds’ Maximum Effort and Wildstar Films. It includes music from composer Harry Gregson-Williams (Shrek, The Martian, Gladiator 2), as well as an original theme song from Green Day.

“Getting to work with National Geographic on Underdogs was a dream come true—mostly because I can finally watch a project of ours with my children,” Reynolds said. “Technically, they saw Deadpool & Wolverine, but I don’t think they absorbed much while covering their eyes and ears and screaming for two hours.

“We’re so proud to elevate the unsung heroes of the natural world to the top of the entertainment food chain and can’t wait for everyone to see.”