Common Sense Media Review
By Megan Andersen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Solid series explores penguin types, habitats, habits.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Secrets of the Penguins
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SECRETS OF THE PENGUINS is a visually stunning docuseries. In it, acclaimed nature and wildlife photographer and cinematographer Bertie Gregory (Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory) lives with and follows three different penguin types to uncover their hunting, swimming, mating, and birthing "secrets."
Is It Any Good?
This stunning series follows three different types of penguins "cradle to the grave," but without making viewers squirm in their seats the way some documentaries can. In Secrets of the Penguins, you won't often be shouting at your screen to a penguin chick to catch up with the others, or locking your jaw as orcas lick their lips at lunchtime. It's more of a gentle journey. There are realistic representations of life and death, but not in the way that some shows stretch it out and make your toddler cousin cry. Blake Lively narrates the series, somewhat stiffly.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the differences and similarities between the Emperor, Banded, and Macaroni penguins. Beyond their size and appearance, what do you notice about where and how they live? Does any one type of penguin seem to have an easier life?
Bertie Gregory is the videographer profiled in the series. What do you think it takes to become an amazing nature and wildlife photographer? What kind of skills and personality traits do you think are important?
What is something that we as individuals could do to possibly help preserve the penguins' and other animal habitats? Do you think that small changes can lead to big impacts? Is your family doing anything currently to help the environment? What?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 20, 2025
- Cast : Blake Lively , Bertie Gregory
- Network : NatGeo
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Activism ( Animal rights , Civic engagement , Climate change ) , Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals ) , Family Stories , STEM ( Nature , Science )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 4, 2025
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