Watch Secrets of the Whales

"Secrets of the Whales" is a nature documentary series produced by National Geographic and available on the Disney+ streaming service. The show explores the world of whales and the complex societies they live in, featuring stunning underwater cinematography and insights from renowned marine experts.

The series is narrated by Sigourney Weaver, an actress with a passion for conservation who's known for her iconic roles in films like "Alien" and "Ghostbusters." Her soothing voice guides viewers through the intricate lives of whales from various species—humpback, sperm, orca, beluga, and narwhal.

Each of the four episodes focuses on a different aspect of whale behavior and culture, showing how these intelligent mammals communicate, hunt, navigate and care for their young. With her vast experience in the ocean filming expeditions, Sigourney Weaver brings an intimate and emotional touch to each episode while discussing how humans can learn from these incredible animals and make a difference to protect them.

The first episode, titled "Orca Dynasty," follows a family of orcas near Vancouver Island. The episode shows how orcas communicate through a unique dialect and engage in complex hunting strategies. It also explores the fascinating matriarchal structure of orca pods where the eldest female leads and grooms the younger orcas. The episode is directed by Andrew Wright, who is known for his immersive underwater photography, and offers a rarely seen view of the life of these majestic creatures.

The second episode, "Humpback Song," explores the art of singing among humpback whales. The episode highlights the importance of sound and its role in shaping the social bonds among whales. The episode also features National Geographic explorer and filmmaker James Cameron, who offers insights into how science doesn't yet understand the whales, even with advances in technology. In this episode, the viewer witnesses varied behaviors that the whales exhibit, such as chasing or spying on them, making it a mesmerizing spectacle.

The third episode, "Beluga Kingdom," takes the viewer to Canada's Arctic region and introduces us to beluga whales who have remarkable communication skills. The episode features National Geographic and renowned photographer Brian Skerry, who shares his experience documenting the belugas' behavior and culture. It highlights the social connections between mothers and calves and the various vocal sounds these whales use to communicate.

The final episode, "Ocean Giants," brings together all the species studied in the previous episodes and shows how different whales impact their ecosystem. The episode explores the many ways whales help sustain marine life, from the krill they eat to the nutrients they excrete. The episode reveals how whales play a crucial role in helping the oceans to function and thrive, making their protection all the more critical.

Overall, "Secrets of the Whales" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking series that offers a unique perspective on these magnificent animals. The show presents information about species not often covered in documentaries, bringing a new level of understanding to their lives and importance. It's a true celebration of the natural world often unseen, and it will leave its viewers in awe of the beauty of the oceans and the delicate balance of life on earth.

Secrets of the Whales is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between April 22, 2021 and on Disney+