Nat Geo teams with Ryan Reynolds for “fresh take” on natural history series

A still from the ‘Underdogs’ teaser

National Geographic has greenlit Underdogs, a 10-part natural history series co-produced by Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort, with the Hollywood star attached to narrate.

Wildstar Films will also produce the series, which will celebrate and champion the unique and unpredictable behaviours of a little known and surprising cast of animal characters.

Underdogs will examine the hidden talents and hygiene choices, unsavoury courtship rituals, devious camouflage techniques and “tough love” parenting skills of a range of creatures, that come in all sizes, shapes and smells.

“They’re the outcasts and the troublemakers, brash, unsophisticated, flatulent, incontinent and often unhinged. But they’re also warriors, team players and evil geniuses,” according to National Geographic.

The series will represent “an entirely fresh take on the natural history genre that is sure to delight and inform audiences of all ages, said National Geographic Content president Courteney Monroe.

“I love nature series and I love making things my kids can actually watch,” added Reynolds. “We’re already having a lot of fun trying to bring a new voice to animal docs. Wildstar has the expertise, experience and cutting-edge film tech to help us chew up that healthy National Geographic budget.

Reynolds and George Dewey are executive producers for Maximum Effort, while Vanessa Berlowitz, Mark Linfield and Dan Rees are executive producers for Wildstar. Dave Denny is series producer.