Wild Females: National Geographic’s Stunning New Show ‘Queens’ Dazzles

04.03.2024 - 15:11 / forbes.com

National Geographic’s new epic adventure, Queens explores Alaska, Mexico, Central America and Africa to compellingly spotlight and celebrate animal matriarchies and female leaders in nature. This is an eye-opening opportunity for armchair travelers to spy extraordinary remote places and feel uplifted. Gorgeously filmed and edited, the seven-episode ground-breaking Queens is the first-ever wildlife series steered by a women-led production team. Narrated by award-winning actor and executive producer Angela Bassett, Queens revels in female resilience, fortitude, passion and dedication. “This series is about stepping into and holding onto your power,” says Bassett. “These animal queens show us how to be a truly great leader. Each episode tells the story of sacrifice and strength, but also friendship and love. Behind the scenes is an equally inspiring story four years in the making of incredible women from around the world. It has a message of courage and hope that’s close to my heart.” Queens premieres on National Geographic March 4; on Disney+ and Hulu March 5. In the trailer (below), which features Billie Eilish’s electropop hit, You Should See Me in a Crown, Bassett asserts, “The strongest females fight for the survival of their families. Chosen to lead for her instincts, charisma, wisdom. We don’t call her Mother Nature for nothing.”

“Queens is a wild departure from anything you’ve ever experienced with natural history storytelling,” says Vanessa Berlowitz, series executive producer, Wildstar Films. “We’re accustomed to a narrative where the male animal voice often outshines that of the misperceived ‘gentler’ sex. In Queens, females drive the story: The most accomplished women in the industry get behind the camera to turn things on their heads, revealing surprising insights into how females rise to power, often relying on cooperation and wisdom over brute strength to get ahead.”

“A historical bias in wildlife storytelling favors masculine societies,” adds Janet Han Vissering, senior vice president of development and production, National Geographic. “The assembly of a first-ever women-led production team will bring a new perspective to telling these intimate narratives. Scientifically, women score higher for emotional and social intelligence, so it will be fascinating to see how the team will read relationships to underscore the nuances of how female-bonded societies operate.”

Episodes showcase female animals’ bravery, prowess and tenacity—from peace-promoting bonobos of the Congo basin to formidable elephants of the African savanna.

“In the course of making the series,” explains Bassett about the filmmakers who themselves faced countless challenges, “these remarkable women have gone to great lengths