Blake Lively Lends Her Voice to Secrets of the Penguins Amid Legal Drama
Blake Lively Narrates Secrets of the Penguins for National Geographic—Here’s What You Need to Know
A Mesmerizing Journey into the World of Penguins
Blake Lively is stepping into the world of wildlife documentaries as the narrator of National Geographic’s new docuseries, Secrets of the Penguins. Despite ongoing legal battles surrounding It Ends With Us, the Hollywood actress brings her captivating voice to this breathtaking nature series, which premieres April 20, just ahead of Earth Day.
What is Secrets of the Penguins About?
The three-part docuseries offers an unprecedented look into the fascinating lives of penguins across the globe. Executive produced by James Cameron, the series was filmed over two years, following a team of 70 scientists and crew members on a mission to uncover penguins’ hidden worlds.
Hosted by Nat Geo explorer and filmmaker Bertie Gregory, the show dives deep into the icy landscapes and unique ecosystems where these remarkable birds thrive.
Breathtaking Locations and Rare Wildlife Moments
To bring this documentary to life, the crew embarked on daring expeditions to some of the most remote and harsh environments on Earth, including:
- South Georgia Island – Rugged and nearly inaccessible
- The Galápagos Islands – Home to the rare Galápagos penguin
- Namibian Desert Caves – Unexpected penguin habitats
- Cape Town’s Rocky Beaches – A thriving African penguin colony
- Antarctica’s Ekström Ice Shelf – The heart of emperor penguin life
The docuseries also captures never-before-seen wildlife moments, such as emperor penguins using snowballs to practice their egg-balancing skills—a first in wildlife cinematography.

Blake Lively Brings Penguins’ Stories to Life
Known for her roles in A Simple Favor and Gossip Girl, Blake Lively’s narration adds a heartfelt and poetic touch to the documentary. Her voiceover emphasizes the resilience, intelligence, and strong family bonds that penguins demonstrate in their daily lives.
In the trailer, Lively describes these birds in a way that makes them relatable and inspiring:
“They teach. They toil. They practice parenting and act really brave for their size.”
Her warm and engaging narration helps audiences connect emotionally with the penguins’ incredible survival stories.
A Sneak Peek at the Trailer
The trailer offers a visually stunning and emotionally gripping preview of the series. Host Bertie Gregory shares his awe at the penguins' fearlessness, saying:
“I spent my entire life trying to sneak up on shy animals; these penguins are definitely different.”
Viewers can expect breathtaking cinematography, intimate close-ups of penguin life, and thrilling adventures in the coldest corners of the planet.
When and Where to Watch Secrets of the Penguins
Excited to embark on this chilly adventure? Here’s how you can watch:
- TV Premiere: April 20 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CST on National Geographic
- Streaming Release: All three episodes will be available on Disney+ and Hulu on April 21
What’s Next for Blake Lively?
While promoting Secrets of the Penguins, Blake Lively is also gearing up for the release of her latest film, Another Simple Favor. The black comedy mystery directed by Paul Feig reunites her with co-star Anna Kendrick and features an ensemble cast including Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Elizabeth Perkins, and Michele Morrone.
Another Simple Favor will be available on Amazon Prime Video on May 1.
With breathtaking visuals, never-before-seen penguin behaviors, and Blake Lively’s compelling narration, Secrets of the Penguins is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating nature docuseries of the year. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just love heartwarming stories, this is a must-watch for Earth Day 2024.
Are you excited for Secrets of the Penguins? Let us know in the comments