For two groundbreaking years, National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory ventured into the frostbitten edges of the planet to uncover the hidden lives of penguins in Secrets of the Penguins. This breathtaking Disney+ docuseries captures never-before-filmed behaviors, revealing penguins as daring risk-takers, loyal friends, and ingenious problem-solvers thriving in Earth’s most extreme environments. From clandestine rituals to heartwarming communal bonds, the series redefines our understanding of these charismatic birds, showing how their societies mirror human resilience, creativity, and camaraderie in astonishing ways.

Produced with cutting-edge technology and intimate cinematography, Secrets of the Penguins isn’t just a nature documentary—it’s a revelation. Gregory’s team braved blizzards, treacherous terrain, and months of isolation to film scenes that challenge everything we thought we knew about penguins. Witness colonies collaborating to outsmart predators, parents teaching chicks survival hacks, and adolescents embarking on perilous first journeys. Narrated with warmth and wit by Blake Lively, the series is a celebration of life’s tenacity and a urgent reminder of the fragility of our planet’s wildest corners.

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The Cast of Secrets of the Penguins

1. Bertie Gregory as Self

Bertie Gregory, born July 24, 1992, in England, is a trailblazing wildlife filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer whose work has redefined modern natural history storytelling. A protégé of legendary broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, Gregory first gained acclaim with his Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory (2021), where his fearless approach to filming elusive species in remote locales captivated audiences. His knack for blending scientific rigor with cinematic flair earned him a BAFTA nomination and cemented his status as a rising star in conservation media.

In Secrets of the Penguins, Gregory pushes boundaries further, deploying drones, underwater rigs, and thermal cameras to document penguin behaviors previously unseen by humans. His narration-free field segments highlight raw, unfiltered moments—like a penguin “inventing” tools to cross icy gaps—letting the animals’ ingenuity speak for itself. Off-camera, Gregory is a vocal advocate for marine conservation, partnering with NGOs to combat climate change’s impact on Antarctic ecosystems. For him, this series isn’t just a career milestone; it’s a love letter to Earth’s most resilient birds.

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2. Blake Lively as Narrator

Blake Lively, born August 25, 1987, in Los Angeles, is best known for her iconic roles in Gossip Girl (2007–2012) and The Shallows (2016), but her soulful narration in Secrets of the Penguins showcases a new dimension of her talent. A longtime nature enthusiast, Lively leapt at the chance to voice the series, calling it “a dream project that merges storytelling with purpose.” Her delivery balances gravitas and playfulness, whether describing a penguin’s first swim or the drama of a colony’s survival against the odds.

Lively’s narration elevates the series into an emotional journey, her voice shifting from awe during scenes of penguin courtship dances to urgency as threats like melting ice come into focus. A mother of four, she’s stated that working on the project deepened her commitment to environmental advocacy, inspiring her family to adopt sustainable habits. Fans of her work will recognize the same charisma that made her a Hollywood star—here channeled into a poignant call to protect the planet’s wild wonders.