Saturday morning television is about to get wild as Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG), in an innovative partnership with Mutual of Omaha, brings the iconic show “Mutual of Omaha's 'Wild Kingdom': Protecting the Wild” back to network television as part of NBC’s “The More You Know” programming block.

Starting Saturday, October 7, prepare for a thrilling expedition that showcases the magnificence of nature and important conversations around wildlife protection and conservation.

"This is a well-known, enduring franchise that's literally part of television history," said Frank Biancuzzo, HMPG president in a recent statement. “Together with Mutual of Omaha and NBC, we’re looking forward to creating new and memorable wildlife adventures.”

“Mutual of Omaha was looking for a partner to return the franchise to network television after a three-decade hiatus. HMPG has been a leading producer of wildlife programming with shows like Wildlife Nation, and we’ve been producing shows for NBC’s “The More You Know” block since 2016. Tens of millions of viewers know and trust “The More You Know” brand and many of them remember the original series fondly. We feel fortunate to partner with Mutual of Omaha on this amazing project,” said HMPG Executive Vice President Bryan Curb.

The series first aired in 1963 and was ahead of its time in its emphasis on conservation; the reboot brings the topic into even greater focus. “Each episode is a mission-driven adventure that shines a light on compelling conservation projects around the country. In many cases, we’re able to use clips from the original series to show a ‘then and now’ comparison to reveal how a particular animal or place has changed over the last several decades,” Curb explained.

The 2023 revival features Peter Gros, who first appeared as a host on Wild Kingdom in 1985, alongside wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. Gros, a long-time conservationist, has dedicated his career to protecting the welfare of animals. He is respected for his efforts to understand the connection between humans and animals, and for shepherding rehabilitative conservation programs. 

Gros was a fan of the show long before he became a host. “My first experience with Wild Kingdom was like so many people of my generation, Sunday afternoon sitting around the couch together as a family watching [hosts] Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler go out there and look like [they were] risking their lives, when in fact they were sharing information with us about conservation projects…and we were learning from them in our living rooms,” he said in an interview promoting the show’s revival.

Gros’ co-host, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, attributes her career in conservation and wildlife studies to shows like Wild Kingdom that she watched growing up in California. An accomplished animal behaviorist, National Geographic Society Fellow and a leading voice calling for more representation of women of color in the sciences, Wynn-Grant brings expertise with a crucial social message. 

“Our hosts have a warm, respectful relationship and they share a love for the natural world,” noted Curb. “Peter is a seasoned TV veteran and Rae’s extensive science background brings a fresh point of view. Their camaraderie was immediate and they complement each other so well.”

Each episode takes several days to shoot, after weeks of research and planning. “We look for the most unexpected, innovative projects that viewers might not be aware of seen before,” Curb explained. “We then spend a lot of time culling through old episodes of the series to find stories that support what we’re covering today. Sometimes we find the same people doing the same conservation work, decades later!”

The new Wild Kingdom promises inspiring stories that educate audiences on the wonders of the wild, aligning with HMPG’s commitment to programming with a positive impact. “Without question, the show’s mission is to kindle (or re-kindle) an appreciation for nature and then prompt viewers to go a step further by taking action in their own lives and communities to protect and preserve wild animals and wild places,” said Curb.

“Mutual of Omaha’s ‘Wild Kingdom’: Protecting the Wild” debuts Saturday morning, October 7 on NBC. Hearst colleagues can give back to wildlife refuges and other conservation organizations via Hearst Gives Back and Fitch Community. Let the wild call you…again.