National Geographic is serving up some unexpected nature facts this Sunday, June 22, at 9:53 PM ET with Underdogs: The Unusual Suspects. Narrated by Ryan Reynolds, this episode turns the spotlight on the animal kingdom’s sly operators—creatures that use cunning and trickery to survive. Forget brute strength; this is about outsmarting the competition.
Viewers will get to see the deceptive techniques of a frogfish, a master of disguise in the ocean’s depths. There is also a look at the butt-biting jackal, an animal that employs unusual tactics to get its way. The multi-headed caterpillar also plays its part, showing off a unique defense strategy. But for pure hustle, the episode points to a macaque known for conning tourists—a true expert in manipulation, even among humans.
The Underdogs series focuses on animals often overlooked, celebrating their unique behaviors, however unconventional. This includes an exploration of some unsavory courtship rituals and strange hygiene habits across the animal world.
This show looks to be a lighthearted yet informative addition to National Geographic’s lineup, offering a different view on the wild.