The nature documentary has changed a lot over the years. And The Wild Ones is the next step in its evolution.

Available on Apple TV+, The Wild Ones follows wildlife experts as they attempt to find, film and help protect six of the most endangered species on Earth. Consisting of Aldo Kane, Royal Marines commando, Declan Burley, a wildlife and camera trap expert and ecological storyteller and wildlife cinematographer Vianet Djenguet, the team sets out into some of the world’s most remote areas in order to catch a glimpse of nature’s greatest beasts. From the North Atlantic Right Whale to the Gobi Bear or the Malayan Tiger, the trio will battle the elements to uncover the mysteries of these elusive species so that they can partner with others to preserve them from man’s recklessness.

Although the opening title sequence seems to suggest that Kane’s job of keeping the others safe will be ‘his most difficult assignment’, one can’t help but chuckle at the irony. After all, while Kane may be an ex-commando with all the experience, the series never portray Djenguet and Burley as anything but highly skilled and competent. Each member of the team knows exactly what they’re doing and, more importantly, why they’re doing it.

And, frankly, they are wonderful to watch. Every one of them allows their own gifts and unique personalities to shine onscreen. There’s an ease between them that feels more natural than other wildlife series. All the men seem relaxed and… well… human. They tear up with emotion over moments of significance, whether it’s a tiger cub or seeing gorillas in the wild. (In fact, Wild even lets them show their struggles, such as experiencing nausea on the open waters.) It’s these little moments that keeps them relatable, rather than mere ‘experts’. Every one of them cares deeply about their work and Wild Ones does an excellent job of letting them express themselves.

Of course, like other wildlife series, the visuals are simply stunning. Wild is a series that highlights the diversity of its spaces as the series travels around the world looking for some of the world’s most elusive creatures. Whether they’re sailing the North Atlantic or traveling through the Savannah, the shows crisp visuals really highlight the natural beauty of their environments. The colours pop, cameras pan smoothly and, most importantly, the animals look stunning.

But Wild manages to set itself from the pack with its emphasis on practical help. Whereas many nature series range in tone from highlighting beauty to raising awareness, Wild goes the next step. With each episode, the team’s work inevitably leads to action. Using new technologies or meeting with people of influence, they consistently show how their actions are making a difference. (In fact, at one point, they even meet with the Prince of Malaysia to discuss conservation of Tigers.) In doing so, Wild Ones manages to prove that their efforts have actual applications. Although the emphasis never strays from the majesty of the natural world, we see the ways that their actions are having an impact.

And it’s that commitment to making positive change that makes The Wild Ones so unique. It’s one thing to sit in awe of nature’s beauty or connect with those who are leading the charge onscreen. However, it’s another thing entirely for us to see ways that their actions lean into the future in a way that could help future generations.

And, because of their genuine attempt to bring hope, this is be a series that is worth going Wild over.

The Wild Ones is available on Apple TV+ on Friday, July 11th, 2025.