Key Highlights
- The series Kingdom follows four rival animal families over five years in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
- BBC Studios Natural History Unit has spent 1400 days filming the series across seven episodes.
- Sir David Attenborough narrates the epic six-part series that premiered on BBC One and iPlayer on November 9, 2025.
- The show documents the lives of leopards, wild dogs, lions, and hyenas in their competitive struggle for survival.
Meet the Families: A Tale of Survival and Competition
The Kingdom series narrated by Sir David Attenborough is a masterpiece in natural history programming. Focusing on four animal families—the leopards, wild dogs, lions, and hyenas—this six-part series unfolds over five years in the heart of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.
The Leopards
Leopard Olimba is one of the central characters in the series. Known for her distinctive spotted coat, Olimba is a successful mother who has raised three cubs to independence from different litters. However, navigating the changing power dynamics within Nsefu, she faces challenges that could make or break her cubs.
The Wild Dogs
Wild dog queen Storm and her pack present a stark contrast with their sociability and cooperative behavior. Their arrival in Nsefu brings chaos to the established order, setting the stage for intense competition. The pack’s ability to rescue an injured relative showcases the depth of familial bonds within this species.
The Lions
Rita’s pride is a key family in Kingdom. These iconic apex predators face numerous challenges, including conflicts with other families and the relentless forces of nature. Their story follows their power dynamics as they struggle to maintain dominance in Nsefu.
The Hyenas
Hyena clan matriarch Tandala leads a first-time mother alongside her experienced queen, Tenta. Despite their reputation for scavenging, the hyenas are fierce predators with complex family structures. Their journey is one of survival and adaptation in the competitive landscape of Nsefu.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Filming
The making of Kingdom is as ambitious as its subject matter. Over 170 crew members, including over 90 local Zambian experts, contributed to this groundbreaking series. The team’s base camp was powered entirely by solar energy, and they faced numerous challenges during filming, such as close encounters with wildlife.
Notable achievements include capturing a leopard cub working with its mother to push off a hyena from a kill for the first time. The series marks BBC Studios Natural History Unit’s longest continuous filming in one location, spanning five years and 1400 days across 76 shoots.
The Impact of Kingdom
Kingdom is more than just a compelling narrative; it serves as a vital tool for conservation. By shining a spotlight on the lives of these iconic African predators, the series raises awareness about their challenges and the efforts to protect them from poaching. The collaboration with local scientists and conservationists ensures that the stories told are both authentic and impactful.
As viewers witness the unfolding drama within Nsefu, they gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between these animal families. Through Sir David Attenborough’s narration, Kingdom brings to life an intricate world of survival, competition, and family dynamics in one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes.
