A powerful new documentary series is now streaming, and it’s putting the spotlight on the true queens of the natural world. Queens, a seven-part documentary narrated by award-winning actress and executive producer Angela Bassett, is now available on Disney+ and Hulu.
A Story of Strength, Strategy, and Sisterhood
Queens explores the remarkable lives of female leaders across the animal kingdom. From elephants and bears to ants and hyenas, the series showcases matriarchal communities and their powerful, strategic roles in nature. Using cutting-edge cinematography, Queens captures raw, emotional stories of motherhood, resilience, sacrifice, and unity. According to showrunner and writer Chloe Sarosh, the production team set out to give each animal its “Hollywood moment and dramatic storyline.”
Filmed by Women, Led by Women
Taking four years to produce, Queens was created by an international team of female filmmakers. The final episode, “Behind the Queens,” honors the women who traveled the globe to bring these untold stories to life. Director of photography Sophie Darlington and producer Faith Musembi recalled facing everything from droughts to political unrest while filming in remote locations. Musembi, one of the few Kenyan women in her field, noted the importance of representation and access in wildlife filmmaking. “Up until Queens, there were no inroads for me to work in this industry,” she said.
An Emotional Look at Motherhood
The series doesn’t shy away from the hardships of the animal kingdom. In one episode, a mother bear suffers an injury, making it difficult to protect and feed her cubs. Cinematographer Erin Ranny shared how challenging it was to witness the emotional toll of these moments. “There’s a lot of emotion and stress in telling those life-or-death situations,” she said.
Empathy Through Storytelling
One of the goals of Queens is to foster empathy for misunderstood species. Through compelling narrative and stunning visuals, the series humanizes its subjects and connects their experiences to our own. From hyenas to ants, every creature is portrayed with care and nuance.
Watch Now
Queens is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. Whether you’re a nature documentary enthusiast or a fan of compelling storytelling, this series invites you to explore the wild through the lens of powerful female leadership.
