Secrets of the Penguins

I am surprised that some of the low ratings that are based solely on the narrator's voice. As a photographer and filmmaker, the images are simply extraordinary, and it is essential to remember that documentary shows of this nature are 90% visual and 10% audio. Perhaps the narrator is not David Attenborough, but to discount the entire show just because of her voice seems unjustified.

Bertie Gregory's work is simply a masterclass. His patience and his range of compositions are without equal, and I remember gasping several times, admiring what he did in the field.

If I had one complaint, it would be the overdone editing at times that creates a narrative that is too cute. But overall, the one-of-a-kind visuals showing our natural world in all its splendor should be celebrated, leaving us with a sense of wonder.

Stopped watching because of the awful narration. I don't recommend this doc. The editing turns simple penguin squabbles into slow-motion "epic showdowns" complete with thunderous drums-because nothing says "life and death struggle" like a flipper slap over a chunk of ice.

They clearly blew the budget on drone shots of Antarctica, because the "plot" (if you can call it that) has all the depth of a snowflake. Or, they had to pay the narrator too much to do much else. By the third act, the repetitive shots of penguins slipping on ice start to feel like unintentional slapstick, and not in a good way.

In summary: If you came for scientific insight or or emotional storytelling, keep waddling. If you want to hear a choir swell while penguins stare at each other... well, even then, you might be disappointed.

Fascinating show. I really enjoy penguins, and Bertie Gregory does a great job filming them. He captures many playful moments, and goes a little into depth on what multiple months look like for a few different penguins. Particularly emperor penguins and their journey to adulthood.

What brings the show massively down is having to listen to Blake Lively try to narrate it the whole time. Goodness, it is nothing personal, but she's trying to be David Attenborough and just can't do it. Not her fault, but please don't let her narrate any more nature docs. Perhaps she thinks the audience is only 5 year olds that have never seen a penguin. Idk.

I'm also not sure the script was double checked, because episode two has to mention the Earth is getting warmer at least 80 times. Not attempting to start a global warming debate, but relax people I just want to watch some penguins live.

Not sure if this is helpful, but just some thoughts I had. Better narrator with some plot enticing and you're easily looking at 6 or 7/10 instead.

Beautiful footage of many different types of penguins. Yes, some scenes are difficult to watch but it's nature and honest. The section on Rockaronis was pretty interesting, a new species. Once I watch a penguin show, I go down the penguin rabbit hole and need to find more as they're just so fascinating and adorable.

Bertie does a fabulous job and it would have been great to have Bertie narrate the whole thing rather than just bits of him here and there. Blake Lively's reading is oddly paced and bland. Very disappointing as we're subjected to it across the shows. I'd love to watch this again in a bit as it's beautiful and so educational but . . . Her voice. Do better NatGeo!

This series shows us things that we've never seen before about penguins! The National Geographic Producers and Camera Crew were also very brave and did an incredible job.

There are people that don't seem to like this series solely due to the fact that the National Geographic Team didn't interfere with the natural way of life for these animals. THAT'S A GOOD THING! We shouldn't be meddling with how things work in nature! Unfortunately, that also means not interfering if there are animals in need.

All in all, incredible work. Before watching, I only had a slight interest in penguins for many years. Now, I love them! If you've always had a thing for learning about nature and animals, you will absolutely love watching this series.