This Classic Wildlife Show Is Being Revived After 35 Years

NBC's once-popular documentary series, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, is being revived by the network more than 60 years after first premiering on Jan. 6, 1963. The show's original run lasted 18 seasons through 1988, and this new version will mark the third attempt at a revival. 

The latest iteration is being hosted by Wild Kingdom alum Peter Gros, who co-hosted alongside the series' second host Jim Fowler from 1985 through 1988. Fowler, in turn, initially served as assistant and sidekick to original host, zoologist Marlin Perkins.

Gros, who also hosted an Animal Planet revival in 2002 and a 2013 web series, will be joined this time around by ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a National Geographic Explorer and research faculty member at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

The latest revival, which is called Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild, is being produced by Hearst Media Production Group in partnership with the insurance company Mutual of Omaha, the show's original sponsor.

"This is a well-known, enduring franchise that’s literally part of television history," said HMPG president Frank Biancuzzo, via Variety. "Together with Mutual of Omaha and NBC, we’re looking forward to creating new and memorable wildlife adventures."

Jennifer Wulf, vice president of brand marketing for Mutual of Omaha, noted that Wild Kingdom pioneered the nature adventure genre when it premiered in 1963, effectively setting the standard for wildlife programming. "Through our partnership with HMPG, we are excited to remain at the forefront of compelling wildlife conservation efforts and success stories," she added.

The new series will premiere Oct. 7 on NBC, as part of the network's Saturday morning "The More You Know" programming block. It will likewise be available on NBC.com and NBC’s video-on-demand.