Cord-cutters looking for weekend comfort TV just got a nostalgic upgrade. Beginning July 6, 2025, MeTV will air classic episodes of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom every Sunday from 7–10 a.m. ET/PT. This move brings one of television’s most beloved wildlife series back into the living rooms of viewers who crave timeless programming with an educational edge.
A Legacy of Wildlife and Conservation
Originally debuting in 1963, Wild Kingdom helped pioneer the nature-adventure genre. The show, hosted by the legendary Marlin Perkins, along with Jim Fowler and Peter Gros, explored the planet’s most fascinating creatures and habitats. Episodes joining MeTV’s classic TV lineup will include unforgettable wildlife encounters, from tracking anacondas in Guyana to studying Yellowstone’s wildlife by helicopter.
“For generations, Wild Kingdom has ignited a passion for wildlife and conservation,” said Jen Wulf, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Mutual of Omaha. “We’re honored to carry forward the legacy of Marlin, Jim, and Peter by continuing to take audiences on unforgettable adventures.”
First broadcast on NBC, the half-hour program brought the wilds of Africa, the Amazon, and beyond into American living rooms every Sunday. Its groundbreaking format, often narrated by Perkins while Fowler worked directly with animals, won multiple Emmy Awards and inspired generations of wildlife television, eventually leading to the creation of nature-focused networks like Animal Planet and Discovery Channel.
Where to Watch and Learn More
With 330 episodes produced over 25 years and four Emmy® awards to its name, the original Wild Kingdom averaged 34 million U.S. viewers at its peak. This latest return to TV offers long-time fans and new audiences alike a chance to reconnect with its groundbreaking storytelling.
Where to Watch MeTV and Wild Kingdom
MeTV is widely available across the U.S. via over-the-air broadcast and on a range of streaming platforms. In the New York area, viewers can stream both MeTV and MeTV+ on Frndly TV or Philo TV. Residents in Hartford and New Haven can also tune in using Frndly or Philo, as well as through DirecTV Stream with the Choice Package or higher. Whether you’re watching with an antenna or a live TV service, there are plenty of easy ways to catch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and MeTV’s full slate of nostalgic programming. Find a full list of where MeTV is available here.
Want more Wild Kingdom? Visit WildKingdom.com to explore the legacy and ongoing conservation efforts of the iconic series.