Secrets of the Bees streaming launches April 1, 2026, on Disney+ and Hulu in the US, bringing National Geographic’s two-part docuseries to viewers worldwide. The documentary explores the hidden architecture, intelligence, and survival strategies of bees—creatures responsible for pollinating over one-third of the world’s food.
Key Takeaways
- Secrets of the Bees premieres on National Geographic March 31, 2026, then streams April 1 on Disney+ and Hulu.
- Two-part series filmed over three years using groundbreaking macro-cinematography never before captured in beehive documentaries.
- Hosted by Emmy and BAFTA-winning explorer Bertie Gregory; executive produced by Academy Award winner James Cameron.
- Disney+ costs $11.99–$12.99 monthly in the US; £5.99 in the UK; Hulu access depends on your subscription tier.
- UK premiere airs April 1 on National Geographic WILD at 7pm, simultaneously available on Disney+ UK.
Where to stream Secrets of the Bees
In the US, Secrets of the Bees streaming is exclusive to Disney+ and Hulu starting April 1, 2026. Disney+ offers the series on its standard tier (no ads-required subscription) at $11.99 with ads or $12.99 without. If you already subscribe to Hulu, check whether your plan includes Disney+ access—many bundle packages grant simultaneous streaming rights.
For UK viewers, Disney+ UK launches the series the same day at £5.99 monthly. The National Geographic WILD channel airs the premiere April 1 at 7pm on linear television for those who prefer traditional broadcast viewing. International rollout follows the same timeline as the US and UK.
National Geographic premiere dates and times
The linear TV premiere happens March 31, 2026, at 8/7c on the National Geographic channel in the US. UK viewers can catch the debut April 1 at 7pm on National Geographic WILD. Both regions transition to streaming the following day, making April 1 the global streaming launch date. Check your local listings or Sky/Virgin Media schedules if you plan to watch via cable.
What is Secrets of the Bees about?
Secrets of the Bees streaming reveals the intelligence, architecture, and social hierarchies of over 20,000 bee species through an intimate lens inside the hive. The two-part series was filmed over three years using special cameras and groundbreaking macro-cinematography to capture moments never before recorded in a documentary. The filmmaking showcases bee communication, survival strategies, and their critical role in global food production.
Hosted by National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory, who has won Emmy and BAFTA awards for his documentary work, the series benefits from expertise by entomologist and National Geographic Explorer Dr. Samuel Ramsey. Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron serves as executive producer alongside Maria Wilhelm for Earthship Productions, with Silverback Films handling production. This marks the latest entry in National Geographic’s Emmy-winning Secrets of franchise, which previously explored whales, elephants, octopuses, and penguins.
Disney+ subscription options and pricing
Disney+ in the US costs $11.99 monthly with ads or $12.99 without. Both tiers grant full access to Secrets of the Bees streaming and the entire Disney+ library. You can cancel anytime, making it risk-free to subscribe for a single month if you only want to watch this series. UK subscribers pay £5.99 monthly.
If you hold a Hulu subscription, verify whether your plan bundles Disney+ access—many mid-tier and premium Hulu packages include it. This eliminates the need for a separate Disney+ payment. Check your Hulu account settings or contact customer support to confirm bundling eligibility.
How does Secrets of the Bees compare to earlier National Geographic documentaries?
Secrets of the Bees streaming follows the proven formula of National Geographic’s Secrets of franchise, which delivered Emmy-winning documentaries on whales, elephants, octopuses, and penguins. Like its predecessors, this series combines intimate wildlife cinematography with expert narration and world-class production values. The bee-focused angle differs by examining a colony organism rather than individual animals—exploring hive intelligence, architecture, and collective behavior rather than individual personalities. The three-year production timeline and macro-cinematography innovations position it as technically ambitious within the franchise.
Can you watch Secrets of the Bees outside the US and UK?
International rollout is expected around the same time as the US and UK premiere, though specific dates and platforms for other regions have not been confirmed in available sources. Disney+ operates in most countries globally, making it the likely streaming home outside North America and the UK. Check your regional Disney+ app or National Geographic channel listings in your country for confirmation closer to April 1, 2026.
Is Secrets of the Bees available on any other streaming service?
No. Secrets of the Bees streaming is exclusive to Disney+ and Hulu in the US, and Disney+ in the UK. It will not air on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, or other major platforms. National Geographic channel access via cable or satellite provides the linear TV option, but streaming is limited to Disney’s platforms.
When should I watch Secrets of the Bees?
The two-part series launches April 1, 2026, positioning it just before Earth Day on April 22—a strategic timing that aligns with global environmental awareness. If you subscribe to Disney+ or Hulu, you can stream both parts immediately upon release. The series suits viewers interested in nature documentaries, wildlife cinematography, and environmental topics. If you enjoyed previous Secrets of entries, this bee-focused installment delivers the same high-production storytelling with a fresh focus on pollinator intelligence and global food systems.
Where to Buy
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: Tom's Guide
