Queens is a docuseries that takes viewers on a cinematic trek through six iconic worlds ruled by the most impressive female leaders in the animal kingdom. The show starts out in the African country of Tanzania. Queens is narrated and executively produced by award winning actress Angela Bassett. Most recently on the big screen, we saw Angela Bassett play the role of Queen Ramonda as she reign over the fictional African country of Wakanda in the film Black Panther from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
According to the synopsis from Disney+, the “Queens” featured in this documentary are sisters, single mothers, and grandmothers. Queens tells their stories of resilience, strength, love and loss for the first time.
The 7th episode celebrates the women behind the scenes who went to great lengths to document, capture, and protect the animal queens.
The docuseries captures powerful creatures that are fierce, smart, strong, loving, and protective in their natural element during various stages of life. The cinematography displayed in Queens is like no other. The beauty that is captured by crew members behind the lens is truly noteworthy and immaculate. Viewers are treated to an up-close view into the daily lives, dangerous challenges, and often harsh yet beautiful terrains that these female animals reign over and navigate through. The women behind the scenes were determined to film these amazing stories that nature has to offer. Episode 7 takes viewers on a detailed and in depth look at these female wildlife filmmakers.
As viewers learn, view, and immerse themselves in the lifestyle of these animals, Angela Bassett’s narration is flawless, powerful, articulate, and poignant. The narration connects the viewers to the environment and places them into an immersive like viewing experience. You can feel the resilient and protective nature that many of these female animals display come to life throughout the docuseries. Bassett’s award winning acting career has seen her in a number of diverse roles where feminism, sacrifice, and motherhood highly factor into the actions and challenges her characters face. Some of her roles range from playing the grieving mother of the late slain rap artist The Notorious BIG in the film Notorious, to a single mother rekindling her love life in the blockbuster hit How Stella Got Her Groove Back, on to playing the “Queen of Rock -N- Roll” in What's Love Got to Do with It, the 1993 Tina Turner biographical film. Royalty and motherhood is in her cinematic curriculum vitae. Bassett’s narration blends perfectly for the Queens docuseries, as each episode keeps viewers well informed and engaged with the content.
Please check out the Queens Season 1 trailer below! Queens premiered March 4, 2024 on National Geographic. It is available now to stream on Hulu and Disney+.