BBC Studios is teaming up again with comedian Russell Kane for a new podcast series, Evil Animals with Russell Kane.
The six-part comedy wildlife series follows the hit format of Evil Genius, but this time swaps historical figures for creatures from the animal kingdom.
Each episode asks whether the featured species is a misunderstood marvel or a furry (or scaly) little psychopath.
Kane will be joined by a comedian guest and an animal expert to explore the surprising, and sometimes unsettling, sides of each creature’s behaviour.
Topics range from the heart-warming to the bizarre – from hamsters’ antisocial tendencies to vampire bats’ charitable blood donations, and to the fact that cats only meow to communicate with humans.
Other featured animals include maggots, dolphins, and snakes, with facts that challenge common assumptions.
Episode one looks at hamsters, featuring comedian Laura Smyth alongside zoologist and author Jules Howard.
Later episodes cover vampire bats with Rachel Fairburn, domestic cats with Jess Fostekew, maggots with Ola Labib, dolphins with Lindsey Santoro, and snakes with Felicity Ward. Experts include figures from the BBC’s Springwatch and the Natural History Museum.
At the end of each episode, guests must decide whether the animal deserves the title of Evil or Genius. While the concept is tongue-in-cheek, the series aims to shift listeners’ perceptions and reveal fascinating truths about nature, all with a dose of humour.
Russell Kane said: “I’m so excited for this new series Evil Animals that I’ve shed my summer pelt in anticipation.”
Evil Animals with Russell Kane will be available exclusively on BBC Sounds from 20 August, with episodes released weekly.
The series will join the existing Evil Genius feed and will be available on other podcast platforms 28 days after its release on BBC Sounds.
