National Geographic May 2025 Programming Highlights
The National Geographic May 2025 premieres have been announced. Read on to see what is coming to National Geographic, National Geographic WILD, Disney+, and Hulu.
The National Geographic May 2025 programming includes Tucci in Italy, featuring Academy Award-nominee and Emmy and Golden Globe-winner Stanley Tucci, Genghis Khan: The Secret History of the Mongols, Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under Season 5, and Missing Presumed Dead.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAY 2025 PREMIERES
TUCCI IN ITALY
“Tucci in Italy” premieres May 18 at 8/7c on National Geographic and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu
National Geographic invites audiences on a mouthwatering journey with Academy Award-nominee and Emmy- and Golden Globe-winner Stanley Tucci in “Tucci in Italy.”
Produced by Tucci’s SALT Productions and BBC Studios Specialist Factual Productions, the five-part series follows Stanley across Italy’s stunning landscapes as he explores the deep connections between food, culture, and history.
More than a travelogue, it’s a rich, narrative-driven dive into the country’s iconic culinary traditions. Along the way, Stanley meets locals, chefs, artisans, and even cowboys to uncover hidden gems and untold stories with National Geographic’s signature storytelling and his trademark wit.
Stanley indulges in a Sienese feast in Tuscany, samples farm-to-table innovation in Lombardy, and rediscovers Lazio’s rustic soul. For the first time, he visits Trentino-Alto Adige for pine needle pesto in the Alps and explores Abruzzo’s wild seafood rituals atop a centuries-old trabocco. This is Italy like you’ve never seen it—flavorful, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
“Tuscany” premieres May 18 at 8/7c on National Geographic and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
In search of culinary creativity, Stanley revels in the culinary artistry of the birthplace of the Renaissance.
“Lombardy” premieres May 18 at 9/8c on National Geographic and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Stanley explores the pioneering spirit of Italy’s industrial heartland, where the cuisine and ingredients are defiantly forward-thinking.
“Trentino-Alto Adige” premieres May 25 at 8/7c on National Geographic and streams May 19 on Disney+ and Hulu.
Stanley delves into the identity of Italy’s northernmost region, where many speak German as well as Italian, and the cuisine reflects both cultures.
“Abruzzo” premieres June 1 at 8/7c on National Geographic and streams May 19 on Disney+ and Hulu.
Stanley discovers unexpected treats in this wildest of regions, revealing how the rugged terrain impacts its food and culture.
“Lazio” premieres June 8 at 8/7c on National Geographic and streams May 19 on Disney+ and Hulu
Stanley ventures beyond Rome to Lazio’s less-visited countryside to understand the relationship between the ancient metropolis and rural heartland.
GENGHIS KHAN: THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE MONGOLS
“Genghis Khan: The Secret History of the Mongols” premieres May 1 at 9/8c on National Geographic and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu
A fearless warrior and ruthless conqueror, Genghis Khan’s epic rise and the Mongolian Empire’s incredible expansion are brought to thrilling life in this six-part series.
Drawing on a new translation of “The Secret History of the Mongols,” the series reveals stunning insights into the life and many battles of the legendary ruler known widely as Genghis Khan.
“Temujin: The Boy Who Will Be Khan” premieres May 1 at 9/8c on National Geographic
Chinggis Khan’s early years are recounted, including his family’s fall from power, survival against rival tribes, and alliances as a young warrior.
“The Rise of Chinggis Khan” premieres May 1 at 10/9c on National Geographic
Temujin’s powers grow as he battles with Jamuqa. He is exiled, but he returns to unify the Mongol tribes when he takes the title of Chinggis Khan.
“The Birth of The Empire” premieres May 8 at 9/8c on National Geographic
Chinggis Khan built power by building an army and eliminating rivals. He began conquests against the Tanguts and the Jin, expanding his empire.
“The Unstoppable Empire” premieres May 8 at 10/9c on National Geographic
When an empire attacks the Mongols, Chinggis Khan incites a campaign that solidifies dominance in Persian lands. He names Ogedei as his successor.
“The Rule of Ogedei” premieres May 15 at 9/8c on National Geographic
Ogedei is proclaimed ruler of the Mongol Empire. He conquers Armenia, Georgia, and the Jin Empire and builds the grand capital of Karakorum.
“Europe Under Siege” premieres May 15 at 10/9c on National Geographic
The Mongolian Empire took the lands of Russia and Europe, but Ogedei’s death triggered a struggle for succession over the largest empire in the world.
SECRETS OF THE ZOO: DOWN UNDER
“Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under” Season 5 premieres May 11 at 9/8c on National Geographic WILD
“Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under” provides exclusive access to one of the greatest conservation success stories in the world, as the park wraps up the most exciting changes in its 101-year history.
Nestled in Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is home to more than 5,000 extraordinary creatures and hundreds of committed keepers and vets who blend world-class expertise with their laidback Australian spirit.
“Lion Toothache” premieres May 11 at 9/8c on National Geographic WILD
Lioness Maya has a fractured tooth, leading to a potentially life-threatening abscess. Taking a 160-kilogram cat to the dentist requires a team effort.
“Saving Koalas” premieres May 18 at 9/8c on National Geographic WILD
Senior Taronga vet Larry and the team assess the health and genetics of six vital koala populations as part of the Koala Sentinel Project.
“Raising Gracie” premieres May 25 at 9/8c on National Geographic WILD
Gracie, the abandoned koala, charms as the cutest housemate for Annii.
MISSING PRESUMED DEAD
“Missing Presumed Dead” premieres May 23 at 9/8c on National Geographic
“Missing Presumed Dead” tells the fascinating and shocking stories of real disappearances—how the victims survived their experiences and were found or rescued.
Each episode focuses on one unbelievable true crime story told through a combination of stylized, cinematically shot interviews with the missing person, their family and friends, and experts in abduction, surviving hostile environments and hostage negotiation, along with archive footage of news reports documenting the disappearance, home videos and photos, and stock footage recreating key moments.
Each episode’s story plays out chronologically, as we hear two versions of events being described from the POV of the missing person as well as family, friends, and experts.
“Michael Scott Moore – The Negotiator” premieres May 23 at 9/8c on National Geographic
Journalist Michael Scott Moore traveled to Somalia and was captured by pirates.
“The Robertsons – Lost At Sea” premieres May 23 at 10/9c on National Geographic
Sailing the world, the Robertson family’s journey was ended by killer whales.
“Peter Shaw – The Hole” premieres May 30 at 9/8c on National Geographic
Peter Shaw was ready to return home when he was kidnapped and held underground.
“Peter Moore – Kidnapped in Baghdad” premieres May 30 at 10/9c on National Geographic
In Iraq for work, UK citizen Peter Moore is taken hostage by the Shia militia.
NEW EPISODES
PORT PROTECTION ALASKA
In Port Protection, the summer and fall are proving grounds for its residents. Villagers must work unceasingly to commercial fish, stock firewood, build cabins, collect water, and hunt for red meat.
The younger generation must figure out how to grow and expand, while the old-timers find unique ways to reinforce their bodies after decades of struggle on the unforgiving island.
“Natural Selection” premieres May 6 at 9/8c on National Geographic
Sam and Matt hunt for deer while Terry helps out on Troy’s property.
“Another Day in Paradise” premieres May 13 at 9/8c on National Geographic
Oliver and Troy give their homes an upgrade as Jiggy tries to bag a moose.
“Burn It All” premieres May 20 at 9/8c on National Geographic
Sam’s effort to silence his generators sparks a dangerous fire.
BORDER SECURITY: AUSTRALIA’S FRONT LINE SEASON 15
With exclusive access to the Australian Border Force and Biosecurity, this series captures officers as they stop illegal immigrants, drug smuggling, and biosecurity threats.
For over a decade, cameras have followed the dedicated men and women working on the front lines to keep Australia safe, exposing the dangers, high-stakes decisions, and surprises they face daily.
“Nervous Luggage” premieres May 7 at 9/8c on National Geographic
A drug dog alerts to a woman’s bag, and her explanation leaves officers stunned. Meanwhile, a nervous traveler and a lying passenger raise alarms.
“Tourist Deceit” premieres May 7 at 9:30/8:30c on National Geographic
Thai brothers insist they’re tourists, but their sister’s story suggests otherwise. An X-ray exposes a suspicious child’s gift and a risky suitcase.
“Risky Return” premieres May 14 at 9/8c on National Geographic
A man’s luggage raises alarms before his anniversary trip. Meanwhile, a family’s traditional items pose a risk, and officers stop a drug delivery.
“Suspicious Itinerary” premieres May 14 at 9:30/8:30c on National Geographic
A Dutch man’s empty suitcase and travel history don’t add up. Meanwhile, x-rays of firefighter costumes reveal something illegal.
“Positive Readings” premieres May 21 at 9/8c on National Geographic
Three travelers canceled their hotel before their flight, raising alarms. A man’s bag tests positive for drugs, and an elderly woman hides something.
“Illegal Import” premieres May 21 at 9:30/8:30c on National Geographic
A bulk carrier’s security breach shocks officers. Meanwhile, a woman’s luggage hides a massive illegal import, and a family’s apology won’t save them.
“Illicit Substance” premieres May 21 at 9:30/8:30c on National Geographic
A bulk carrier’s security breach shocks officers. Meanwhile, a woman’s luggage hides a massive illegal import, and a family’s apology won’t save them.
“Hidden Agenda” premieres May 28 at 9/8c on National Geographic
A honeymooning couple’s travel history raises suspicions. An unemployed man’s luxury trips baffle officers, and risky luggage shocks Biosecurity.
“Business or Holiday” premieres May 28 at 9:30/8:30c on National Geographic
A man’s three-month visit to Australia raises suspicions, a Bulgarian tourist’s phone reveals secrets, and muesli bars hide a dangerous surprise.
LIFE OR DEATH: THE NEGOTIATORS
Dive into the minds of some of the world’s most skilled negotiators to understand what it takes to navigate a situation where one wrong move can prove deadly. What secrets can they reveal about the art of negotiation?
Analyzing four life-and-death situations, meet the negotiators who have mastered the art of tact in the face of lethal circumstances.
“Sydney Siege” premieres May 7 at 10/9c on National Geographic
An armed couple holds 27 people at gunpoint, seeking the return of their 3-month-old child. Police negotiators step in to try to keep the peace.
“Embassy Under Siege” premieres May 14 at 10/9c on National Geographic
In Bangkok’s Myanmar embassy, 89 people are held hostage by university students. Can a group of Thai negotiators prevent tragedy?
“The Negotiators vs. Armed Security Guards” premieres May 21 at 10/9 on National Geographic
Former security guard Alchie Paray shoots a colleague and holds 55 people hostage at a shopping mall in San Juan City, Metro Manila.
“The Negotiators vs Rogue Cop” premieres May 28 at 20/9c on National Geographic
In 1996, Louisiana Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Louviere held six women hostage inside a bank where his ex-wife works.
