It began, as many things do, with a 10-foot marine worm that wields jaws so sharp and powerful they can slice a fish in two. Then came the wasp with a sting so painful that an actual scientist’s actual advice for those who get stung by this thing is to just lie down and scream until the agony subsides. And then there were the foot-long snails that are eating their way through Florida.
Those were just a few of the over 100 entries in my WIRED column Absurd Creature of the Week, which ran between 2013 and 2016. We made a web video series out of it too, called Absurd Creatures. And I’m happier than a giant earthworm in mud to announce that my baby is all grown up: Today Netflix is premiering their all-new docu-series Absurd Planet, produced by Condé Nast Entertainment. (Condé Nast owns WIRED.)
It’s bigger, bolder, absurd…er. And it’s written by professionals who are funnier and less snarky than me, which is nice. Trust me when I say this: Absurd Planet is the escapism your family needs right now. It’s fun as all hell, and educational to boot.
Your guide is none other than Mother Nature, voiced by Afi Ekulona. Over 12 wild episodes, she’ll introduce you to some of the strangest critters on Earth, as they fight, make nice, eat each other, and—of course—make babies.
Speaking of, we’ve got an exclusive clip above that follows the trials of the giant Pacific octopus, perhaps the most dedicated mother on Earth. Enjoy, and keep it weird out there.
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