National Geographic's four-part docuseries Lion follows a young lion named Kio from vulnerable cub to future pride leader, revealing the power of family, resilience, and survival along the way. Executive producer Mike Gunton chatted with us to offer his POV on viewing guidance for parents.
Narration is always a draw for young viewers, and Lion uses the storytelling style of a classic family adventure to invite audiences into the intimate world of an African lion pride.
An Extraordinary Production
Reminiscent in some ways of The Lion King (and sharing producer Jon Favreau, who directed the live-action version of the animated classic), this is not a story that has been dumbed down for children. Instead, it uses entertaining storytelling and extraordinary cinematography to educate viewers about one of nature's most majestic apex predators.
Filmed over four years in Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lion follows Kio from three months old as he learns the rules of pride life, discovers his own capabilities, faces danger and loss, and ultimately begins the journey toward becoming a formidable male lion and future leader.
After its August 19 premiere on National Geographic Channel, Lion streams on Disney+ and Hulu, starting on Aug. 20.
A Lion Cub Learns From His Mother
At the center of Kio's story is his mother, Summer, a courageous and experienced lioness who watches over her cub while teaching him the skills he will need to survive.
The cameras capture remarkable moments of affection between mother and cub, from playful interactions to grooming and quiet moments of protection. But nature can change quickly, and Summer cannot shield Kio from every danger.
Mike Gunton, co-executive producer from BBC Studios Natural History Unit, says that showing those realities honestly was essential.
"It is critical in making 'Lion' that we tell the honest story of the challenges that a young lion faces growing up," Gunton says. "The way we have managed to put audiences in the heart of Kio's story makes it not only gripping, but an accessible and relatable experience."
That honesty is one of the series' greatest strengths. Kio experiences the same basic challenges that children eventually face in their own way: learning boundaries, gaining independence, dealing with conflict, finding acceptance, and discovering how to stand on his own.
Family Is the Heart of the Pride
Lion makes clear that every member of the pride has a role. Lionesses do much of the hunting, feeding, nurturing, and protecting, while male lions defend the pride, and brothers develop bonds that will become increasingly important as they mature.
Summer's sister, Autumn, provides one of the series' most touching examples of family loyalty, when she comes to the aid of her sister and nephew during a time of need.
"The importance of family is at the heart of this story," Gunton says, "to support, protect and nurture at every stage of life's journey."
That message makes Lion particularly valuable for families watching together. Children can see that strength does not always mean being the biggest or most powerful. Sometimes strength means protecting someone else, working together, sharing resources, or remaining loyal when circumstances become difficult.
When Nature Teaches Tough Life Lessons
Lion also provides parents with opportunities to talk about some of life's harder lessons.
Resources become scarce. Cubs go hungry. Younger males can be banished when conditions become difficult. Predators such as hyenas create frightening encounters, while the lions demonstrate the importance of safety in numbers.
The series does not rely on graphic violence, and prey takedowns are not presented through extreme gore. However, sensitive young viewers may find some sequences upsetting.
Episode Three is particularly emotional. Kio's older brothers attempt to take down a water buffalo, and Summer is gravely injured. Kio is left to witness his mother's suffering and experience grief and confusion.
Parents may want to watch these episodes alongside younger children and use them as opportunities to discuss loss, grief, safety, courage, and the reality that even loving families cannot protect us from every difficult thing in life.
1,400 Days in the Wild
The filmmaking is extraordinary. Lion was filmed over 1,400 days in Kenya, representing the most time ever spent in the field exclusively filming one group of lions.
That commitment allows viewers an unusually intimate look at pride life, from spectacular sunrises and sunsets to hunting, play, sibling rivalry, affection, conflict, and the quiet moments between mother and cub.
An emotionally charged score led by composer Hans Zimmer adds to the epic quality of Kio's journey. The series is executive produced by Disney Legend and The Lion King director Jon Favreau and Mike Gunton of BBC Studios Natural History Unit.
Is Lion Appropriate for Kids?
Lion is a beautiful opportunity for families to learn about wildlife while discussing important values such as loyalty, responsibility, perseverance, courage, sacrifice, and the importance of family.
Parents of very young or particularly sensitive children should be prepared for frightening situations, animal conflict, injury, and themes of death and grief, especially in the later episodes. The series handles these moments without excessive graphic imagery, but the emotional impact is real.
Gunton believes those universal themes are precisely what make Kio's story so accessible.
"The themes we see in his journey makes it a story that speaks to everyone," he says. "It is a story of hope, of an individual's 'will' to survive, and of the strength of family. It's perfect viewing for a family to watch together."
For families willing to experience both the wonder and the harder realities of the natural world, Lion offers much more than a wildlife lesson. Kio's journey becomes a powerful reminder that growing up means learning from those who love us, finding our place, facing adversity, and discovering the courage to move forward.
NatGeo's kids' site offers further information about lions.
Image: National Geographic/Sophie Darlington
April Neale is a mother of two and grandmother of five. She is a career journalist whose articles have been published in national and international publications. She is a longtime member of the Critics Choice and Television Critics Association.
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