Russell Kane Launches Evil Animals Podcast on BBC Sounds | Release Date & Episodes
BBC Studios has once again joined forces with award-winning comedian Russell Kane, bringing a refreshing and hilarious new podcast series titled Evil Animals. This latest addition to the BBC Sounds lineup promises a unique combination of comedy, animal science, and cheeky debates, drawing inspiration from the hit format Evil Genius. Instead of re-examining controversial historical figures, Kane and his guests turn their gaze towards the wild, weird, and often misunderstood creatures that share our world.
The six-part comedy wildlife series dares to ask a provocative question: Are animals innocent marvels of nature, or do they have a darker, almost sinister side? With Kane’s quick wit, a rotating cast of comedians, and insights from animal experts, listeners can expect a blend of laughter, learning, and eyebrow-raising revelations.
At its core, Evil Animals with Russell Kane isn’t just a comedy show—it’s an exploration of the hidden behaviors of animals that often surprise, shock, or amuse us. Each episode follows a clear, engaging format:
Step 1: Introduce the animal. Listeners get an overview of the creature’s known characteristics and quirks.
Step 2: Expert deep-dive. A zoologist, biologist, or natural history specialist joins to reveal lesser-known truths.
Step 3: Comedic banter. Kane and a guest comedian dissect the findings with plenty of humor.
Step 4: The verdict. At the end, participants decide: is the animal an Evil menace or a Genius survivor?
The tone is playful and tongue-in-cheek, but the show subtly encourages audiences to challenge their assumptions about the animal kingdom.
Episode Highlights: From Hamsters to Snakes
The series dives into a variety of fascinating creatures, each chosen for their peculiar mix of lovable charm and unsettling behavior.
Episode 1: Hamsters
Guests: Comedian Laura Smyth and zoologist/author Jules Howard.
Key theme: Hamsters may look adorable, but they’re notorious for their antisocial tendencies and can even display surprisingly aggressive behavior.
Episode 2: Vampire Bats
Guests: Rachel Fairburn with an expert from Springwatch.
Key theme: These blood-feeders might sound terrifying, but they’re also known for sharing meals with less fortunate bats, making them one of the animal kingdom’s most charitable species.
Episode 3: Domestic Cats
Guests: Jess Fostekew and a Natural History Museum specialist.
Key theme: Cats only meow to communicate with humans—raising the question: are they cunning manipulators, or just affectionate companions?
Episode 4: Maggots
Guests: Ola Labib alongside an entomologist.
Key theme: Gross to most, maggots are actually nature’s unsung heroes, cleaning up waste and helping forensic science.
Episode 5: Dolphins
Guests: Lindsey Santoro with marine life experts.
Key theme: Often portrayed as friendly geniuses of the sea, dolphins have a darker side, including territorial aggression.
Episode 6: Snakes
Guests: Felicity Ward with a herpetologist.
Key theme: Feared globally, snakes’ reputations don’t always match their reality—are they cold-blooded killers, or misunderstood ecological treasures?
Why Russell Kane Is the Perfect Host
Russell Kane isn’t just a stand-up comic—he’s a storyteller, satirist, and presenter who thrives on sparking debates with humor. Having previously led the acclaimed series Evil Genius, where he dissected the legacies of divisive icons, Kane brings the same quick-thinking energy to Evil Animals.
In a statement, Kane expressed his excitement: “I’m so excited for this new series Evil Animals that I’ve shed my summer pelt in anticipation.”
His ability to balance comedy with clever insight ensures that Evil Animals will appeal to both comedy fans and curious nature lovers.
The Bigger Picture: Comedy Meets Curiosity
Breaking Stereotypes About Wildlife
Animals are often seen in black-and-white terms: cute pets, scary predators, or helpful pollinators. But in reality, nature thrives in the grey areas. By juxtaposing humor with hard science, Evil Animals encourages listeners to rethink everything they thought they knew.
The Power of Podcast Storytelling
Podcasts have become a dominant medium for storytelling in recent years, blending accessibility with intimacy. Evil Animals taps into this cultural trend, offering:
Engaging conversations that feel personal yet informative.
Educational entertainment that appeals to both casual and serious listeners.
Repeat value, as audiences return not just for facts, but also for the humor and chemistry between Kane and his guests.
Why This Matters for the BBC
By launching Evil Animals, the BBC is reinforcing its brand as a leader in both entertainment and education. It shows that serious subjects like zoology and natural history can thrive when infused with comedy.
Release Details: When and Where to Listen
Launch Date: 20 August 2025
Platform: Exclusive first release on BBC Sounds
Schedule: New episodes drop weekly
Additional Availability: Episodes will join the existing Evil Genius feed and roll out to other podcast platforms 28 days later
This staggered release approach not only builds anticipation but also strengthens the BBC Sounds platform as a go-to destination for exclusive audio content.
Audience Reactions and Early Buzz
Though the series has only just been announced, fans of Russell Kane and podcast enthusiasts have already taken to social media to express excitement. Many anticipate:
Laugh-out-loud moments thanks to Kane’s wit.
Surprising revelations about animals they thought they knew.
Educational value wrapped in entertainment.
The cross-section of comedy and nature could attract a broad audience, from science lovers to comedy fans, making this one of the BBC’s most versatile podcast launches of the year.
Why Evil Animals Is Worth Your Time
With a unique premise, a charismatic host, and a blend of humor and science, Evil Animals with Russell Kane has all the ingredients to become a hit podcast series. It’s more than just laughs—it’s a chance to look at the animal kingdom with fresh eyes and discover the strange, funny, and sometimes unsettling truths about the creatures around us.
Whether you’re an animal lover, a podcast junkie, or simply someone who enjoys clever comedy, Evil Animals promises to be a wild ride worth tuning into.
