What do hamsters, vampire bats, and maggots have in common? According to Russell Kane’s new podcast, Evil Animals, they might be far less innocent than they look.
Launching on BBC Sounds on 20th August, the six-part series takes the format of Kane’s hit show Evil Genius and swaps notorious humans for members of the animal kingdom. Each week, Kane teams up with a comedian and an animal expert to uncover the quirks, crimes, and surprising virtues of a different species — all while deciding whether it’s “evil” or “genius.”
Expect unexpected facts alongside the laughs: domestic cats have learned to meow just for humans, dolphins can be charming one minute and vicious the next, and maggots play a key role in solving crimes. “I’m so excited for this new series Evil Animals that I’ve shed my summer pelt in anticipation,” Kane joked.
The line-up of guests includes Laura Smyth on hamsters, Rachel Fairburn on vampire bats, Jess Fostekew on cats, Ola Labib on maggots, Lindsey Santoro on dolphins, and Felicity Ward on snakes — joined by zoologists, vets, and museum curators who know their subject inside out.
More than a comedy panel show, Evil Animals aims to challenge what listeners think they know about nature. The verdict at the end of each episode might be tongue-in-cheek, but the revelations about the animal world are often jaw-dropping.
Episodes will drop weekly on BBC Sounds from 20th August, and appear on other podcast platforms 28 days later — sharing a feed with Evil Genius.
