# National Geographic Lion documentary release

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/national-geographic-lion-documentary-release
> Updated: 2026-08-08T14:54:56.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Disney and National Geographic have announced a four-part documentary series titled "Lion," which follows the life cycle of a lion cub named Kio in Kenya's Maasai Mara. The production marks the first natural history project to document a lion's complete journey from cub to pride leader.

Filmed over approximately 1,400 days, the series features executive producer Jon Favreau and a musical score by Hans Zimmer. The documentary is scheduled to premiere on National Geographic on August 19, 2026, with subsequent streaming availability on Disney+ and Hulu. The project is tied to the "Protect the Pride" conservation initiative, which aims to support lion populations in Africa.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: National Geographic announces documentary series Lion

National Geographic's new series

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/national-geographic-announces-documentary-series-lion

### 2026-08-06: Disney and National Geographic Launch 'Lion' Documentary Series

Disney and National Geographic debut the four‑part series “Lion” on Aug 19, chronicling Kenyan lion cub Kio’s rise to pride leader; the series streams on Disney+ and Hulu and features Jon Favreau as exec‑produ­

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/disney-and-national-geographic-launch-lion-documentary-series

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Cite as: National Geographic Lion documentary release. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/national-geographic-lion-documentary-release