National Geographic’s Secrets Of The Bees Is Un-bee-lievable

We spoke with lead scientist Dr. Samuel Ramsey to learn all about National Geographic’s bee-focused Earth Month documentary, executive produced by James Cameron 

Bee honest, when you hear “bee documentary,” you probably picture elegant slow-motion flower landings and fascinating facts supported by dramatic music. And you’re not wrong! But Secrets of the Bees goes above and beyond those expectations because bees are smart, surprising, social, and (spoiler) not actually out to ruin your picnic. 

National Geographic’s new Earth Month show follows the fuzzy insects into the hive and through the world they pollinate with intimate footage that reveals how they live, work together, and what’s threatening their future.

We chatted with Dr. Samuel Ramsey, a scientist featured in the documentary, about the biggest misconceptions he wants to squash and why the hidden life of the bee is more fascinating than you might think.

Watch the two-part show on National Geographic and National Geographic WILD March 31 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT or stream it the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.*

**This article is adapted from an interview with Dr. Samuel Ramsey.

Watch The Secrets of the Bees Official Trailer

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Inside The Hive: Dr. Samuel Ramsey On What Secrets of the Bees Reveals

Meet Dr. Samuel Ramsey

Few scientists have done more to deepen public understanding of bee health than Dr. Samuel Ramsey. An award-winning entomologist and researcher, he’s known for his work on the Varroa mite and its impact on honeybee colonies. Now an Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder, he brings years of research and field experience to the conversation.

“Storytelling is an art form, and when you're telling a story in a documentary, it's an art form so big that you can only manage it with a team! It takes a community of people all working together, like a hive full of bees.”  Dr. Samuel (Sammy) Ramsey

Bees Aren’t Tiny Robots, They’re Brilliant Problem-Solvers

At its heart, Secrets of the Bees is a documentary that treats the hive less like a honey depository and more like a living city, full of relationships, problem-solving, and constant decision-making. One thing Dr. Ramsey hopes viewers learn is that bees aren’t running a single script.

“I want to highlight the intelligence of bees. Most people think insects are just little robots executing repetitive tasks but when you see the incredible ways they communicate and interact with the world, your mind will be blown.”

This kind of perspective shift makes you stop thinking of a hive as a swarm of scary bugs and start seeing it as a complex living system with priorities and teamwork.

Bees Play? Who Knew!

If you’ve ever needed proof that bees are more than just hardworking little commuters, Dr. Ramsey points to a moment that seems almost impossible until you see it: bumble bees playing. Not for survival. Not for food. Just…because.

“It was such an incredible experience to see bumble bees playing for the first time in person! The idea that bees can play, even when it doesn't provide a clear physical benefit, can even give us insights into playfulness in humans. You've really got to see it.”

That’s the magic of this documentary. It doesn’t just teach facts, it serves up small “wait, what?” moments that stay with you.

The Biggest Threats To Bees And What We Can Do To Help

While spotlighting bee life up close, the show also widens out to the bigger question: what happens to all of us if the pollinators powering ecosystems can’t keep up?

Secrets of the Bees doesn’t sugarcoat what’s happening to bees. Instead, Dr. Ramsey frames their crisis in a surprisingly relatable way. Bees have a hierarchy of needs, and right now their basics are getting squeezed out from multiple directions. Honeybees (and many wild bee species) are under pressure from habitat change, parasites, and chemicals that disrupt how their colonies function.

“Bees need food, security, and healthy family connections. But right now, all three of their most important needs are under threat.”

Luckily, Dr. Ramsey shares practical steps anyone can take to help the bee community without becoming a full-time beekeeper.

“As a community member, you can plant native wildflowers  [and] reduce usage of pesticides in the environment. If we all do our part, we can save the bees.”

Making Bee Science Click For Everyone

A lot of documentaries either go super technical or super simple. Dr. Ramsey’s approach is more human. He treats bee science like a conversation, one that’s allowed to be funny, enthusiastic, and a little quirky.

“My quirky style, energetic personality, goofy jokes, and cross-species empathy connects people to the subject we're discussing. Talking about bees definitely encourages me to do that. They're so complex and interesting that I have to bring all of the energy it takes to properly highlight that!”

Biology can get complex fast, but when the guide sounds like someone you want to keep listening to, the complexity feels like an invitation to learn rather than an assignment you want to avoid.

The Misconception Ramsey Hopes This Show Retires For Good

If Secrets of the Bees changes one thing, Dr. Ramsey hopes it’s removing our reflex to treat bees like tiny flying threats. Most bees aren’t looking for conflict. They’re focused on work, food, and getting back home.

“I think people will finally see that their conception of bees as aggressive creatures who are flying around looking for someone to sting is wrong. Bees are gentle, hardworking insects who are just trying to make sure their mom and sisters don't get hurt.”

And then he makes this point that may help set your mind at ease the next time one of these little guys bumps into you. There’s no reason to be afraid, just wait for the bee to understand what it’s experiencing. 

“When that bee is buzzing around you, it's almost certainly because your shampoo smells like flowers or your dress has a floral print that confused them.”

Basically, by the time picnic season rolls around, Dr. Ramsey hopes viewers are a little less swat-first-ask-questions-later and a lot more impressed by what’s happening behind the buzz.

Everything You Need To Know About The Secrets of the Bees Documentary

Where and when can you watch Secrets Of The Bees?

You can watch the 2-part series on National Geographic and National Geographic WILD March 31 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT. It will be available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.*

Add Secrets Of The Bees to Watchlist

How many episodes does Secrets Of The Bees have?

There are two episodes, both airing on March 31 (next day on Disney+ and Hulu).*

• Episode 1: “The Hive” 

Discover the broomstick bee’s ingenious builds and the meat-eating bee of the Amazon as you follow one honeybee and her sisters in a race to survive winter.

• Episode 2: “The Pollinators” 

We reunite with the honeybee sisterhood and travel across the planet to explore pressures like varroa mites and uncover solutions that could help secure bees’ future alongside Explorer Dr. Samuel (Sammy) Ramsey.

Who is the main host of Secrets of the Bees?

Bertie Gregory

National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory guides viewers through the extraordinary lives of bees, inside the hive and out in the world, where different species have developed surprising strategies to survive. For more on Bertie’s adventures around the world, check out our interview with him.