In the natural world, power struggles, survival, and lineage are at the forefront, as seen through the lives of five different charismatic species. Each episode navigates the intricate social structures and family dynamics of lions, emperor penguins, chimpanzees, tigers, and painted wolves. The focus is on a single vulnerable leader within each species, a figure pivotal to the future of their family line. Their world is full of treachery, alliances, and voracious competition, with the overarching theme that each individual's success is linked to the fate of their entire dynasty.

The gripping narratives, set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes across Africa and Antarctica, delve into the trials and tribulations of these creatures as they protect their family, territory, and status. The central characters are all parents, for whom the stakes could not be higher. They face an array of challenges, from harsh climatic conditions and scarce resources to the threat of predators and rivals. The series reveals the lengths to which these animals will go to ensure the survival of their lineage. The pendulum swings from the personal triumphs and defeats of these individual protagonists to the broader implications these have on the intricate web of life within their respective kingdoms.