How to watch 'Secrets of the Octopus' online and stream the new James Cameron nature doc from anywhere now

A diver gets up close with an octopus in "Secrets of the Octopus"
(Image credit: National Geographic)

As National Geographic's explorer-at-large, multi-Academy Award winning writer and director James Cameron brings us “Secrets of the Octopus” which premiered just in time for Earth Day on Sunday, April 21. You can now stream the documentary series on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally.

Traveling abroad and unable to watch the three-part documentary? Below we explain how to catch "Secrets of the Octopus"  online and from anywhere with a VPN.

'Secrets of the Octopus' streaming details

"Secrets of the Octopus" premiered on Sunday, April 21 on Nat Geo and can be streamed on Hulu and Disney+.
• U.S. — Nat Geo (via Sling TV or FuboTV)/Hulu/ Disney+

• U.K. — Disney+ • Australia — Disney+
• Watch from anywhere — try NordVPN risk-free

"In every ocean, just beyond our shores, lives an animal with characteristics we think of as “human” - intelligent, social, curious, gentle and fierce," begins the press release for the new James Cameron three-part documentary, "Secrets of the Octopus".

It goes on: "They build cities, use tools and collaborate with other species to hunt. They have personalities - some are bold, while others shy. These animals can change their skin colour, texture and body shape in a blink of an eye and see in wavelengths beyond our vision." And these are not even the most astonishing details. 

Cameron studied to be a marine biologist in the early 1970s before he became a science fiction writer and Hollywood A -Lister. "I've always held the octopus in very high regard," he told one newspaper recently. 

This new documentary series also features the voice talents of Paul Rudd, who narrates a journey across the oceans that looks at the octopus' ability to 'shapeshift' to mimic its surroundings, its unique problem solving skills and the social bonds the creatures form that sit in contrast with its loner perception. 

Read on to find out how to watch "Secrets of the Octopus" online and from anywhere...

How to watch 'Secrets of the Octopus' in the U.S.

US flag

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

All three episodes of "Secrets of the Octopus" aired back-to-back on the National Geographic channel on Sunday, April 21 with regular reruns now taking place. For those who don't have cable, not to worry, you can get the Nat Geo channel through cord cutter options Sling TV and FuboTV

Sling TV is the cheaper of the two. You'll need its Sling Blue package, costing from $40 a month. New customers can currently save $10 on their first month, though, making it just $30.

FuboTV is a more a more comprehensive option, but it is also considerably more expensive, with its cheapest plan starting from $79.99 a month. However, you can get a 7-day free trial!

"Secrets of the Octopus" is also available to stream on Hulu right now. 

A subscription to the streaming service costs $7.99 per month basic or $17.99 per month ad-free after the 30-day Hulu free trial.

You can also get Hulu via the Disney Bundle, which provides access to both Hulu and Disney Plus for just $9.99 per month. You can pay more to go ad-free, while sports fans can add ESPN Plus to the mix for $14.99 per month. 

Watch 'Secrets of the Octopus' from anywhere

Away from the U.S. at the moment and blocked from watching "Secrets of the Octopus" on Hulu?

You can still watch the three part documentary from anywhere thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where you are in the world. So it’s ideal for viewers currently traveling outside of their home country. 

Our favourite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. and want to view a U.S. service, you'd select U.S. from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy... "Secrets of the Octopus"

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How to watch 'Secrets of the Octopus' in Canada

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(Image credit: Free)

"Secrets of the Octopus" can be streamed on Disney+ in Canada.

Any Americans currently abroad on work or vacation in the Great White North can also catch the show on Hulu via NordVPN, our recommended VPN, to ensure they don't miss out.

How to watch 'Secrets of the Octopus' in the U.K.

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(Image credit: Free)

"Secrets of the Octopus" arrived on Disney+ in the U.K. on Monday, April 22.

U.S. viewers traveling in Blighty can also stream the doc on Hulu via NordVPN, our recommended VPN.

How to watch 'Secrets of the Octopus' in Australia

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(Image credit: free)

"Secrets of the Octopus" landed on Disney+ in Australia on Monday, April 22.

U.S. viewers Down Under can also stream on Hulu via NordVPN, our recommended VPN.

Official 'Secrets of the Octopus' trailer

'Secrets of the Octopus' episode guide

  • E01: “Shapeshifters” - Whether transforming their body shape and color to disappear or mimicking their deadliest enemy. Octopus use shapeshifting superpowers to survive.                                  
  • E02: “Masterminds” - Deeply curious, strategic, and super smart – the octopus is one of nature’s ultimate problem solvers.                                   
  • E03: “Social Networkers” - The octopus was thought to be nature’s ultimate loner – now its secret social life is revealed.                             

What is the weirdest thing about the octopus?

Eight legs, three hearts and blue blood not enough for you? Ok, you'll definitely have to watch "Secrets of the Octopus" then...

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Bill Borrows

Bill Borrows is an award-winning journalist, feature writer and columnist (Times Magazine/ Guardian/ Telegraph/ Daily Mirror/ Mail On Sunday/ Radio Times), author (The Hurricane: The Turbulent Life and Times of Alex Higgins) and book editor. A frequent contributor on talkSPORT and talkRADIO, his areas of specialisation include sport, history, politics, TV and film. He doesn’t get much free time but does admit to an addiction to true crime podcasts, following Man City home and away, and a weakness for milk chocolate cookies