Looking at 'evil' animals

Russell Kane is making a new BBC podcast  about Evil Animals.

The six new episodes – launching next week – follow seven years of Evil Genius, in which the comedian and his guests reappraised the reputation of historical figures.

That format will remain for this series, which will ask if each animal under consideration is a misunderstood marvel... or a psychopath.

Animals covered will be hamsters (antisocial, biting, ill-suited pets), vampire bats (naturally charitable blood donors), cats (did you know cats don’t meow in the wild? They’ve learnt to meow for humans, to manipulate us), dolphins (bottlenose dolphins are super intelligent but can also be ruthlessly vicious),maggots (help the police to solve crimes) and snakes (vipers’ venom helps humans).

Guests over the series are comedians Laura Smyth, Rachel Fairburn, Jessica Fostekew,  Ola Labib, Lindsey Santoro and Felicity Ward – along with expert zoologists.

Kane said: ‘I’m so excited for this new series of Evil Animals that I’ve shed my summer pelt in anticipation.’

The new series launches on BBC Sounds from Wednesday  August 20 with new episodes dropping weekly.

Published: 13 Aug 2025