Few names in children’s entertainment carry the same weight as Chris Kratt. The co-creator of Wild Kratts, the Emmy-winning PBS series that redefined how a generation understands wildlife, he didn’t just build a brand—he cultivated a movement. His work with brother Martin Kratt, blending adventure, science, and humor, has left an indelible mark on education and conservation. But the story of Chris Kratt extends far beyond the animated creatures and high-energy narration. It’s a tale of calculated risks, unorthodox collaboration, and a quiet determination to merge entertainment with real-world impact. What sets Chris Kratt apart isn’t just his voice—though that’s iconic—or his ability to make a sloth’s slowness thrilling. It’s his dual role as both showman and activist. While Wild Kratts entertains millions, the Kratt Brothers’ production company, Kratt Brothers Company, has quietly produced documentaries and educational content aimed at older audiences, proving their reach spans ages. Their approach? Science as storytelling, where every episode is a lesson disguised as an adventure. The result? A franchise that’s as respected in classrooms as it is in living rooms. The Kratt Brothers’ early careers offer a masterclass in persistence. Before Wild Kratts, they spent years filming wildlife in the field, a process that shaped their later work. Their documentaries, like Zoboomafoo and Kratts’ Creatures, laid the groundwork for what would become their magnum opus. But the transition to animation wasn’t seamless. Chris Kratt and Martin had to rethink their style entirely—turning real animals into cartoon characters while keeping the authenticity intact. The payoff? A show that’s both visually inventive and scientifically rigorous, a rare feat in children’s media. Yet the legacy of Chris Kratt isn’t just in the content. It’s in the culture he helped build. Wild Kratts didn’t just teach kids about animals; it taught them to care. Episodes often end with calls to action, urging viewers to protect habitats or support conservation efforts. The brothers’ personal involvement in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation further blurs the line between fiction and activism. This duality—entertainment with purpose—has made Wild Kratts more than a show. It’s a phenomenon.

The Short Answers

• Chris Kratt is best known as the co-creator and voice of Wild Kratts, the Emmy-winning PBS series about animal adventures.
• He and brother Martin Kratt started in wildlife filmmaking before transitioning to children’s entertainment, prioritizing education over pure spectacle.
• Wild Kratts has won multiple Emmys and remains one of the most scientifically accurate children’s shows on television.
• Beyond TV, Chris Kratt is involved in conservation work, often partnering with organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Deep Dive: The Full Picture

The Kratt Brothers’ journey began in the wild, not the studio. Chris Kratt and Martin spent years filming documentaries, including Kratts’ Creatures and Zoboomafoo, which aired on PBS in the late 1990s. Their hands-on approach—handling animals, conducting research, and even rescuing injured creatures—became the foundation for their later work. The brothers’ ability to connect with animals on screen was unmatched, but they soon realized that live-action alone couldn’t scale their message. That’s when they turned to animation, creating Wild Kratts in 2011. The show’s premise was simple: two animated versions of the brothers, Chris Kratt and Martin, embark on global adventures to solve animal-related problems. But the execution was anything but. The Kratt Brothers worked closely with scientists and animators to ensure accuracy, even down to the physics of a cheetah’s sprint or the echolocation of a bat. The result was a show that could thrill a child while satisfying a zoologist. Chris Kratt’s voice, in particular, became the emotional anchor—his enthusiasm infectious, his explanations clear. The show’s success wasn’t accidental; it was the product of meticulous planning and a refusal to compromise on quality.

The Context You Need

By the time Wild Kratts premiered, children’s television was dominated by fast-paced, often formulaic content. Most shows prioritized humor over substance, leaving little room for education. Chris Kratt and Martin saw an opportunity. They wanted to create something that would make kids want to learn, not just tolerate it. Their solution? A hybrid of adventure, comedy, and hard science. The brothers’ backgrounds in wildlife filmmaking gave them credibility, but their shift to animation required a new skill set—one they honed through trial and error. The show’s initial reception was mixed. Critics questioned whether animation could replace live-action wildlife documentaries. But Chris Kratt and Martin had a counterargument: animation allowed them to explore scenarios impossible in real life, like shrinking down to the size of a bee or traveling inside a whale. The gamble paid off. Wild Kratts quickly became a ratings hit, earning Emmys and praise from educators. Its blend of entertainment and education was rare, and its success proved that kids—and parents—craved content that was both fun and meaningful.

The Mechanics

Behind the scenes, Wild Kratts was a logistical marvel. Each episode required months of research, scripting, and animation. Chris Kratt and Martin worked with a team of writers, scientists, and animators to ensure every detail was accurate. They even consulted with real wildlife experts, including veterinarians and zoologists, to avoid misrepresentations. The brothers’ hands-on involvement extended to voice acting, where Chris Kratt’s performance as the enthusiastic, science-loving protagonist became the show’s signature. The show’s structure was deliberate. Episodes typically followed a three-act format: an introduction to the problem, an adventure to solve it, and a resolution that reinforced the lesson. Chris Kratt’s narration style—fast-paced, energetic, yet clear—kept young viewers engaged without talking down to them. The animation itself was a fusion of realism and whimsy, using advanced techniques to make creatures like aardvarks and pangolins feel both lifelike and fantastical. This balance was key to the show’s longevity, appealing to both children and educators alike.

Details That Change the Picture

One of Chris Kratt’s lesser-known contributions is his work in conservation outside of Wild Kratts. The Kratt Brothers Company has produced documentaries for PBS, including Earth Trek, which focuses on environmental issues. Chris Kratt has also been involved in wildlife rescue efforts, often partnering with organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society. His ability to bridge entertainment and activism has made him a unique figure in children’s media, where profit often trumps purpose. The brothers’ business model is equally noteworthy. Unlike many children’s franchises, Wild Kratts has maintained a strong educational focus, even as it expanded into books, merchandise, and live shows. Chris Kratt and Martin have resisted the temptation to dilute the show’s message for commercial gain. Instead, they’ve used their platform to advocate for real-world change, such as supporting wildlife rehabilitation centers and anti-poaching initiatives. This commitment has earned them respect beyond the entertainment industry.

"We’re not just making a show for kids. We’re making a show that will make them care about the world." — Chris Kratt, in a 2015 interview with PBS Parents

Key Milestone	Year
Premiere of Zoboomafoo	1999
Launch of Wild Kratts	2011
First Emmy win for Wild Kratts	2012
Release of Earth Trek documentary series	2017

Conclusion

Chris Kratt’s career is a study in how entertainment can serve a greater purpose. Wild Kratts didn’t just teach kids about animals—it taught them empathy, curiosity, and responsibility. The show’s success lies in its authenticity, a direct result of Chris Kratt’s and Martin’s backgrounds in wildlife filmmaking. Their refusal to compromise on accuracy or ethics has set a new standard for children’s programming, proving that profit and principle aren’t mutually exclusive. As Chris Kratt continues to work in conservation and media, his influence extends far beyond the screen. The next generation of wildlife advocates may not remember the exact details of Wild Kratts, but they’ll carry the lessons—and the passion—it instilled. In an era where children’s content is often criticized for being shallow, Chris Kratt’s work stands as a reminder of what’s possible when creativity meets purpose.

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: How did Chris Kratt and Martin Kratt meet?

They grew up together in Ohio and shared a passion for animals from childhood. Their collaboration began in college, where they produced a wildlife documentary together, which later led to their professional partnership.

Q: Is Wild Kratts still on the air?

As of recent updates, Wild Kratts remains in production, with new seasons airing on PBS. The show has also expanded into specials and digital content, maintaining its educational focus.

Q: What inspired the creation of Wild Kratts?

The brothers wanted to combine their love for wildlife with the engaging format of animation. They saw an opportunity to reach a younger audience while keeping the scientific rigor of their earlier documentaries.

Q: Does Chris Kratt have any other projects besides Wild Kratts?

Yes. Beyond Wild Kratts, Chris Kratt has been involved in producing documentaries like Earth Trek and has participated in wildlife conservation efforts, including animal rescues and educational outreach programs.

Q: How accurate is Wild Kratts scientifically?

The show is known for its scientific accuracy, with Chris Kratt and Martin working closely with experts to ensure each episode’s facts are correct. Episodes often include real scientists or veterinarians as consultants.

Q: What’s next for Chris Kratt and the Kratt Brothers?

While specifics are often kept private, the Kratt Brothers have hinted at exploring new formats, including potential live-action projects and expanded digital content. Their focus remains on blending education with entertainment.