Toronto, Ontario, September 11, 2025 – The TVO Original documentary The Extraordinary Caterpillar, invites audiences to discover how nature’s tiniest helpers are quietly transforming Ontario’s parks and wild spaces, and our very own backyards. Available to stream across Canada starting September 11 on TVO.
The Extraordinary Caterpillar takes audiences on a playful journey into the colourful world of these tiny but essential creatures that power entire ecosystems, significantly impacting the food chain by feeding songbirds and grizzly bears, and everything in between. Perfect for co-viewing, the film features stunning high-resolution macro videography by Caterpillar Lab naturalist Sam Jaffe, viewers will meet nature’s ultimate transformation artist and learn about their incredible survival skills and vital ecological roles.
The TVO Original documentary is produced by Merit Motion Pictures, written and directed by Jeff McKay (Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees). The film is executive produced by Merit Jensen Carr, with producers Jeff McKay, Merit Jensen Carr, and Joanne Jackson. For TVO, Natasha Negrea is the Head of Programming and Alexandra Roberts is the Executive Producer.
The film features leading experts including entomologist Antonia Guidotti from the Royal Ontario Museum, naturalist Sam Jaffe from The Caterpillar Lab, author and scientist Doug Tallamy from the Homegrown National Park Movement, and entomologist David Wagner. From city parks to lush backyard gardens, young explorers from EcoSpark and gardeners from Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood show viewers how caterpillar conservation is taking root in communities across Ontario.
Starting September 11, The Extraordinary Caterpillar premieres on digital via TVO Docs YouTube channel, website and Smart TV app. Broadcast begins at 7pm ET on TVO.
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TVO Media Education Group inspires learning that changes lives and enriches communities. Founded in 1970, we are a globally recognized digital learning organization that engages Ontarians of all ages with inclusive experiences and diverse perspectives. Through our brands TVO Today, TVOkids, TVO Learn and TVO ILC, we’re investing in the transformative potential of education for everyone. Funded primarily by the Province of Ontario, TVO is a registered charity supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. Visit TVO.me for more information. Stream TVO on your favourite device.
Media contact: Genevieve Grant, ggrant@tvo.org