MeTV is going wild with the award-winning original wildlife series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, starting at 7A | 6C Sunday mornings beginning July 6 on most MeTV stations. Join hosts Marlin Perkins, Jim Fowler and Peter Gros as they take you through the natural world around us.

Despite the late-night talk show jokes about how Jim was wrestling alligators while Marlin was resting comfortably at a distance, it isn't quite true. Jim and Marlin had a strong partnership, one that the duo forged themselves.

Jim previously worked at a raptor sanctuary in Florida and later studied harpy eagles along the Amazon River in Brazil. His expertise of harpy eagles landed him a spot on NBC’s Today show in 1961. But more importantly, it caught the eye of Marlin, who then invited Jim to host Wild Kingdom.

Watch Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom on MeTV!

Starting Sunday, July 6!

Sundays at 6 AM

*available in most MeTV markets

From their first episode, "Myths and Superstitions", it was clear that they shared a passion for wildlife and for sharing it with people around the world. Speaking of myths, let's address one right now: that Marlin sent Jim into the jaws of danger while relaxing himself.

The series featured moments in both the studio and in the wild. In the studio, Marlin donned a suit and tie while Jim sported a khaki shirt and pants, looking ready to head out into the field. Perhaps this duality of fashion is what started the notion that Marlin was always in the studio and Jim did his “dirty work.” But Tonight Show host Johnny Carson was the one who cemented the sentiment.

“Johnny Carson started that and I can’t seem to shake the image. It isn’t true, you know. Marlin was right there with me on almost all of the stuff,” Jim told the Associated Press in 1993.

“Jim would tell me that was blown way out of proportion,” said Ron Magill, Zoo Miami goodwill ambassador and communications director. “Marlin many times would go in and do a lot of the things Jim did. He defended Marlin wholeheartedly; it was a very big misconception.”

It’s true, however, in the later years of the show, Jim did spend more time in the wild. This was simply because Marlin was 25 years his senior and battling cancer. In 1985, Marlin stepped down as host to focus on his health. Peter Gros joined the Wild Kingdom team and continues to be a part of it today.

For more information on Marlin and Jim's friendship and the legacy that they left, check out The Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom website.