Finding exactly where to watch Ark: The Animated Series is honestly a bit more complicated than it should be. You’d think a show with a cast featuring Michelle Yeoh, Gerard Butler, and David Tennant would be everywhere. It isn't.
If you're hunting for this prehistoric epic, you basically need to look in one specific place. Paramount+ is the exclusive streaming home for the series. It doesn't matter if you're a die-hard fan of the Survival Evolved game or just someone who wants to see Russell Crowe voice a Roman centurion; that's where the show lives.
The Streaming Reality for Ark
Right now, you’ve probably noticed that Part 1 is available while Part 2 feels like it's MIA. Here is the deal. The show had a "surprise drop" on Paramount+ back in March 2024. They released the first six episodes, which follow Helena Walker (voiced by Madeleine Madden) as she wakes up on an island that is definitely not Earth.
Currently, Paramount+ holds the keys to the kingdom. If you have a subscription to the service, you can watch it right now in the United States and Canada. For those living outside those regions, the series rolled out to international Paramount+ markets shortly after the initial launch.
Why can't I find Part 2?
This is the part that’s kinda frustrating for everyone. The first season was split into two parts. While the first six episodes are ready for your weekend binge, the remaining seven episodes have faced some serious delays.
As of early 2026, official updates from Studio Wildcard and the show's X (formerly Twitter) account have confirmed that the second batch of episodes is now slated for a 2026 release. We were originally hoping to see it much sooner, but animation of this scale—especially with this kind of voice talent—takes time.
Can you watch it on Netflix or Hulu?
No. Honestly, don't bother looking. While many video game adaptations like Arcane or Castlevania found a home on Netflix, Ark: The Animated Series is a Paramount+ original.
You might see it listed on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video, but there is a catch. Usually, these platforms are just acting as "channels." You can subscribe to Paramount+ through them, but you are still essentially paying for and using the Paramount+ service. It isn't part of the standard Prime Video library.
What to expect when you finally hit play
The show is an adult animated science-fantasy epic. It’s not just a "kids' cartoon about dinosaurs." It’s actually pretty dark and dives deep into the lore that players of the game have been piecing together for years.
The cast is genuinely insane:
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- Madeleine Madden as Helena Walker
- Michelle Yeoh as Meiyin Li
- Gerard Butler as General Gaius Marcellus Nerva
- David Tennant as Sir Edmund Rockwell
- Russell Crowe as Prophet Kor the Friendless
- Vin Diesel as Santiago (who also executive produced the thing)
It’s a massive production. The animation is handled by Lex + Otis, and the music is composed by Gareth Coker, the same guy who did the hauntingly good soundtrack for the games.
A quick note on the 2026 delay
Delays have become a bit of a meme within the Ark community. Between the wait for Ark 2 (the game) and the second half of this show, patience is a requirement. The latest teaser image featuring Helena suggests she’s "leveling up" to learn the truth behind the ARK.
If you are just starting, you have about three hours of content to get through in Part 1. Each episode runs between 25 and 47 minutes. It’s enough to get you hooked, but just be prepared for the cliffhanger at the end of episode six.
How to get the best viewing experience
To watch Ark: The Animated Series without any lag or resolution drops—which, ironically, would make it feel exactly like the game—you’ll want a stable connection. Since it’s a Paramount+ exclusive, check if your mobile provider or internet service offers a free trial or a bundle.
Pro tip: If you are outside the US or Canada and your local version of Paramount+ doesn't have it yet, check the "New on Paramount" section specifically under the Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your subscription: Sign into Paramount+ or add the Paramount+ channel to your Amazon/Apple account.
- Start with Episode 1, "Element 1": It’s a 47-minute premiere that sets the stage for Helena's survival.
- Watch the "Behind the Episode" clips: Paramount+ has several short features on Mei-Yin's backstory and the music of the Ark that add a lot of context.
- Set an alert for Part 2: Follow @OfficialARKTV on social media to get the specific 2026 release date the second it drops.