Sir David Attenborough, the iconic naturalist and broadcaster, has captivated audiences for decades with his awe-inspiring documentaries about the natural world. Now, at the age of 96, he is set to make a triumphant return to our screens with the third and final installment of the beloved Planet Earth series.
The original Planet Earth premiered in 2006, followed by its sequel Planet Earth II in 2016. Both series took viewers on a breathtaking journey to different biomes and habitats, showcasing the incredible diversity of wildlife and the delicate balance of ecosystems. With stunning footage and Attenborough’s expert narration, these documentaries became instant classics.
“A hundred years ago, there were one and a half billion people on Earth. Now, over six billion crowd our fragile planet,” Attenborough introduces in the original series. “But even so, there are still places barely touched by humanity. This series will take you to the last wildernesses and show you the planet and its wildlife as you have never seen them before.”
For many, Attenborough is the face of Planet Earth and its unique storytelling. Back in 2019, the announcement of a third series raised excitement, but it was uncertain whether Attenborough would return. However, we are thrilled to confirm that he will be back as the presenter and narrator for Planet Earth III, set to release later this year.
Executive producer Mike Gunton expressed his delight at Attenborough’s return, saying, “Planet Earth wouldn’t be Planet Earth without David. As ever, he has brought his huge enthusiasm and wisdom, has been encouraging about our new perspective and has, I know, really enjoyed seeing the extraordinary new wonders brought to the screen.”
Attenborough has already filmed the breathtaking opening sequence of the series in the British countryside. It was a fitting location, as it was the same place where Charles Darwin pondered his groundbreaking ideas about evolution. The weather even favored them, with clear blue skies on a summer day—a rarity in the unpredictable British climate.
Planet Earth III will comprise eight hour-long episodes and premiere on BBC One. This highly anticipated series is expected to be the final chapter of the Planet Earth trilogy. Precise dates and international airing details will be announced in the coming months.
When the original Planet Earth premiered, it broke records as the most expensive nature documentary commissioned by the BBC and the first to be broadcast in high definition. It garnered critical acclaim, winning four Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. Its sequel, Planet Earth II, received equal praise and confirmed the lasting impact of these documentaries.
Sir David Attenborough is not only a national treasure in the UK but also one of the most influential naturalists of our time. His extensive body of work includes other beloved series like Life, Zoo Quest, Wildlife on One, and Natural World.
He even lent his distinctive voice to the Netflix series Our Planet. With its stunning visuals and Attenborough’s narration, Planet Earth has become a source of inspiration and awe. We have eagerly awaited the third installment, and it is with great joy that we welcome back Sir David Attenborough to present and narrate this remarkable series!
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