Ever watched, mesmerized, ocean creatures cavorting through the water in the 2001 documentary “The Blue Planet”?
Well, the BBC recently announced it would be airing a seven-part sequel series later this year, with Sir David Attenborough reprising his role as presenter.
Attenborough told the BBC:
“I am truly thrilled to be joining this new exploration of the underwater worlds which cover most of our planet, yet are still its least known.”
Over the past four years, the BBC’s Natural History Unit filmed in just about every one of Earth’s oceans and off the shores of all the continents using new filming techniques like sticking suction cameras to the backs of orcas and “tow cams” that can record dolphins and fish head-on.
The new series will showcase the earth’s oceans from shallow reefs all the way down to 1000 meters/3281 feet below the surface off the Antarctic coast, featuring the latest discoveries.
Series Executive Producer James Honeyborne said:
“The oceans are the most exciting place to be right now, because new scientific discoveries have given us a new perspective of life beneath the waves.
“Blue Planet II is taking its cue from these breakthroughs, unveiling unbelievable new places, extraordinary new behaviours and remarkable new creatures. Showing a contemporary portrait of marine life, it will provide a timely reminder that this is a critical moment for the health of the world’s oceans.”
Exact air dates in the U.K. on BBC One haven’t been announced yet, but you can be fairly sure the series will eventually air in the USA and other territories as well.
More than 12 million people watched the original “Blue Planet” in 2001. It earned BAFTAs as well as Emmy awards for music and cinematography.
For more info, check out the BBC website at bbc.com or watch the first episode from the original “Blue Planet” below.
