Planet Earth Review: The Series That Redefined Nature TV
9.5/10 — Planet Earth (2006)
Pros
- Groundbreaking visuals
- Remarkable animal behaviour
- Attenborough's narration
Cons
- A little dated by comparison with its sequel
Across eleven episodes, David Attenborough tours the world’s habitats, from deep caves to polar ice. Made over five years, it was the most expensive nature series the BBC had made.
What works
The footage is unforgettable, including a great white shark leaping out of the water to catch a seal and snow leopards in the mountains. The aerial photography gives a unique sense of scale, and George Fenton’s music suits the grandeur.
Where it falters
Its pace is gentler than its sequel, and a few segments show their age against Planet Earth II.
Verdict
A classic that changed what nature television could be.
