“Never-before-seen animal behaviour, new locations, new science.” David Attenborough to narrate “blockbuster” BBC series

The Blue Planet, broadcast in 2001, was the first natural history series to comprehensively showcase the life that teems within our oceans.

Then in 2017, its follow-up created a phenomenon known as the ‘Blue Planet effect’. British universities reported an increase in applications for marine biology courses, and the series helped spark a movement against single-use plastic – which often ended up in the Earth’s waters.

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Now, at an event celebrating the 100th birthday of David Attenborough, the BBC has announced that Blue Planet III is coming soon.

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What will Blue Planet III be about?

Blue Planet III will build upon the legacy of the first two series, revealing groundbreaking stories using the latest underwater technology. Splash drones, long-term remote underwater cameras and a ‘mini dome’ mean that behaviours previously impossible to film, or only recently discovered, can now be captured.

Blue Planet III will explore Earth’s five key underwater habitats: Tropical Seas; Open Ocean; Seasonal Seas; Polar Waters and The Deep. The sixth episode, titled Future Seas, will focus on how we can protect our seas.

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When can you watch Blue Planet III?

While we don’t know exactly when Blue Planet III will be available to watch, it will be coming to BBC One and iPlayer later this year. In the meantime, you can watch The Blue Planet and Blue Planet II on BBC iPlayer.

Who will narrate Blue Planet III?

David Attenborough, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, will be narrating the third instalment of the series. He also narrated The Blue Planet and Blue Planet II.

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“We are so excited to have David narrate this new blockbuster series,” says Jonny Keeling, head of BBC Studios Natural History Unit.

“It’s full of never-before-seen animal behaviour, new locations, new science and heartfelt storytelling. David is the perfect voice to inspire audiences across the globe to love, understand and protect the oceans.”

Top image: a still from Blue Planet III. Credit: BBC Studios/Anoushka Freedman