Planet Earth II

Planet Earth II season 1 on BBC One
Watch Planet Earth II on BBC One
Status:
Ended
Season 1:
Ended on December 11, 2016
Watched: 0%
0 of 6 Episodes
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Why Watch
"How did a chase between a hatchling iguana and dozens of snakes become the defining television moment of 2016?"
AI Critic Analysis
Series Deep Dive:
Released a decade after its predecessor, Planet Earth II redefined the nature documentary as a cinematic powerhouse. Narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, the series utilized groundbreaking 4K technology and stabilized camera techniques to bring viewers closer to the wild than ever before. Its cultural footprint was solidified by sequences like the Galápagos racer snake chase, which transitioned from a mere educational segment into a global viral phenomenon. By focusing on the resilience of animals in a changing world, the show sparked vital conversations about urban wildlife and conservation. Its legacy remains the gold standard for visual storytelling, proving that the natural world can rival any scripted drama for tension and beauty. Set a reminder on your calendar for any future news regarding this landmark franchise.
Tone: Academic, celebratory, and historical. Refined: March 2026
Season: 1
# Air Date Episode Name Watched?
E1 Nov 06, 2016 Islands
E2 Nov 13, 2016 Mountains
E3 Nov 20, 2016 Jungles
E4 Nov 27, 2016 Deserts
E5 Dec 04, 2016 Grasslands
E6 Dec 11, 2016 Cities
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Production Note - Limited Series

Production Type: limited series

Planet Earth II is a standalone limited series that concluded its 6-episode run in December 2016. This landmark BBC production served as a spiritual successor to the original 2006 masterpiece, utilizing revolutionary stabilizing technology and ultra-high-definition cameras to capture nature from a closer, more intimate perspective. The series was meticulously planned as a finite exploration of six distinct habitats including islands, mountains, jungles, deserts, grasslands, and cities.

The production spanned over 2,000 filming days across 40 different countries to ensure a comprehensive view of the natural world. Because each episode was designed to encapsulate the unique challenges of specific ecosystems, the project was intended from the outset to be a complete and self-contained cinematic event. The final episode focused on urban environments, providing a definitive closing statement on the relationship between humanity and wildlife in the modern era.

The series was filmed over 1,117 days using 117 filming trips across 40 different countries. It was the first BBC series to be produced in 4K ultra-high-definition and featured a musical score composed by Hans Zimmer and Jacob Shea.
Confidence: 100% Last Refined: March 2026
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This series is featured in the Planet Earth collection. Explore the Collection

Technical Details
Network: BBC One
Seasons: 1
Years: 2016 - 2016
Genre: Documentary

Notes:

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, Planet Earth II is a standalone limited series and will not return for a second season. While the BBC natural history franchise continued with Planet Earth III, this specific production was designed as a definitive six-part sequel to the original 2006 series.

Planet Earth II is an original natural history documentary series that showcases real-life animal behavior and environmental events. It is not based on a book or fictional script, but rather serves as a non-fiction exploration of the planet's diverse ecosystems.

The production team traveled to 40 different countries and conducted 117 filming trips to capture the footage for this series. Locations spanned the entire globe, including remote mountain ranges, tropical jungles, vast deserts, and even major urban environments.

The complete limited series consists of six primary episodes, each focusing on a distinct habitat such as islands, mountains, or grasslands. Additionally, most broadcasts include short behind-the-scenes segments at the end of each episode called Planet Earth II Diaries.

The series is narrated by Sir David Attenborough, who also narrated the original Planet Earth series a decade prior. His narration provides scientific context and storytelling to the high-definition footage captured by the BBC Natural History Unit.

Yes, Planet Earth II was the first BBC series to be produced in ultra-high-definition 4K resolution. The production utilized advanced camera stabilization and drone technology to provide a more immersive experience than previous nature documentaries.
FAQs Updated: March 2026
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