The Blue Planet

Sir David Attenborough narrates this critically acclaimed series that dives deep into the marine environment of Planet Earth. Although two-thirds of the world's surface is covered with water, scientists know less about the oceans than they do about the surface of the moon. This limited series travels from various coasts to the poles to examine watery denizens ranging from the gigantic blue whale to microscopic coral polyps.

The Blue Planet (2001) is a British natural history documentary miniseries created by Andy Byatt and Alastair Fothergill for BBC One. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the eight-episode limited series carries viewers through the oceans that cover two-thirds of the planet, moving from shallow coastlines out to the polar seas. Its engine is discovery itself: each episode follows the life cycles, hunts, migrations and survival strategies of marine animals, from the enormous blue whale to the microscopic coral polyp, showing how little humanity has observed of the underwater world. Rather than a single protagonist, the series is built around the animals and the habitats they depend on, with Attenborough's measured voice tying the segments into one continuous voyage. The shape is a self-contained limited run in which each episode opens a new corner of the sea. The tone is reverent, wondrous and quietly contemplative, with a sense of scale that makes the vast blue world feel both intimate and unknowable. Fans of Planet Earth, Life on Earth and The Living Planet will find the same patient, awe-struck natural history craft here, presented as a family-friendly window onto a largely unexplored frontier.

Critics and audiences broadly agree the series is a landmark natural history production, praised for its breathtaking underwater photography and Attenborough's narration.

• Planet Earth (2006)shared nature documentary format, awe-driven tone, narration by a naturalist presenter
• Life on Earthshared natural history scope, marine wildlife focus, Attenborough narration
• The Living Planetshared docuseries form with wonder-filled wildlife photography and reflective tone

Created by

Andy Byatt, Alastair Fothergill

Release Date

2001-09-12

Episode runtime

51 min

Rating

9.0 / 10 (413)

What is The Blue Planet about?

Sir David Attenborough narrates an eight-episode journey through the marine world, from coasts to the poles, revealing creatures from blue whales to microscopic coral polyps.

What is The Blue Planet like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Blue Planet as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is The Blue Planet violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Blue Planet as mild.

What did critics think of The Blue Planet?

Critics and audiences broadly agree the series is a landmark natural history production, praised for its breathtaking underwater photography and Attenborough's narration.

Which shows are like The Blue Planet?

Shows with a similar feel include Planet Earth (2006), Life on Earth, and The Living Planet.

How long is The Blue Planet?

The Blue Planet: 1 season, 8 episodes.

Is The Blue Planet still running?

No, The Blue Planet has ended.

Where can I watch The Blue Planet?

In United States, The Blue Planet streams on Discovery+ Amazon Channel, Discovery +, Planet Earth Amazon Channel, WeTV.