The Blue Planet 2 confirmed for 2017

The BBC confirmed today that not only will The Blue Planet return for another series later this year, but also that Sir David Attenborough is once more on-board as its presenter. The seminal 2001 series is among the very best of the esteemed BBC Natural History Unit’s considerable output. It sits alongside Planet Earth, Frozen Planet and Life as a true masterpiece of the TV nature documentary format. Memorable moments included shots of never before seen creatures in the ocean’s darkest depths as well as enormous yet graceful blue whales and brutal Orca Whales toying with helpless sea lions.

The new season is confirmed to be in seven parts and has been four long years in the making. James Honeyborne, the series’ executive producer, told the BBC :

“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.”

While the news that this mesmerising series is making a return to our screens is exciting enough, it’s doubly exciting to know that the 90 year old Attenborough is involved as well. It will be a sad day when Sir David finally retires, so every opportunity we have to enjoy his insightful and passionate narration is to be savoured. Sir David said in a statement:

““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.”

As ever with the pioneering Natural History unit, new techniques and technologies have been put utilised for the series, including state of the art “tow cams” which capture dolphins and predatory fish in full flow. There’s also going to be some never before creatures on show, including the apparently hairy-chested “Hoff Crab” named after former Baywatch star, David Hasslehoff. They’ve also followed a reef octopus which possesses surprisingly nuanced hunting techniques and managed to take manned submersibles 1000 meters down into the deep of the Antarctic Ocean for the first time.

This morning’s announcement is unquestionably music to the ears of any fan of nature documentaries. With last year’s Planet Earth 2, the BBC’s Natural History Unit not only reminded us all once again that they produce some of the boldest and most innovative documentaries of all time, but also that with every new series, they somehow manage to improve on the last. The Life of Mammals was exceptionally good, but then Planet Earth came along and emphatically raised the bar. Planet Earth then remained the benchmark for many years until Planet Earth 2 arrived last year and somehow the bar was raised once again. The skill and ingenuity showcased with every new series is always joy to behold.

We don’t have any confirmed start date as of yet but rest assured, when Blue Planet 2 does arrive, it will be truly must-watch TV, from the inevitable moments of breathtaking wonder, to the equally inevitable moments of sheer heartbreak.

(Photo Credit : BBC)