When Planet Earth II premiered in 2016, it was more than just a sequel—it was a revolution in how we experience the natural world. Ten years after the original Planet Earth transformed wildlife documentaries with its groundbreaking cinematography and sweeping global perspective, the BBC returned with a follow-up that was equally ambitious and even more intimate. Once again narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, Planet Earth II invites viewers to journey across the globe, immersing them in the lives of animals and the extraordinary ecosystems they inhabit. With its cutting-edge technology, emotional storytelling, and environmental message, Planet Earth II redefined what it means to see the natural world up close.
A Decade of Change
The decade between Planet Earth and Planet Earth II saw dramatic advancements in both filmmaking technology and global awareness of environmental issues. High-definition cameras had given way to ultra-high-definition (4K) resolution, drone cinematography, and gyro-stabilized camera rigs capable of capturing movement in ways previously impossible. The result was an unprecedented level of visual intimacy—animals could be filmed in motion, from ground level or from the air, without disturbing their natural behavior.
Equally significant was the changing relationship between humans and nature. The planet had become even more interconnected, and the effects of climate change, deforestation, and urban expansion were more visible than ever. Planet Earth II reflected this shift by focusing not only on the majesty of nature but also on its resilience and vulnerability. It was no longer just about the grandeur of the planet; it was about the delicate balance that sustains life within it.
The Structure of the Series
Planet Earth II consists of six episodes, each focusing on a specific type of habitat: Islands, Mountains, Jungles, Deserts, Grasslands, and Cities. Each episode presents a self-contained story that showcases the unique challenges faced by animals living in those environments. Together, they form a portrait of a planet that is both diverse and interconnected.
1. Islands
The opening episode, Islands, begins with a breathtaking sequence of marine iguanas hatching on the Galápagos Islands and immediately being chased by snakes—a scene that became instantly iconic. This dramatic introduction sets the tone for the entire series, combining cinematic tension with ecological insight. The episode explores how isolation shapes evolution, producing creatures that are both unique and vulnerable. From Komodo dragons in Indonesia to penguins on Zavodovski Island, the theme of adaptation to isolation runs throughout, illustrating both the creativity of evolution and the fragility of ecosystems under threat.
2. Mountains
In Mountains, the series climbs to the planet’s highest peaks, exploring environments where survival seems impossible. The snow leopard, one of nature’s most elusive predators, is the emotional center of this episode. Viewers witness intimate footage of a mother snow leopard protecting her cubs—moments that were nearly impossible to capture before modern stabilization and telephoto technologies. The episode reveals the harsh beauty of alpine environments and the creatures that endure freezing temperatures and thin air.
3. Jungles
Jungles takes viewers into the planet’s most biodiverse ecosystems—vibrant, teeming, and full of drama. The episode captures both the abundance and the constant struggle for survival that define tropical rainforests. Jaguars, frogs, birds of paradise, and chimpanzees are all featured, each revealing a facet of the jungle’s complexity. The cinematography in this episode is particularly immersive, using low-light and high-speed cameras to reveal nocturnal behaviors that were once hidden. It’s a feast of color, sound, and motion—a reminder of the exuberance of life where sunlight, water, and competition meet.
4. Deserts
In stark contrast, Deserts explores the planet’s most unforgiving environments. From Arabian sand dunes to African salt flats, it portrays survival in a landscape of extremes. The sequences of desert-dwelling animals—lions, camels, and beetles—showcase extraordinary adaptations to heat, drought, and scarcity. The storytelling balances wonder with realism, illustrating that the creatures who thrive in deserts are models of endurance and ingenuity.
5. Grasslands
The Grasslands episode expands across the world’s open plains, home to massive migrations and fierce predators. It captures the dynamic rhythms of life and death that define these ecosystems—herds of antelope, prides of lions, and packs of wild dogs all locked in a delicate balance. This episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of species, as every organism—from insects to large mammals—plays a part in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance. The cinematography here shines in its ability to convey scale, with sweeping aerial shots of endless horizons punctuated by intense, ground-level drama.
6. Cities
Perhaps the most surprising and thought-provoking episode is Cities, which explores urban environments as a new kind of ecosystem. Rather than portraying cities as places where nature has been erased, the episode reveals how wildlife adapts to human landscapes. From leopards hunting pigs in Mumbai to peregrine falcons nesting on skyscrapers in New York, the episode reframes human spaces as habitats of opportunity. It concludes on a hopeful note, suggesting that coexistence between humans and wildlife is possible if we rethink our relationship with the natural world.
Visual and Technological Brilliance
Planet Earth II was a triumph of technology and artistry. The use of ultra-high-definition cameras revealed textures and details invisible to the naked eye: the shimmer of lizard scales, the movement of dust across a savannah, the micro-expressions of animals reacting to danger. Drone cinematography transformed perspective, giving audiences sweeping aerial views that rivaled cinematic films. Slow-motion sequences turned fleeting moments—like a bird’s takeoff or a predator’s leap—into breathtaking spectacles.
The musical score, composed by Hans Zimmer, added emotional depth and grandeur. Zimmer’s music doesn’t just accompany the visuals; it amplifies them. His score blends orchestral themes with electronic textures, mirroring the fusion of nature and technology that defines the series. Each episode’s soundtrack complements its emotional tone—soaring and triumphant in Islands, tense and haunting in Deserts, and introspective in Cities.
The Attenborough Effect
Sir David Attenborough’s narration remains the heart of Planet Earth II. His calm, measured voice carries both authority and empathy, drawing the viewer into the narrative. Attenborough is not simply describing what we see; he’s interpreting it, translating the behavior of animals into stories about survival, adaptation, and resilience. His narration balances wonder and warning—celebrating nature’s splendor while reminding us of its fragility.
Through his words, Attenborough bridges science and storytelling, making the complex workings of ecosystems accessible to a global audience. His ability to inspire curiosity and compassion for the natural world has made him a cultural icon, and Planet Earth II is one of his finest achievements.
Themes of Connection and Coexistence
One of the most powerful themes in Planet Earth II is connection—between species, between ecosystems, and between humans and the natural world. Unlike its predecessor, which often focused on untouched wilderness, Planet Earth II acknowledges humanity’s presence in nearly every environment. The final episode, Cities, marks a turning point in how we think about conservation. It doesn’t cast humans as villains but as participants in a shared ecological story.
This perspective reflects a growing awareness that our fate is intertwined with that of the natural world. Whether it’s the melting of polar ice or the expansion of urban environments, human activity shapes the planet’s future. Planet Earth II invites viewers not to despair but to recognize their role in shaping a sustainable coexistence.
Impact and Legacy
Upon its release, Planet Earth II received universal acclaim. Critics praised its cinematography, storytelling, and environmental relevance. It won multiple awards, including BAFTAs and Emmys, and reached millions of viewers worldwide. More importantly, it rekindled public fascination with the natural world at a time when environmental concerns dominated global discourse.
The series inspired countless viewers to engage with nature—whether through conservation efforts, wildlife photography, or simply spending more time outdoors. It demonstrated that documentary filmmaking could be both educational and emotionally powerful, capable of influencing attitudes toward wildlife and the environment.
Conclusion
Planet Earth II (2016) is more than a documentary—it is a celebration of life on Earth in all its forms. Through breathtaking visuals, powerful storytelling, and David Attenborough’s masterful narration, it captures the beauty, struggle, and resilience of nature with unprecedented intimacy. Each episode immerses the viewer in a different world, revealing the extraordinary adaptability of life and the delicate balance that sustains it.
But beyond its spectacle, Planet Earth II carries a profound message: that we are not separate from nature, but part of it. In an age of urbanization, technological advancement, and environmental crisis, this realization is more important than ever. The series invites us to look closer, to listen, and to remember that our planet—wild, fragile, and astonishing—is a shared home worth protecting.
In every sweeping landscape, in every heartbeat of the creatures that inhabit it, Planet Earth II reminds us of something essential: that wonder and responsibility go hand in hand.
