Name: The Blue Planet
Genre: Documentary & Biography
Released: 2001-09-12
Cast: David Attenborough

Watch The Blue Planet

TV-G

2001

1 Season

9.0 (42,532)

The Blue Planet, a groundbreaking documentary series by the BBC, first aired in 2001 and was presented by the incomparable David Attenborough. This highly acclaimed series took viewers to the depths of the ocean and explored the vast and diverse range of marine life that exists within. Across its eight hour-long episodes, The Blue Planet revealed the fascinating and often surprising behavior of species that inhabit the worldâs oceans, revealing just how much of our planet is hidden beneath the surface of the water.

The Blue Planet is an incredibly cinematic show, filmed in over 200 locations across the worldâs oceans. The series features breathtaking footage of underwater landscapes, ranging from the sunlit shallows of coral reefs to the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean floors. Viewers get up-close and personal with the creatures that live within these environments - everything from minuscule plankton to enormous blue whales.

The Blue Planet is not just a visual showcase, itâs also incredibly informative, as Attenborough delves into the scientific details of various species and marine ecosystems. The show covers many topics related to marine life, including the process of evolution and how creatures have adapted to their environment over millions of years. The series also discusses the impact of climate change, pollution, and plastic waste on our oceans, highlighting the urgent need to address these issues before it's too late.

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Blue Planet is the sheer diversity of marine life that it covers. The series introduces viewers to a vast range of creatures, from predators like great white sharks and killer whales to tiny creatures like sea butterflies and microscopic plankton. Many of these species have never been seen before on camera, and The Blue Planet serves as an invaluable educational tool for learning about the secret world beneath the waves.

Attenboroughâs narration is a key aspect of the showâs appeal, as his soothing voice guides viewers through the many wonders of the aquatic world. His passion for conservation and his deep knowledge of natural history shines through in his commentary, making the show not just informative, but deeply compelling to watch.

During the showâs initial run, it won numerous awards for its groundbreaking approach to nature programming. However, its real legacy is the impact it had on raising awareness about the importance of protecting the oceans and the life within them. It prompted a significant shift in public opinion towards conservation efforts, spurring many viewers to take action to protect marine ecosystems around the world.

Twenty years later, The Blue Planet remains a masterpiece of nature documentary filmmaking. Its stunning imagery and informative narration continue to captivate audiences of all ages, entertaining and educating in equal measure. Whether youâre a nature lover, a conservationist, or simply curious about the world we live in, The Blue Planet is a must-watch series that will change the way you think about the ocean and its inhabitants forever.

The Blue Planet is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (9 episodes). The series first aired on September 12, 2001.

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Seasons

9. Deep Trouble

November 5, 2001

For years, man has used the oceans as a source of life, food and riches. Now the oceans have been put under such strain that we may be about to lose this valuable asset. Deep Trouble looks at the impact man has had on the ecology of the oceans.

8. Coasts

October 29, 2001

From rocky cliffs to gentle dunes, the coasts are always changing. Day in and day out, they are battered by crashing waves. Seabirds come here by the thousands to nest, while baby turtles hatch and race to the sea. pursued by hungry predators. Young sea lion pups are born and play on the sand -- until a killer whale attacks, crashing in on the surf. But when breeding season is over, life returns to the sea and the shores are empty once again.

7. Tidal Seas

October 22, 2001

The sun and moon move billions of tons of water with every turn of the tide. The strongest tides empty entire bays, smash trees on riverbanks and strand sea creatures on suddenly dry land. Weaker tides control the movements of huge numbers of fish, coaxing schools of giant stingrays through astounding underwater arches. And as the water recedes the tide can create unbelievable landscapes -- like a sparkling world of salt crystals inhabited only by tiny shrimp and bright pink flamingos.

6. Coral Seas

October 15, 2001

Bathed in bright sunlight and warm, clear water, the coral reef is a rich oasis of life the rainforest of the sea. Bizarrely adorned harlequin shrimps carry off a starfish several times their size, while haunting songs reverberate around the reef, heralding the arrival of humpback whales. Shimmering schools of brightly colored fish battle for territory in this competitive world where you have to stand out to survive.

5. Seasonal Seas

October 8, 2001

The primary focus of this episode is the northern hemisphere's 'seasonal' waters, that is to say, the parts of the oceans that experience all four seasons. Also, there is a particular emphasis on the impact the summer phytoplankton has on the entire yearly cycle.

4. Frozen Seas

October 1, 2001

As the title suggests, this installment looks at the yearly cycle at both the North and South Poles. The Arctic Ocean, as we see, is heavily impacted by the presence of polar bears, who are the focal point of all life throughout the harsh winter months. The South Pole, on the other hand, is far harsher than its northern counterpart, yet as we see still has an active, year-round ecosystem.

3. Open Ocean

September 24, 2001

The open ocean or 'marine deserts' is home to the largest sea predators, and this episode follows them on their hunt. After that, despite the title, there is a look at various forms of shelter that can be found, from natural and man-made flotsam, to volcanic islands dotting the massive oceans. At each 'shelter', we get a glimpse of the thriving and intricate ecosystems surrounding them.

2. The Deep

September 17, 2001

This second installment focusses on the largest habitat on earth: the deep sea. As they plunge deeper and deeper into the ocean, away from the light and sun above, a weird world of darkness emerges: one of strange, never before seen or filmed life-forms; deep trenches that cut into the abyssal plain; and the largest geological structures on earth the mid-ocean ridges.

1. Introduction

September 12, 2001

This introductory episode covers the basics of ocean life. In addition, there is a particular focus on how the two main powers that of the ocean currents and the varying power of the sun interact, thereby controlling the distribution of life. Lastly, there is a brief discussion about the effect of the moon on not only the ocean, but also its inhabitants.

Description

Where to Watch The Blue Planet

The Blue Planet is available for streaming on the BBC One website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Blue Planet on demand at Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Google Play and Apple TV.