The highly anticipated third instalment of Blue Planet is finally coming to BBC One next month, and for those keen for a binge watch of the majestic series, you're in luck!
The BBC has confirmed that Blue Planet III will begin on Sunday 1 November at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The first three episodes will be released on iPlayer the same day as a partial boxset for those who want to dive straight in.
The six-part series marks the return of Sir David Attenborough as narrator, with an original score by Hans Zimmer and Bleeding Fingers Music. It is the third instalment in the landmark BBC Studios Natural History Unit franchise, arriving 25 years after the first Blue Planet and almost a decade after Blue Planet II.
Across its run, the series explores five underwater habitats before turning to the future of the oceans. The first five episodes cover Tropical Seas, Open Ocean, Seasonal Seas, Polar Waters and The Deep, while the sixth, Future Seas, examines how the oceans can be protected, alongside stories of adaptation, resilience, hope and recovery.
Attenborough, who narrated the series in his centennial year, said: "Twenty-five years ago, when I narrated the first Blue Planet series, it didn't occur to me that I would be narrating a third series in my centennial year. The ocean is an endlessly fascinating place."
He added: "In these new programmes we uncover a further wonderful array of underwater life, which is more surprising, more sophisticated and even more important than we ever realised. I am proud and delighted to be associated with Blue Planet III."
There is an extra treat for fans beyond the television run. Blue Planet III is being turned into an immersive live-in-concert experience, with a UK arena tour confirmed for May 2027 featuring the series on a 200 square metre Ultra HD LED screen and the score performed live by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.
The tour visits Manchester's AO Arena on 21 May 2027, Birmingham's bp pulse LIVE on 22 May and Glasgow's OVO Hydro on 23 May, with a London date to be confirmed. Executive producer Elizabeth White will host, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the series.
White said: "Making Blue Planet III has taken us to places we never imagined we'd film. But there's something about bringing that footage into a concert arena full of people, with the score performed live all around you, that will be truly special."
Zimmer added: "There's nothing like experiencing this score live with an orchestra, especially when it's paired with the extraordinary visuals of the life underwater. Thom, Laurentia and I are ecstatic that audiences will be able to enjoy our score in this way."
Blue Planet III airs on Sunday 1 November at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Add Blue Planet III to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Documentaries coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews listen to The Radio Times Podcast.