BBC’s Walking with Dinosaurs Returns with New Episodes after 26 Years
The BBC’s landmark natural history series, Walking with Dinosaurs, has made a comeback with six new episodes, bringing the world of 100 million years ago to life with cutting-edge technology and engaging storytelling. According to a report by the Financial Times, this resurrected documentary series has been informed by three decades of paleontological research, making the prehistoric world more accessible than ever.
The series, which first aired in 1999, was a groundbreaking production that utilised computer technology to bring audiences face-to-face with dinosaurs. While the original series was revolutionary in its time, the new episodes may seem somewhat dated in terms of animation quality, particularly when compared to more recent productions such as Apple TV+’s Prehistoric Planet. As the Financial Times notes, "the difference between the two series is not as pronounced as you might expect."
One of the key strengths of Walking with Dinosaurs is its ability to craft compelling narratives that not only convey biological facts but also provide a glimpse into the lives and behaviours of these ancient creatures. The series features actor Bertie Carvel as the narrator, taking over from Kenneth Branagh. The first episode sets the tone with a poignant story about an orphaned Triceratops searching for protection in a rainforest teeming with predators. Subsequent episodes follow a male Spinosaurus as he cares for his young and a group of gentle Gastonia as they defend against ravenous raptors.
A notable aspect of the series is its ability to draw parallels between the natural world of the past and the present-day climate crisis. The show’s creators leave it to the viewer to make connections between the devastating forest fire that befalls the Gastonia and current environmental concerns. As the Financial Times observes, "there is something unexpectedly sobering, even humbling about the way it cuts between digital reimaginings of these formidable beasts and context-providing scenes from present-day fossil excavations."
The series also features on-site segments that showcase palaeontologists at work, extracting fossils and piecing together the secrets of the ancient world. These scenes are both fascinating and exhilarating, highlighting the significant advancements that have been made in the field of paleontology. According to the Financial Times, "thanks to advancements in technology, remarkable fragments and fossils are increasingly being identified across the globe, revealing everything from how a T-Rex ran to how a raptor strategised."
The new series of Walking with Dinosaurs airs on BBC1 on May 25 at 6:25 pm, with new episodes released weekly and available to stream on iPlayer. The series will also air on PBS in the USA in June. With its engaging storytelling, stunning visuals, and insightful exploration of the natural world, Walking with Dinosaurs is set to captivate audiences once again.
The Financial Times concludes its review by stating that "★★★☆☆" the show is "a joy to watch," and that "we’re able to witness the moment something is unearthed after millions of years ultimately proves more exhilarating than any simulated dinosaur showdown." As a testament to the enduring appeal of this natural history series, Walking with Dinosaurs continues to inspire and educate audiences, offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era.
