Prehistoric Planet is a British–American nature documentary television series about dinosaurs, that premiered on Apple TV+ beginning May 23, 2022. It is produced by the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, with Jon Favreau as showrunner, visual effects by The Moving Picture Company, and narration by natural historian Sir David Attenborough.[1] The documentary follows dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals recreated with computer-generated imagery, living around the globe in the Late Cretaceous period 66 million years ago (Maastrichtian), just before the non-avian dinosaurs' extinction. It set out to depict prehistoric life using current palaeontological research by including accurately feathered dinosaurs, and speculative animal behaviour.[2]
| Prehistoric Planet | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Nature documentary |
| Narrated by | Sir David Attenborough |
| Theme music composer | Hans Zimmer Andrew James Christie |
| Composers | Hans Zimmer Anže Rozman Kara Talve |
| Country of origin | United States United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 10 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Jon Favreau Mike Gunton |
| Running time | 37–46 minutes |
| Production companies | BBC Studios Natural History Unit Golem Creations Ltd. LLC |
| Original release | |
| Network | Apple TV+ |
| Release | May 23, 2022 – May 26, 2023 |
Hans Zimmer, Kara Talve, and Anže Rozman composed the soundtrack. It is the first major dinosaur-focused documentary series produced by the BBC since Planet Dinosaur in 2011, and the third overall.[3][4][5] Prehistoric Planet received critical acclaim for its visual effects, depiction of dinosaurs, and Attenborough's narration.
Plot
editA documentary that follows dinosaurs recreated with computer-generated imagery living around the globe in the final part of the Cretaceous period, 66 million years ago. It set out to depict dinosaurs using current palaeontological research such as feathered dinosaurs like dromaeosaurs and small, feathered dinosaurs.
Production
editAccording to palaeontologist and consultant Steve Brusatte, the series had been in development "a decade" prior to its trailer release.[6] On May 8, 2019, it was first reported by Deadline that Apple had ordered a new documentary series by BBC Studios titled Prehistoric Planet, to be executively produced by Jon Favreau.[7] An original score was composed by Kara Talve, Anže Rozman and Hans Zimmer.[8]
The series uses up-to-date palaeontological research to depict its animals of the Cretaceous with scientific rigour; for example, feathered dinosaurs are featured in the series, such as juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex.[8] Palaeozoologist Darren Naish was the lead consultant for the depictions of prehistoric life in the series.[9] The concept art and creature design was created by Jellyfish Pictures,[10] while computer-generated imagery was developed by The Moving Picture Company and intended to be photorealistic, as with their previous productions The Jungle Book (2016) and The Lion King (2019).[2]
After its release, the series consultants other than Darren Naish were revealed to be Steve Brusatte, Alexander Farnsworth, Kiersten Formoso, Michael Habib, Scott Hartman, John R. Hutchinson, Luke Muscutt, Peter Skelton, Robert Spicer, Paul Valdes and Mark Witton.[11] David Krentz, the director of Dinosaur Revolution and character designer on Disney's Dinosaur, was also revealed to have been involved in the creature development and design.[12]
In March 2023, Apple renewed the series for a second season, which began airing on 22 May 2023.[13] A spin-off, called Prehistoric Planet Immersive which features Apple Vision Pro, began airing on 2 February 2024.
Marketing
editA first sneak peek was posted to the official Apple TV+ YouTube channel on April 2, 2022, along with a trailer, with a May 23 airdate set for the first episode.[14] A ten-second teaser was released on April 19, 2022, followed by an official trailer the following day.[15] A second trailer was released on May 19, 2022, in the lead up to the show's premiere.[16]
The teaser of the second season was uploaded to the official Apple TV+ YouTube channel on April 18, 2023.[17] The official trailer was released on May 2, 2023.[18]
Episodes
edit| Season | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | |||
| 1 | 5 | May 23, 2022 | May 27, 2022 | |
| 2 | 5 | May 22, 2023 | May 26, 2023 | |
Season 1 (2022)
edit| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Coasts" | Adam Valdez | Paul D. Stewart | May 23, 2022 | |
|
In North America, a father Tyrannosaurus and his offspring swim across a perilous seaway to feed on a dead Archelon. In North Africa, baby pterosaurs take their first flight through a gauntlet of predatory pterosaurs, while other species of pterosaurs nestle their brood on the shores below. Dozens of Tuarangisaurus travel to a bay in search of gastroliths. A male Mosasaurus is cleaned by reef denizens and defends his territory from a younger, rival mosasaur. Ammonites perform an elaborate mating display. A pregnant plesiosaur is targeted by a Kaikaifilu and protected by her pod, after which she gives birth to a healthy, baby plesiosaur. | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Deserts" | Andrew R. Jones, Adam Valdez | Dom Walter | May 24, 2022 | |
|
Several male Dreadnoughtus clash for the right to mate. A pair of Velociraptor hunts for lizards among a group of sleeping Tarbosaurus. Also in the desert is a Mononykus, who forages for termites and investigates new food options after a brief rainstorm. Nemegtosaurus, Barsboldia, Tarchia, Mononykus, and Tarbosaurus (as well as the "Mongolian titians") congregate around a watering hole. Male Barbaridactylus compete for females atop a remote plateau. A herd of Secernosaurus brave the harsh gypsum dunes in search of nourishment. | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Freshwater" | Andrew R. Jones | Paul Thompson | May 25, 2022 | |
|
In Asia, a trio of Velociraptor hunt juvenile pterosaurs near a waterfall. In North America, an old, battle-scarred male Tyrannosaurus nurses his wounds and encounters a three-year younger female. In Asia, a Deinocheirus seeks relief from biting flies. In southern Africa, a female Quetzalcoatlus builds and guards her nest. In Madagascar, a mother Masiakasaurus and her family hunt crabs but one of her hatchlings is ambushed by a Beelzebufo. Somewhere in the coastal area, some elasmosaurs enter an estuary in search of fish. | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Ice Worlds" | Adam Valdez | Simon Bell | May 26, 2022 | |
|
A pack of Dromaeosaurus stalks a herd of Edmontosaurus as they cross a freezing river. Male Ornithomimus raid rivals' nests to bolster their own. In Asia, a herd of Olorotitan raise their offspring on fertile volcanic fields but contend with biting mosquitoes. A troodontid flushes out Cimolodon[19] by spreading a forest fire. A juvenile Antarctopelta scours the forest for a new winter den. A Pachyrhinosaurus herd stands off against a pack of Nanuqsaurus, relatives of T. rex. | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Forests" | Andrew R. Jones, Adam Valdez | Matthew Wright | May 27, 2022 | |
|
Austroposeidon herds level trees in search of fresh foliage. A herd of Triceratops journey through a cave to find an underground clay lick. A male Carnotaurus, who sets the stage for an elaborate display. In Asia, a female Qianzhousaurus hunts a flock of Corythoraptor dinosaur in an autumn storm. A family of Edmontosaurus evade a forest fire, while an Atrociraptor and ankylosaur reap its rewards. Dozens of juvenile Therizinosaurus attempt to climb up to a beehive. A Hatzegopteryx is shown preying on juvenile Zalmoxes, and patrolling the dense undergrowth and seaspray-battered coastline. | ||||||
Season 2 (2023)
edit| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 1 | "Islands" | Andrew R. Jones | Paul D. Stewart | May 22, 2023 | |
|
After a tropical storm, two Zalmoxes find themselves in a rafting event. Several Hatzegopteryx ambush a herd of Tethyshadros. In Madagascar, a female Majungasaurus hunts Simosuchuses. Nearby, a mother Adalatherium raises her offspring in a burrow, hoping to keep them safe from predators like Masiakasaurus and Madtsoia. A pack of Imperobator pursue a Morrosaurus onto a frozen lake. A male Hatzegopteryx attempts to attract a mate. | ||||||
| 7 | 2 | "Badlands" | Andrew R. Jones, Adam Valdez | Nick Lyon | May 23, 2023 | |
|
In India, dozens of female Isisaurus traverse the Deccan Traps to reach their nesting site. In Mongolia, a herd of Nemegtosaurus and Prenocephale navigate a maze of canyons, but are ambushed by a pack of Velociraptor and a trio of Tarbosaurus. A colony of male Corythoraptors protect their eggs from the scorching sun by day, and a female Kuru kulla at night, who has offspring of her own. A pair of juvenile Tarchia locate a desert oasis, but contend with an adult and a group of Prenocephale. Several Isisaurus hatchlings fall prey to a Rajasaurus in an attempt to reach their ancestral home. | ||||||
| 8 | 3 | "Swamps" | Krzysztof Szczepanski | Alec Ginns | May 24, 2023 | |
|
Pterosaur hatchlings take flight to leave their island sanctuary, but are targeted by Shamosuchuses. Several Austroraptors hunt garfish and contend with the best fishing spots. In Hell Creek of North America, two Tyrannosaurus brothers hunt an Edmontosaurus annectens under the cover of darkness. A Beelzebufo is trying to attract a mate while a herd of Rapetosaurus take a mudbath in its pond. Pachycephalosaurus males fight for dominance in a dried up swamp in North America. | ||||||
| 9 | 4 | "Oceans" | Adam Valdez | Amber Cherry Eames | May 25, 2023 | |
|
A female Phosphorosaurus hunts lanternfish under the ocean's moonlit surface. A group of Hesperornis hunt for fish until they themselves are hunted by a Xiphactinus. Nostoceras hatchlings are at the mercy of tides and juvenile Pyroraptors. A Mosasaurus hunts a group of Tuarangisaurus. The young Nostoceras that survived find themselves among Baculites and Diplomoceras in their new seagrass meadow home. A pod of Morturneria sift the muddy seabed in search of food. | ||||||
| 10 | 5 | "North America" | Andrew R. Jones | Paul Thompson | May 26, 2023 | |
|
A Tyrannosaurus rex and two Quetzalcoatlus fight over an Alamosaurus carcass. A shoal of Sphenodiscus are ambushed by a Globidens, intent on relentlessly killing and eating them for food. At an evaporating lake, juvenile Pectinodons hunt flies while their father hunts Styginetta. Male Triceratops fight and display for the right to mate. A female Nanuqsaurus hunts an ornithomimosaur to feed herself and her surviving offspring. | ||||||
Immersive (2024)
edit| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Pterosaur Beach" | Andrew R. Jones | Unknown | February 2, 2024 |
| 2 | 2 | "Triceratops Forest" | Andrew R. Jones | Unknown | April 19, 2024 |
Reception
editThe review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% approval rating with an average rating of 8.4/10, based on 31 reviews for the first season. The website's critics consensus reads, "Marrying state of the art visual effects with equally immersive narration by David Attenborough, Prehistoric Planet wondrously brings viewers back to the age of dinosaurs."[20] The second season has an approval rating of 83% with an average rating of 7/10, based on 6 reviews.[21] On Metacritic, the series has a weighted average score of 85 out of 100, based on 8 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".[22]
Accolades
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022
|
Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards | Best Streaming Docuseries or Non-Fiction Series | Prehistoric Planet | Nominated | [23] |
| Television Critics Association Awards | Outstanding Achievement in News and Information | Nominated | [24][25] | ||
| Cinema Eye Honours | Outstanding Anthology Series | Nominated | [26] | ||
| Hollywood Music in Media Awards | Original Song/Score — Documentary Series - TV/Digital | Anze Rozman, Kara Talve, Hans Zimmer | Won | [27][28] | |
| Televisual Bulldog Awards | Best VFX | Prehistoric Planet | Won | [29] | |
| Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards | Best VFX Project | MPC | Won | [30] | |
2023
|
Annie Awards | Best Animated Special Production | Prehistoric Planet | Nominated | [31] |
| Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production | "Coasts" | Nominated | |||
| Visual Effects Society Awards | Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Episode | "Ice Worlds" – Lindsay McFarlane, Fay Hancocks, Elliot Newman, Kirstin Hall | Nominated | [32][33] | |
| Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in a CG Project | Daniel Fotheringham, Krzysztof Szczepanski, Wei-Chuan Hsu, Claire Hill | Nominated | |||
| Critics' Choice Real TV Awards | Best Animal/Nature Show | Prehistoric Planet | Nominated | [34] | |
2024
|
Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards | Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or Special (Original Dramatic Score) | Hans Zimmer, Anže Rozman, Kara Talve (for "Badlands") | Nominated | [35] |
| Astra Creative Arts TV Awards | Best Streaming Nonfiction Series | Prehistoric Planet | Nominated | [36] |
References
edit- ^ "Prehistoric Planet: When is David Attenborough documentary released on Apple TV Plus?". Radio Times. Archived from the original on May 1, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
- ^ a b "Apple TV+ reveals first look at epic natural history event series "Prehistoric Planet"". Apple. April 2, 2022. Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
- ^ Scott, K.D.; White, A.M. (2003). "Unnatural History? Deconstructing the Walking with Dinosaurs Phenomenon". Media, Culture & Society. 25 (3): 315–332. doi:10.1177/0163443703025003002. S2CID 143566889.
- ^ "Prehistoric Planet Review: A Breathtaking Nature Documentary with Realistic-Looking Dinosaurs". MovieWeb. 25 May 2022. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
- ^ Støen, Michael (2022). "1999: The BBC simulates prehistoric wildlife". Public Understanding of Science. 31 (4): 524–529. doi:10.1177/09636625211068944. ISSN 0963-6625. PMID 35062833. S2CID 246165620.
- ^ Brusatte, Steve [@stevebrusatte] (April 20, 2022). "This is going to be epic. Honoured to play a role consulting with @MikeGunton & team from the development phase a decade ago until now. Huge work by @TetZoo & many talented people to make this happen" (Tweet). Retrieved April 26, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "'The Jungle Book' Director Jon Favreau Teams With BBC Studios' NHU To Produce Doc Series 'Prehistoric Planet' For Apple". Deadline. May 8, 2019. Archived from the original on May 8, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
- ^ a b "David Attenborough explores habits and habitats of dinosaurs in new series Prehistoric Planet". inews.co.uk. April 2, 2022. Archived from the original on April 19, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
- ^ "Palaeontologists Rejoice As 'Prehistoric Planet' Presents A Realistic View Of The Cretaceous". IFLScience. 6 April 2022. Archived from the original on 7 April 2022. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
- ^ "Prehistoric Planet". Apple TV+ Press. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ^ Hutchinson, John R. [@JohnRHutchinson] (May 23, 2022). "Well done to everyone involved in #PrehistoricPlanet! Lots of science" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Krentz, David [@DavidKrentz1] (April 23, 2022). "Re: Prehistoric Planet. Yes, I was involved. I would get amazing models and adjust them for accuracy or character and give modeling notes etc. some color work too. Really talented team to collaborate with, can't state that enough. I'll share stuff at a later date" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Petski, Denise (March 1, 2023). "'Prehistoric Planet' Renewed For Season 2 At Apple TV+". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
- ^ "WATCH: Apple TV+ Reveals First Look At Epic Natural History Event Series 'Prehistoric Planet'". Deadline. April 2, 2022. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
- ^ "'Prehistoric Planet' Trailer Reveals Countless Species of Dinosaurs Like You've Never Seen Before". Collider. April 20, 2022. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ "Prehistoric Planet — Official Trailer 2 | Apple TV+". YouTube. 19 May 2022. Archived from the original on May 21, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ "Apple TV+ shares stunning first-look teaser for season two of award-winning natural history documentary event "Prehistoric Planet," premiering May 22, 2023". Apple TV+ Press. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ^ "Apple TV+ shares dino-mite new trailer for second season of natural history documentary event "Prehistoric Planet," premiering May 22, 2023". Apple TV+ Press. Archived from the original on 2023-08-31. Retrieved 2023-05-02.
- ^ Apologies to mammal workers for what happened in #PrehistoricPlanet Twitter [better source needed]
- ^ "Prehistoric Planet: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on June 5, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
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- ^ "Prehistoric Planet: Season 1". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
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