A new generation of environmental activists is stepping into David Attenborough’s shoes to present the latest Planet Earth.
The 97-year-old biologist and broadcaster, famed for his soothing voice and love of the natural world, will be temporarily replaced by 50 schoolkids in a special edition of the show.
Planet Earth III: Narrated By Kids features clips from the original series, alongside a new voiceover from the young narrators aged between nine and 13.
In a teaser from the show, the voiceover says: “Welcome to a very special episode of Planet Earth III, narrated by schoolchildren from all over the UK.
“Because you don’t have to be Sir David Attenborough to become a voice for nature.
“We can all speak up on behalf of our wonderful planet Earth. It’s one of the most powerful ways to help protect it.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming show.
Why is David Attenborough being ‘replaced’?
David Attenborough is only being replaced temporarily to help inspire a new generation of wildlife presenters in the new show.
The project is a collaboration with BBC Children In Need, which chose a number of schools to take part in the initiative while raising funds for the episode.
In 2023, Attenborough had moved Planet Earth to an earlier slot so more children could watch, adding: “By and large, children are better at understanding the natural world and, as adults, we should be making more opportunities for them to do that.”
Alongside the one-off episode, the BBC released a number of resources to help other young people get involved with advocating for nature as part of its Become a Voice for Nature initiative.
Claire Hoyle, from BBC Children In Need, said: “The Become A Voice For Nature campaign is about encouraging pupils from schools nationwide to come together on Earth Day to learn more about protecting our planet and how we impact it.”
When is Planet Earth III: Narrated By Kids being shown?
The new episode was made available on Earth Day (April 22), further raising awareness of the importance of protecting our natural world.
It features a number of schoolchildren who read the scripts of Attenborough’s previous shows.
Planet Earth fans can tune in and show their support by watching the one-off episode on BBC iPlayer.
Is David Attenborough still doing Planet Earth?
David Attenborough will always be known as the lead presenter of Planet Earth and, quite simply, a national treasure. However, it’s unlikely that he will present any more segments of the BBC show.
Planet Earth III was touted as the final series in the award-winning BBC trilogy, meaning there aren’t plans for a Planet Earth IV.
The spectacular last series, filmed over five years, was released in October 2023.
While Planet Earth may be over, Attenborough isn’t retiring yet. He’s still presenting other shows and his latest, called Secret World of Sound with David Attenborough, is currently available on Sky.
How long has Planet Earth been running?
Planet Earth first aired in 2006, and led to two subsequent seasons as well as several offshoots, such as Planet Earth Live.
The latest season concluded in late 2023, however, it’s still available for viewers to watch online.
The Planet Earth franchise is known for its spectacular visuals, awe-inspiring soundtrack and, of course, iconic narration.
The show has won four Emmy awards and a Bafta and is certainly one of the most influential nature shows on TV.
