Sir David Attenborough narrates the return of the BBC nature documentary franchise with Blue Planet III, premiering on BBC One on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The six-part series uses advanced underwater camera technology to examine five key marine habitats while focusing on stories of recovery and adaptation.
Twenty-five years after the debut of the original The Blue Planet, which first aired in 2001, the franchise returns for a six-part run. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough in his 101st year, the production took four years to complete and relies on next-generation filming equipment developed with marine biologists and technical teams.
BBC One Debuts Series on November 1
The series debuts in the U.K. on BBC One at 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, with streaming available on BBC iPlayer for viewers holding a valid TV licence. In Australia, Channel Nine has secured broadcast rights, though an official premiere date has not yet been announced.
Cameras Capture Five Marine Habitats
Filming relied on specialized equipment including splash drones, long-term remote underwater cameras, and a mini dome to capture unique footage from the ocean’s hidden depths. The first five hour-long episodes examine distinct environments: tropical seas, the open ocean, seasonal seas, polar waters, and the deep.
It will reveal brand new and untold stories from magical underwater worlds.
BBC Natural History Unit, via University of Southampton
University of Southampton Researchers Advise Production
Three marine biologists from the University of Southampton advised the production team. Prof Jon Copley, Dr Ryan Reisinger, and Prof Clive Trueman collaborated with the BBC Natural History Unit. Prof Copley advised on the project, while Prof Trueman was also consulted for the series as an expert on fish physiology, movement ecology, and marine food webs, noting his recent research exploring how climate change could affect tuna fish populations by studying the stones in their ears.
It’s fantastic to contribute to such a landmark nature series as Blue Planet. Blue Planet II shared the wonder of ocean life with people worldwide, and put the challenges and choices for its future right in front of policymakers. Blue Planet III will go even further, as we continue to explore, make new discoveries, and gain new insights about our ocean world.
Prof Jon Copley, Marine Biologist at University of Southampton
Broadcaster Prepares Viewers for Series Launch
The series builds upon the legacy of earlier instalments like The Blue Planet in 2001 and Blue Planet II in 2017, bringing together the BBC Natural History Unit and surrounding global platforms as the broadcaster prepares audiences for a landmark television event.
More on Blue Planet III
Everything to know as Blue Planet III with David Attenborough to air on BBC One https://t.co/MhTy0TCqpR