Dynasties ★★★★☆

Channel: BBC One

Narrator: David Attenborough

Producers: Rosie Thomas, Miles Barton, Simon Blakeney and Nick Lyon



A nature documentary series narrated by David Attenborough is compulsory viewing for the British public. After the breathtaking Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II in 2017 and 2016, hopes were high for this new series, which follows five vulnerable or endangered species known to form enduring populations: chimpanzees, emperor penguins, lions, painted wolves and tigers.

Episode 1: Chimpanzees

Involved: Rosie Thomas, Dr. Jill Pruetz, Mark MacEwen, John Brown, Nigel Buck, Robbie Garbutt, Dan Brown, Will Slater, Benji Merrison, Graham Wild, Si Bland, Mike Gunton and Rupert Barrington

“It’s surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth.”

The opening episode has us rooting for a chimpanzee in his epic comeback for alpha male status after having his thumb ripped off and being left for dead…nothing special then! 😀

The compelling story of David – the focus of this episode – is captured in brilliant detail. The embattled alpha male manages to fight off rivals in dramatic scenes, with violent scraps against other males.

Episode 2: Penguins

Involved: Miles Barton, Will Lawson, Lindsay McCrae, Stefan Christmann, Gerald Kooyman and Daniel Zitterbart

Emperor penguins have gathered in Atka Bay, on the coast of Antarctica, as the water begins to freeze over. The next generation of penguins will be raised there, with the parents working together to keep themselves and their chicks alive through the winter.

We witness some heart-breaking moments, scandal, resilience and touching moments that will ensure that this episode will be well-remembered among viewers.

In an unprecedented move, the crew decided to act. They dug a shallow ramp in the hope that at least some of the penguins would use it to save themselves 💚#Dynasties pic.twitter.com/yRuoEGPDCk — BBC Earth (@BBCEarth) November 18, 2018

Episode 3: Lions

Involved: Simon Blakeney, Sophie Darlington, John Aitchison, Mark MacEwen, Luke Barnett and David McKay

The episode focuses on the Marsh pride of Kenya’s Masai Mara, which have recently been abandoned by all of the adult males. Two adult females are left to look after their eight youngsters.

Charm and her cousin Sienna need to raise their cubs to adulthood for the dynasty to carry on. They face perils of the African savannah, including herds of buffalo, rival lion prides, hyenas and also humanity.

A pulsating episode that is typified in the below clip.

A young lion ventures out alone and is attacked by 20 hyenas. Will he make it out alive?#Dynasties pic.twitter.com/057QvoV5iW — BBC Earth (@BBCEarth) November 23, 2018

Episode 4: Painted Wolves

Involved: Nick Lyon, Warwick Sloss, Barrie Britton, Justine Evans, Ted Giffords, Alex Page, Louis Rummer-Downing, Rolf Steinmann, Paul D Stewart, Mark Yates and Esther van der Meer

An episode for the dog lovers.

The story of Tait and her daughter Blacktip – leaders of two packs on the banks of the Zambezi river in Zimbabwe. Blacktip’s pack is growing fast and needs more territory – they are hemmed in on multiple sides, leaving the only possible way to move is into her mother’s lands.

The painted wolves encounter homelessness, challenging conditions, threats and loss. A personal highlight I took from this episode was the music – it complemented the vivid environment and scenes really well.

This shot is just pure perfection 😍#Dynasties pic.twitter.com/sJp3ozaZaX — BBC Earth (@BBCEarth) December 4, 2018

Episode 5: Tiger

Involved: Miles Barton, Theo Webb, John Brown, Mark McEwen and Ted Giffords,

A tigress named Raj Bhera who lives in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in India is looking after her four newborn cubs. She must fight rival tigers to retain control of her hunting grounds while continuing to feed and protect her growing cubs, as well as dealing with the human impact – we have been limiting the amount of space tiger have to live.

There is incredible footage of the tigers. It was amazing to see four cubs grow up under the guidance of their mother and the way that the family operates. The cubs learning to hunt was adorable!

Welcome to the jungle and welcome to the world, little one! 🐯#Dynasties pic.twitter.com/Dx7AVmrwYC — BBC Earth (@BBCEarth) December 9, 2018

The Humpo Show | Richard