Sir David Attenborough returns with Blue Planet III, a six-part documentary series examining marine life and the changing environments of the world’s oceans. The episodes contain footage filmed over four years and cover tropical seas, the open ocean, seasonal seas, polar waters, the deep and the future of the oceans. The soundtrack also features music from Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer.
In the UK, the first three episodes are available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. Viewers need an account linked to a UK postcode and a valid TV licence. The remaining three episodes are scheduled to arrive one week later. The series is also being broadcast on BBC One on Sundays at 8pm BST, with new episodes scheduled each Sunday until December 6.
Viewers outside the UK may find BBC iPlayer access restricted by location. The original information notes that a VPN may provide access while travelling, subject to the broadcaster’s terms and conditions.
In the United States, Blue Planet III is scheduled to arrive on BBC America and AMC+ on January 23, 2027. Canadian viewers are expected to find the series on BBC Select in 2027, with some viewers potentially able to access it through AMC+. In Australia, the series is due to air on Channel 9 and 9Now in the new year.
The episodes explore different marine environments. “Tropical Seas” focuses on habitats supported by year-round sunshine and the ingenuity needed for survival. “Open Ocean” follows life ranging from blue whales to drifting crabs and turtles, while “Seasonal Seas” examines how animals adapt to storms, heat and changing conditions. The final episodes are titled “Polar Waters”, “The Deep” and “Future Seas”.
Attenborough said the third series had been unexpected when he narrated the first Blue Planet 25 years earlier. He described the ocean as endlessly fascinating and said the new programmes reveal underwater life that is more surprising, sophisticated and important than previously understood.
Sources: TechRadar.