ITV announces Extreme Planet Earth documenting impact of climate emergency on wildlife
The new documentary series has been three years in the making.
With the climate crisis becoming an ever more pressing issue that we all need to continue talking about, there's no better time than now for a brand new documentary series to be released, honing in on the impact on wildlife.
Extreme Planet Earth has been announced today and will be coming to ITV1 and ITVX (as well as STV and STV Player) next year, showcasing "how the planet’s most extraordinary creatures endure and evolve in the face of relentless instability".
Three years in the making, the new documentary series comes from Plimsoll Productions, known for its groundbreaking work in the world of natural history filmmaking with projects like A Year on Planet Earth and A Real Bug’s Life.
The six-part series will take viewers on quite the immersive journey, as each episode dives deep into different facets of the Earth's climate.
As per the synopsis: "Extreme Planet Earth will reveal unparalleled footage of wildlife pushed beyond the brink: elephants in Borneo navigating treacherous floodwaters; wombats in Australia with fires raging around them; a leopard in Zambia's Lower Zambezi struggling with a brutal drought; Caribbean flamingos in Mexico facing up to the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record; and clownfish on the Great Barrier Reef fighting to withstand a marine heatwave.
"The animals show remarkable grit in the face of these events, but grit can only take you so far. Conservationists and scientists are already working among the planet’s harshest conditions, intervening to protect species with groundbreaking initiatives. Their efforts, unfolding in some of the most unpredictable environments on Earth, will be a critical part of the story."
Read more:
- Chris Packham reveals one TV show to watch – and it's not what you think
- 10 important climate change documentaries to watch this year
It's set to also be a documentary for the senses, with the series boasting cutting-edge cinematography alongside its powerful storytelling and messaging.
On the announcement of the series, Mark Brownlow, Creative Director of Natural History for Plimsoll Productions, said: ”Wherever you live on the planet, you can relate to extreme weather.
"From the devastating fires in Los Angeles to floods across Europe, extreme weather is constantly breaking news and affecting us all. In Extreme Planet Earth, we are going to unveil how our favourite wildlife faces these challenges with sheer courage, resilience, and determination. Their remarkable endurance is truly inspiring."
As of now, a release date for Extreme Planet Earth has not yet been confirmed but we do know that it'll be on our screens some time in 2026.
By entering your details you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Extreme Planet Earth will be coming to ITV1 and ITVX next year.
Check out more of our Documentaries coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.