SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH TO PRESENT BBC AMERICA’S DYNASTY, SUCCESSOR TO HIT SERIES BLUE PLANET II

SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH TO PRESENT BBC AMERICA’S DYNASTY, SUCCESSOR TO HIT SERIES BLUE PLANET II

BBCA’s next landmark natural history series from the Emmy®-winning Planet Earth II team

New York – February 19, 2018 – BBC AMERICA today announced that world-renowned naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough will present Dynasty (w/t), a brand new five-part landmark series from the multi-award-winning BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, co-produced with BBC AMERICA and France Télévisions.

Each episode of Dynasty (w/t) follows individual animals – lions, hunting dogs, chimpanzees, tigers, and emperor penguins – at the most critical period in their lives. Each is a ruler – a leader of their family, their troop, their pride – each determined to hold on to power and protect their family, their territory and their dynasty.

The odds are stacked against them – our planet is changing at an extraordinary rate and the habitats these animals live in are under increasing pressure, not least from the impact of humanity itself.

Sarah Barnett, President, BBC AMERICA, said: “This superb natural history filmmaking from the BBC is as relevant as ever, with each new series captivating audiences around the world. BBC AMERICA’s recent launch of Blue Planet II met an astounding reception.  We are so happy to have Sir David lend his ineffable talent to the next breakthrough nature series, Dynasty, on BBC AMERICA.”

Charlotte Moore, Director of Content, said: “The wonderful David Attenborough will inspire audiences once again when he brings the natural world to life on BBC One with Dynasty. Four years in the making, capturing extraordinary family dynamics and behavior, I hope these intimate animal dramas will connect with audiences just as Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II did."

Emmy®-winner Mike Gunton, executive producer said: “After making Planet Earth II it’s very exciting to now have the chance to show another, and I think even more intense and gripping, perspective on the lives of our planets most impressive, yet vulnerable creatures.”

Tom McDonald, Head of Commissioning, Natural History and Specialist Factual, said: "Dynasty is such a distinctive series, with a completely unique approach to bringing the audience into the lives of these iconic animals. I'm thrilled that Sir David will be bringing his extraordinary storytelling to this incredibly ambitious, landmark project - a gripping portrait of our planet at a tipping point for the animals, their habitats and our world.”

From the team behind Planet Earth II and Life Story, this is an intense portrayal of the lives of these animals as they unfold, day-by-day, hour-by-hour, where the tiniest incident may end up having a huge consequence on their future. Their chances of success depend on their own strength of character, their choices and on luck. But these animals do not operate alone – their success or failure will also hinge on how they work with, or against, their own families.

This series will show for the first time what an animal must do to create and maintain a dynasty, and leave the most important legacy in nature.

Dynasty (w/t), a 5x60’, BBC Studios Natural History Unit Production for BBC One, co-produced with BBC AMERICA and France Télévisions, is executive produced by Mike Gunton. The series producer is Rupert Barrington, and it was commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Director of Content and Tom McDonald, Head of Commissioning, Natural History and Specialist Factual. It will air on BBC AMERICA in early 2019.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Blue Planet II is airing Saturdays at 9/8c on BBC AMERICA with three more episodes. The acclaimed series has been watched by 14 million so far. In the UK, episode one of Blue Planet II was the most watched program of 2017.

Following the outstanding success of Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II, Dynasty (w/t) is the next natural history landmark series.

Dynasty (w/t) will be shot in Ultra HD

Dynasty (w/t) will be launched to international TV buyers at BBC Worldwide Showcase 2018 (February 18-21) with a special event dedicated to the series. BBC Worldwide Showcase is the world’s largest single-distributor sales market, attracting around 700 delegates from around the world.

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About BBC AMERICA 

BBC AMERICA is a hub of innovative, culturally contagious programming including the Emmy® and IDA-winning Planet Earth II, top-rated science-fiction phenomenon Doctor Who, ground-breaking unscripted series Top Gear, buzzy and hilarious The Graham Norton Show as well as the upcoming series Killing Eve from Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Planet Earth: Blue Planet II, the next chapter in the epic story of our planet, as well as Premier League Darts. A joint venture between BBC Worldwide (the commercial arm of the BBC) and AMC Networks, BBCA’s influential shows such as Orphan Black and Luther, among many others, have attracted critical acclaim and earned Emmy® Awards, Peabody Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globes®. Created in 1998, the irrepressible network has garnered one of cable’s most curious, educated and affluent audiences, with many properties boasting super-fan levels of engagement. Available through cable, satellite TV and streaming services, BBC AMERICA broadcasts in both standard and high-definition. Get caught up, BBCA offers full episodes On Demand across all major digital platforms, BBC AMERICA app and bbcamerica.com. Find out more by and follow @bbcamerica.