Sir David Attenborough’s beloved TV series ‘axed’ after just two seasons

24 October 2023 , 18:10

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Sir David Attenborough’s beloved TV series ‘axed’ after just two seasons

The BBC has decided to end a Sir David Attenborough documentary series about endangered and vulnerable species, according to reports.

Dynasties, which premiered in 2018, investigated the secret family lives of animals such as lions, elephants, tigers, penguins and cheetahs, and sought to show audiences just how similar these enduring creatures are to human beings. Narrated by the legendary David, 97, its first season took over four years to produce. The wholesome show was met by praise from TV critics and viewers alike, and went on to enjoy a second season last year.

However, it has now been reported that Dynasties has been scrapped by the BBC in favour of another show. ‘It will no doubt be a huge blow to fans of the series, who tuned in from the US to New Zealand for the second season,’ a source said. "It was widely expected that a third would follow. But the programme has now been set aside while the team focus their efforts elsewhere.

(BBC/Mark Harrison)

"Of course, with all nature programming, there’s no reason why the BBC can’t return to the format idea for Dynasties in the future so it may well return one day."

Fortunately for Dynasties' fans, the series isn't going to shelved altogether. According to the source, the BBC is planning to expand its ideas on a new show called Kingdom, which documents six animal sagas in Zambia over a four-year period.

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“It will focus on the conflicts and dynamics that exist across various different animal groups, in one location, rather than on just one particular family or tribe," the Sun insider explained.

David Attenborough has worked on over 140 documentaries throughout his industrious career in TV, and is best known for covering the wonders of the natural world and environmental issues. He has won several accolades for his contributions to broadcasting and is famously the only person to have received BAFTA awards for programmes in black and white, colour, high-definition and 3D. David has also written several books to accompany his documentaries, as well as a 2002 autobiography called Life On Air.

Speaking about his passion for the Earth, the national treasure said: "It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living."

Emma Dooney