After more than a decade since Frozen Planet first aired, the BBC and Sir David Attenborough are returning with a new six-part series to explore and celebrate the coldest regions on our planet.
Whilst the first series focused on the polar regions, Attenborough explains that in Frozen Planet II “we will explore all of Earth’s frozen habitats, from its highest peaks to its snow-bound deserts, to deep beneath the ice.”
Following years of hard work by researchers, camera operators, editors and directors, get ready to settle in for yet another masterpiece from the BBC Natural History Unit.
When is Frozen Planet II on TV?
The first episode of Frozen Planet II will air on Sunday 11th September 2022 on BBC One at 8pm. Afterwards, it will be available to watch via BBC iPlayer.
Episode One: Frozen Worlds
The series starts with a whirlwind tour of the Earth’s cold habitats, from the poles to the Himalayas and Siberia, exploring why they are cold and how they are threatened by human-made climate change. Showcasing species including emperor penguins, orcas, Pallas’s cats and musk ox, the episode examines the ways in which these animals have adapted to the challenges of their environments.
Watch the trailer for Frozen Planet II:
The first look trailer for the new series was released on 26th August.
Who is narrating Frozen Planet II?
Broadcasting legend and national treasure Sir David Attenborough returns to narrate Frozen Planet II. In this series, he doesn’t travel to location to present, but instead his appearances show him standing or sitting in front of a very large television screen.
Attenborough first joined the BBC in 1952 as a trainee producer, before going on to present his first series Zoo Quest between 1954-63. After presenting more programmes, he was appointed Controller of the new BBC Two channel in 1965 and then promoted to BBC Director of Programmes in 1969.
In 1973, he resigned and returns to film-making. Since then, he has presented and narrated numerous programmes for broadcasters and streaming services including the BBC, Netflix, and Apple TV.
He celebrated his 90th birthday on 8th May 2016.
Who has done the music for Frozen Planet II?
The music for the first-look trailer of Frozen Planet II features a song called “Take Me Back Home” by singer-songwriter Camila Cabello and the world-renowned composer Hans Zimmer, alongside Zimmer’s long-term collaborators – arranger Anže Rozman and producer Russell Emanuel for Bleeding Fingers Music.
“To be able to combine my passion for the planet we live on and my music is a dream come true – never mind also getting to work with the legend that is Hans Zimmer,” says Cabello. “Frozen Planet II is stunning and Sir David’s narration is deeply powerful as we try to protect these incredible ecosystems from global warming. I’m grateful to be able to lend my voice to such an inspiring series.”
“It was hugely exciting composing and recording ‘Take Me Back Home’ with Camila and discovering that her musical talents are as powerful as her voice,” says Zimmer. “The Bleeding Fingers team and I feel incredibly privileged to be given the opportunity to score such a pioneering and important natural history landmark as Frozen Planet II.”
Attendees at the Earth Prom at the Royal Albert Hall were treated to a five-minute preview of Frozen Planet II, accompanied by live music from Zimmer and the Norwegian singer-songwriter AURORA, who features on the soundtrack for the series.
“Our world and our environment has always been a heart matter for me. I’ve believed that communicating her beauty, and her importance through art, music, and film is what touches us the most,” says AURORA. It shows us what it is that is worth saving, it stirs our natural instinct. Being a part of this incredible project, working with such wonderful people – has been an absolute honour. I can’t wait for the world to see the world through the eyes of herself. Captured with patience and respect, and made with love.”
An unforgettable night bringing the sounds of #FrozenPlanet2 to Royal Albert Hall with @AURORAmusic and the whole team.
— Hans Zimmer (@HansZimmer) August 28, 2022
Our work with Sir David Attenborough and the @BBC Natural History Unit is the most important work any of us have ever done. It’s not fiction— it is the truth. pic.twitter.com/9Bw2aAvcgI
When was the first Frozen Planet series?
The first Frozen Planet series aired in 2011, and focused on the natural history of the polar regions and the effects of climate change on these locations.
Main image: An Amur tiger walking through a snow-covered forest in Siberia. © Sergey Gorshkov