--- title: "Planet Earth II: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/planet-earth-ii/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/planet-earth-ii" critics_score: 87 critics_reviews: 10 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Planet Earth II (2016): what the critics said Critics' score 87 from 10 reviews: 10 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative. The reviews are unanimous in their approval, and they praise the same things. Nearly every critic singles out the photography: the Ultra HD footage, the aerial and drone work, and the closeness the new cameras allow. The chase of marine iguana hatchlings by racer snakes is mentioned more often than any other sequence, usually as the moment a nature programme turns into a thriller. Attenborough’s narration and Hans Zimmer’s score are credited with shaping the footage into drama, and the Cities episode draws particular attention for its treatment of animals living alongside people. The reservations are few and mild. The Times suggests the series plays favourites among its species. Paste sees the hand of the editors more clearly than most, calling the drama constructed around the footage, and Vulture finds the treatment of climate change understated. Nobody dissents on the pictures. The spread runs from four stars to five, which is about as narrow as a consensus gets. ## The Telegraph Rating 5/5. 7 November 2016. The review calls the opener one of the most stunning natural history films seen, praising the vivid Ultra HD footage and standout sequences like the sloth and iguana hatchlings evading snakes. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/11/07/planet-earth-ii-was-beautiful-cute-and-terrifying--review/) ## IndieWire — Ben Travers Rating A. 18 February 2017. The critic views the series as an ideal revival that unites viewers through awe at nature and subtle nods to environmental change, standing out from nostalgic reboots like Fuller House. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/2017/02/planet-earth-2-review-ii-bbc-revival-documentary-1201784486/) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Tim Goodman Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 17 February 2017. The review deems the series a stunning, sublime visual accomplishment and must-watch television that mesmerizes with Ultra-HD intimacy and aerial photography. It singles out the breathtaking footage across episodes like the Langur monkey rooftop battle in 'Cities' and the making-of insights into the filming risks. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/planet-earth-ii-977215/) ## Variety — Sonia Saraiya Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 17 February 2017. The review calls the series masterful and indispensable, an exquisitely rendered love letter to the natural world that surpasses the original with advanced visuals and a Hans Zimmer score. It singles out the 'Cities' episode for its humane optimism amid warnings about biodiversity loss. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2017/tv/reviews/planet-earth-ii-david-attenborough-bbc-america-1201990587/) ## Vulture Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 20 February 2017. The critic highlights the series' masterful use of scale in storytelling and cinematography to connect individual animal struggles with broader ecosystems and human impact, calling it visually stunning and emotionally resonant though understated on climate issues. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/2017/02/planet-earth-ii-review.html) ## The Guardian Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 7 November 2016. The critic highlights the series' breathtaking new filming techniques and ultra-high-definition views of wildlife, singling out the tense chase of marine iguana hatchlings by racer snakes as a terrifying standout sequence. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/nov/06/planet-earth-ii-review-david-attenboroughs-rollercoaster-tour-of-the-worlds-wildlife-returns) ## The i Paper — Jeff Robson Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 6 November 2016. The review praises the lavish production values and stunning island-focused imagery of the UK premiere as an essential viewing experience. It singles out Attenborough's avuncular narration for turning the footage into compelling drama, highlighting the poignant red crab migration sequence threatened by invasive ants. [Read the review](https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/tv-royalty-returns-sex-death-planet-earth-hd-29849) ## The Times — Andrew Billen Rating ★★★★☆. 7 November 2016. The critic notes the series returns as resplendent as ever with improved photography but suggests some species favouritism, while lauding the overall spectacle and Attenborough's presentation. [Read the review](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/tv-review-planet-earth-ii-poldark-wfp08m70z) ## The Ringer — Alison Herman Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 21 February 2017. The series is the best reality show of the year thanks to its undeniable craftsmanship and stunning visuals. The critic singles out its expert use of new technology like drones along with David Attenborough's narration and Hans Zimmer's score for making nature footage feel like pulpy entertainment. [Read the review](https://www.theringer.com/2017/02/21/tv/planet-earth-bbc-reality-show-playbook-7bb41440cb0c) ## Paste — Matt Brennan Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 17 February 2017. The critic views Planet Earth II as a ravishing but man-made dispatch from a disappearing world, constructed with dramatic flair around remarkable footage like the iguana-snake chase. They praise its magisterial treatment of resilient ecosystems while noting the human touch in its presentation and the broader context of environmental loss. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/planet-earth-ii/planet-earth-returns-a-dispatch-from-a-disappearin) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/planet-earth-ii.md