TCA 2019: BBC America Sets 'Planet Earth,' 'Frozen Planet' Extensions

BBC America will produce sequels for two of its successful nature-themed franchises, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.

The eight-episode Planet Earth III, set to air in 2022, will feature new technology -- including robotic cameras, stabilized rigs and deep submersibles -- to take viewers from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans, from the darkest caves to the hottest deserts, according to the network.

In Frozen Planet II, the six-part series will continue to explore snowy forests and frozen Arctic oceans around the world and the animals that live there, the network said.

“One of the things we’re most proud of at BBC America is that we’ve established the network as the U.S. destination for the very best nature programming on the planet, from the BBC’s award-winning natural history unit,” said Sarah Barnett, President, Entertainment Networks, for AMC Networks in a statement. “We are delighted to renew our successful partnership with BBC Studios, and to continue to co-produce these groundbreaking series. To bring together audiences for this kind of transcendent event television is a true privilege, we couldn’t be happier to continue to do this for the next five years.” 

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.