It turns out this prehistoric show hasn’t gone the way of the Dodo as after 25 years, Walking With Dinosaurs is returning.
The iconic BBC show will arrive on screens next year as a brand new six-part series that takes viewers back in time to explore the extinct giants.
Originally airing in 1999, the reimagined programme will ‘tell the dramatic story of an individual dinosaur’ in each episode, according to the BBC.
With so many dinos out there to choose from, Walking With Dinosaurs will focus on those whose ‘remains are currently being unearthed by the world’s leading dinosaur hunters.’
Just like the 90s version, animation and visual effects will be used to bring to life the creatures and create a drama around their lives based on scientific evidence.
This will include theSpinosaurus, which was the largest carnivorous dinosaur to ever walk the earth, reanimated and roaming the rivers of ancient Morocco.
Also included will be a youthful Triceratops battling a ravenous T. rex in North America and a lonely giant Lusotitan risking it all for love in Portugal.
BBC Studios will work with PBS, co-produced with ZDF and France Télévisions, to recreate the educational show which won two Baftas and three Emmy awards.
Walking With Dinosaurs was so popular it spawned a franchise, which included Walking with Beasts, Walking with Cavemen, Sea Monsters, and Walking with Monsters.
‘A whole new generation of viewers is about to fall in love with Walking With Dinosaurs,’ said Jack Bootle, BBC Head of Commissioning for Specialist Factual.
‘The original series was one of the most exciting factual shows of all time, and this reinvention builds on that amazing legacy. Each episode is underpinned by the very latest science but is also filled with drama – making this a series for both dino lovers and people who just want to be told a great story.’
Palaeontology is booming at the moment with around 50 new species identified every year, as extraordinary new details about dinosaur biology and behaviour are revealed.
Fans were absolutely thrilled to see the programme get picked up once more, as Rachel Charlton-Dailey said on X: ’10-year-old me is screaming (35-year-old me is also screaming).’
‘I am so excited for this,’ added user Keyfeathers. ‘Walking with dinosaurs was one of those shows I would watch on repeat forever. It really got me hooked on dinosaurs for good.’
Kirsty Wallace said: ‘Oh I loved this – can’t wait to meet the new dinos and all the new evidence of how Dinos looked. This is what the BBC is so good at.’
An emotional Philip shared: ‘I’m actually close to tears walking with dinosaurs means so much to me. I’m thrilled a new generation will be able to sit in wonder in front of their screens and be educated and awed like I was.’
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Sylvia Bugg, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager for General Audience Programming, added: ‘Our human fascination with dinosaurs has remained steadfast, and we are excited to bring PBS audiences this reimagined perspective on these dynamic creatures, combining engaging narratives, backed by the latest science.
‘As production on this series is in early stages, we look forward to sharing more over the coming year through first-look previews and educational resources, giving audiences a deeper understanding of the dinosaurs’ existence.’
‘There is no bigger science series than Walking with Dinosaurs and we are incredibly excited to be bringing this much-loved brand to a whole new generation of audiences around the world,’ shared Andrew Cohen, Head of BBC Studios Science Unit.
‘It’s the ultimate dinosaur show, where you’ll be hiding behind the sofa one moment and having your mind blown the next. The prehistoric world meets premium documentary production, like never before.’
This piece was originally published on June 4, 2024.
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The original series of Walking With Dinosaurs is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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