The Planets (2019 TV series)

The Planets (2019 TV series). This five-part documentary series, co-produced by BBC Studios and PBS, offers a comprehensive visual history of the Solar System. Narrated by actor Zachary Quinto, the program combines cinematic visual effects with data from historic and contemporary NASA missions to explore the formation and evolution of our planetary neighborhood. It originally aired on BBC America in the United States and was later broadcast as part of the PBS series Nova.

Overview

The series employs a narrative structure that blends planetary science with dramatic storytelling, chronicling billions of years of cosmic history. Each episode focuses on a distinct theme, such as the violent formation of the inner planets or the enigmatic nature of the gas giants, utilizing extensive computer-generated imagery to visualize scientific concepts. The production draws heavily on discoveries from missions like the Voyager program, the Cassini–Huygens spacecraft, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Scientific insights are provided by prominent figures including Michelle Thaller of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and planetary scientist Sarah Stewart.

Episodes

The first episode, "A Moment in the Sun – The Terrestrial Planets," examines the formation of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, highlighting their divergent evolutionary paths. The second installment, "The Two Sisters – Earth & Mars," provides a comparative study of the geological and climatic histories of Earth and its red neighbor. "The Godfather: Jupiter" explores the profound influence of the gas giant Jupiter on the architecture of the Solar System. "Life Beyond the Sun: Saturn" delves into the mysteries of the ringed planet and its potentially habitable moons, such as Enceladus. The final episode, "Into the Darkness: The Ice Worlds," journeys to the outer Solar System to investigate Uranus, Neptune, and the Kuiper belt.

Production

The series was produced by BBC Studios' Science Unit, with executive producers including Andrew Cohen. The visual effects were created by the London-based studio Luna FX, which developed new techniques to accurately depict planetary surfaces and cosmic events based on scientific data. Filming involved location shoots in extreme environments on Earth, such as Iceland and Death Valley, to serve as analogues for alien landscapes. The score was composed by Anne Nikitin, and the project was made with the cooperation of institutions like the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the European Space Agency.

Reception

Critical reception was generally positive, with praise directed at its visual grandeur and accessible presentation of complex science. Reviewers from publications like The New York Times and The Guardian highlighted the series' impressive CGI and compelling narrative arc. It was noted for effectively weaving together historical mission footage, such as from the Viking program, with modern cinematic recreations. The series was also commended for its focus on the latest research, including findings from the New Horizons flyby of Pluto and the Juno mission to Jupiter.

Home media release

Following its television broadcast, the series was released on DVD and Blu-ray in various regions by distributors including BBC Worldwide and PBS Distribution. It also became available for digital purchase and streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and the BBC iPlayer. The home media versions typically include supplemental features such as behind-the-scenes segments on the visual effects production and extended interviews with scientists from the California Institute of Technology and the University of Arizona.

Category:2019 American television series debuts Category:BBC America original programming Category:PBS original programming Category:American documentary television series