It has been 31 years since Jurassic Park roared onto the big screen, reinvigorating the public’s fascination with the extinct creatures. It’s also been 25 years since BBC‘s Walking with Dinosaurs dropped viewers right in on the nuanced lives of the prehistoric animals, and now, the network has announced a live-action return of the beloved program with a special twist.
Walking with Dinosaurs first premiered in 1999 as a six-part nature documentary produced in partnership between BBC Science Unit, the Discovery Channel and BBC Worldwide. It followed the traditional documentary formula to educate on the known practices of dinosaurs, narrated by Kenneth Branagh and Avery Brooks. Here is what fans can expect from the newest iteration of the beloved program.
‘Walking with Dinosaurs’ is returning with a new series after 25 years
In the new format of this familiar series, Walking with Dinosaurs will follow the story of one particular dinosaur each episode. That dinosaur will be one whose remains are being unearthed by experts in the field. The team will use the latest advancements in technology and research to outline just how each prehistoric creature lived countless years ago.
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Archeologists are able to determine some of what the dinosaurs had been through in life—and in the moments leading up to their demise.
Some of the cast of characters include a Lusotitan in pursuit of a mate in what is today Portugal, a T-Rex attempting to defeat a determined young Triceratops in North America, and a colossal Spinosaurus roaming what was ancient Morocco.
The prehistoric show solidified its place in history
I'm so excited to finally be able to talk about this – I've been the assistant producer, resident dino-nerd, and (inadvertently) the in-house paleoartist for Walking with Dinosaurs, releasing in 2025! 🦕🦖 pic.twitter.com/FYdBphqET8
— Jay (@KakapoJay) June 4, 2024
Following the momentum started by Jurassic Park, many were intrigued by just how much we know about our scaly, feathery predecessors—and the idea of being able to visualize their movements throughout the day the same way nature documentaries follow leopards, sharks, and the like.
Across the pond, Walking with Dinosaurs quickly became the most-watched science program in Britain. It won three Emmys and two BAFTAs. It also spawned some entries in entirely different mediums, including video games, a live theatrical show, and even a movie adaptation loosely based on the show.
BBC calls this 2025 return to Walking with Dinosaurs “an exciting reimagining of one of the BBC’s best loved factual shows.” The network promises that with this reimagining, “a whole new generation of viewers is about to fall in love with Walking With Dinosaurs.” Jack Bootle, BBC Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual added that each episode is “underpinned by the very latest science but is also filled with drama.”
“Our human fascination with dinosaurs has remained steadfast,” mused Sylvia Bugg, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming, “and we are excited to bring PBS audiences this reimagined perspective on these dynamic creatures, combining engaging narratives, backed by the latest science.”
Will you be walking with the dinosaurs next year?
