Dynasties (2018)
David Attenborough narrates this landmark BBC wildlife documentary following endangered animal families in their raw, unscripted struggle for survival.
Dynasties - Series Information
- Original Title: Dynasties
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 9
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: November 11, 2018 (United States - TV-PG), November 11, 2018 (Canada - PG), November 11, 2018 (United Kingdom - PG), November 11, 2018 (Germany - 0), November 11, 2018 (France - 12), November 11, 2018 (India - U), November 11, 2018 (Australia - PG), November 11, 2018 (Mexico - AA)
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: BBC 王朝 (CN), Dinastías (MX), Planet Earth: Dynasties (US), ДИНАСТИИ (RU), Wilde Dynastien (DE), Thế Hệ Tương Lai (VN), Dynasties: The Greatest of Their Kind (UK), Världens natur (SE)
- Production Companies: BBC America, France Télévisions, Tencent Penguin Pictures, BBC Studios Natural History Unit, bilibili, China Central Television 中央电视台 (CCTV)
- Production Countries: China, France, United Kingdom, United States of America
Dynasties - Plot
Follow the true stories of five of the world's most celebrated, yet endangered animals; penguins, chimpanzees, lions, painted wolves and tigers. Each in a heroic struggle against rivals and against the forces of nature, these families fight for their own survival and for the future of their dynasties.
Dynasties - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the drama of the wild unfold:
The greatest of their kind.
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Dynasties - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- David Attenborough
Executive Producers
- Mike Gunton
Dynasties - FAQs
Are the animal stories in Dynasties real?
Every story in Dynasties is completely real. Camera crews spent months — sometimes years — embedded with specific animal families, capturing genuine drama as it unfolded. No events were staged or recreated. The result is an intimate, unscripted portrait of survival that feels more gripping than any scripted wildlife drama.
Is Dynasties worth watching for families?
Dynasties is outstanding family viewing, rated TV-PG and narrated with warmth and authority by David Attenborough. It balances breathtaking cinematography with emotionally resonant storytelling. Some episodes contain intense moments of predation or hardship, but these are handled with sensitivity, making the series both educational and deeply moving for all ages.
Which animals are featured in Dynasties?
The first season profiles five iconic endangered species: chimpanzees, lions, painted wolves, penguins, and tigers. Each episode focuses on a single animal family navigating survival challenges. The second season, Dynasties II, expands the roster with four additional species, continuing the series' signature intimate, character-driven approach to wildlife filmmaking.
Where can you stream Dynasties?
Dynasties is available to stream on HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, YouTube TV, and Discovery+. If you prefer to own it, episodes can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Did Dynasties win any awards?
Dynasties earned widespread critical acclaim and picked up several prestigious honours, including BAFTA nominations and wins at the Royal Television Society Awards. The series was particularly praised for its cinematography and intimate storytelling, with the chimpanzee episode frequently cited as one of the finest pieces of wildlife television ever produced.
How was Dynasties received by critics?
Critics were overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with reviewers praising Dynasties as a landmark in natural history television. The series earned near-universal acclaim for its emotionally immersive storytelling, stunning camerawork, and Attenborough's narration. Many critics ranked it among the greatest wildlife documentaries ever made, comparing it favourably to Planet Earth and Blue Planet II.
Who narrates Dynasties and who produced it?
Dynasties is narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, whose voice has defined natural history television for decades. The series was produced by the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, with Mike Gunton serving as executive producer. It aired on BBC One and was co-produced with partners including BBC America and France Télévisions.
What shows are similar to Dynasties?
If Dynasties captivated you, explore Planet Earth (2006) and Our Planet (2019) for similarly epic wildlife scope, or Seven Worlds, One Planet (2019) for another Attenborough-narrated gem. For intimate animal family storytelling, Animal (2021) and Great Migrations (2010) offer comparable emotional depth and stunning natural history cinematography.
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