David Attenborough shows how nature rebounded in the year Earth changed

Apple TV+ has a host of new nature shows just in time for Earth Day.

by Justin Choo

When COVID-19 first hit, pollution levels dropped significantly and we had a preview of what could be if we acted more responsibly. Some of these moments were documented in The Year Earth Changed, an original documentary special narrated by Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning broadcaster David Attenborough, set to premiere on April 16.

Along with the second seasons of the documentary series Tiny World and Earth At Night In Colour, the trio of programmes will be released in tandem to herald this year’s Earth Day.

The Year Earth Changed is a one-hour special produced by the BBC Studios Natural History Unit. The documentary is a showcase of how changes in human behaviour can have a profound impact on nature.

From hearing birdsong in deserted cities to witnessing whales communicating in new ways to encountering capybaras in South American suburbs, people all over the world have had the chance to engage with nature like never before.

Paul Rudd will forever be associated with all things tiny. Image: Apple

Paul Rudd will forever be associated with all things tiny. Image: Apple

The second season of Tiny World, narrated and executive produced by Paul Rudd, brings the spotlight onto the uniqueness of the planet’s smallest creatures. The six-part series features over 200 species filmed over 3,160 hours, promising spectacular cinematography of small creatures and their extraordinary feats of survival.

Captured on film for the first time are anemone shrimp, which clap to signal their intent as cleaners of predatory fish; the “biting” behaviour of fang blenny fish, filmed with phantom high-speed cameras; and Etruscan shrews, known to be the hungriest mammals on earth.

The wonder of nature in the dark. Image: Apple

The wonder of nature in the dark. Image: Apple

Earth At Night In Colour also returns with six new episodes narrated by Tom Hiddleston. The series presents the nocturnal wonders of nature through the magic of cutting-edge cameras and post-production techniques.

This includes elephants battling hyenas around starlit waterholes and kangaroos embracing under the cover of darkness to find a mate.

Both Tiny World and Earth At Night In Colour will be featured in a special Earth Day room on Apple TV+, which features a collection of related content with the message of preserving the planet.

Also included are the Cinema for Peace International Green Film Award-winning movie The Elephant Queen and Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, an animated short film based on the best-selling children’s book by Oliver Jeffers and narrated by Meryl Streep.