BBC fans in awe over ‘breathtaking’ first look at TV reboot 26 years later

The original series first premiered in 1999 (Picture: BBC)

Fans of a groundbreaking TV show that aired in the 1990s have been left utterly in awe by a first look at a reboot that’s coming 26 years later.

In 1999, the BBC released a six-part documentary series called Walking with Dinosaurs, which was originally narrated by Kenneth Brannagh.

Now a quarter of a century later, the programme is set to return with each episode telling ‘the dramatic story of an individual dinosaur’ in a stunning reimagining.

Ahead its launch this year, the broadcaster has unveiled a first look at what it will look like – and it’s safe to say, viewers have been left in awe.

Three new images show two different types of dinsoaurs – the albertosaurus, a relative of the T-Rex; and the pachyrhinosaurus, a relative of the plant-eating triceratops.

In one picture, a baby pachyrhinosaurus appears to be nuzzling with its mother in a scene that looks like it could’ve been taken from a Sir David Attenborough nature documentary.

We have a feeling we’re going to end up crying over dinosaurs (Picture: Lola Post Production/BBC Studios/PA Wire)

In another, three albertosaurus walk side-by-side, their cunning faces illuminated while surrounded by trees in a forest.

The third image shows a close-up of one of the dinosaur’s faces in incredible detail, right down to the glint in their eye and every last curve of their face.

‘They look amazing. 🦖,’ Antoine commented on X in response to the pictures.

‘Man they look so beautiful,’ Francesco remarked, while Venator added: ‘Oh Hell yes! Featuring Albertosaurus, my fav! ❤️.’

An X account called Frogboy Clips praised the programme for doing a ‘great job’ with the designs of the prehistoric creatures.

‘We’re so back baby,’ @Onlysaurus shared, while Blake also said: ‘It’s actually so breathtakingly beautiful.’

Viewers have been left astounded by the detail in the VFX images (Picture: Lola Post Production/BBC Studios/PA Wire)

This reboot has been a long time coming (Picture: Lola Post Production/BBC Studios/PA Wire)

It was confirmed that Walking with Dinosaurs would be returning in an announcement made last summer.

‘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.’

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.’

Walking With Dinosaurs will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2025.

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