Watch David Attenborough's Great Barrier Reef

David Attenborough's Great Barrier Reef is a breathtaking documentary series that explores the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Australia. The series stars David Attenborough, one of the world's most renowned naturalists, and was produced in collaboration with the Smithsonian Channel.

Over the course of three episodes, Attenborough provides an immersive look into the intricate ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef, showcasing its stunningly diverse marine life, unique coral formations, and hauntingly beautiful underwater landscapes. The series is shot with state-of-the-art cameras that allow viewers to experience the reef in vivid detail, bringing the wonders of this natural treasure to life.

The first episode, titled "Builders," explores the fascinating process by which the Great Barrier Reef was built by tiny organisms known as coral polyps. Attenborough showcases the incredible complexity of this process and provides an up-close look at the sheer variety of coral species that make up the reef. From massive brain corals to delicate tube corals, viewers get a first-hand look at the defining characteristics that make each species so unique.

The second episode, "Survivors," focuses on the mass bleaching event that occurred on the Great Barrier Reef in 2016. Attenborough provides an in-depth analysis of the causes behind this event and discusses the long-term consequences it will have on the reef's ecosystem. Additionally, he highlights the resilience of the creatures that call the reef home and showcases how they have adapted to environmental changes over time.

Finally, the third episode, "Visitors," explores the diverse range of animals that visit the Great Barrier Reef throughout the year. From whale sharks to humpback whales, Attenborough provides a window into the annual migration patterns of these animals and the impact they have on the reef's ecosystem. The episode culminates with a stunning display of bioluminescent creatures that light up the reef's depths at night, providing a spectacular end to the series.

Throughout the series, Attenborough provides insightful commentary on the challenges faced by the Great Barrier Reef and the importance of protecting this fragile ecosystem. He highlights the critical role that coral reefs play in sustaining life on this planet and the pressing need to reduce our impact on the environment in order to ensure their long-term survival.

Overall, David Attenborough's Great Barrier Reef is a visually stunning and deeply informative series that showcases the beauty and wonder of one of the world's most diverse natural treasures. Attenborough's passion for environmental conservation shines through in every episode, making this series a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the incredible complexity of our planet's ecosystems.

David Attenborough's Great Barrier Reef is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between December 30, 2015 and on Smithsonian