Walking With Dinosaurs viewers devastated as major change has ‘ruined’ beloved show
Fans are feeling nostalgic for the wrong reasons.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Up Next
Previous Page Next PageA reboot of iconic BBC series Walking With Dinosaurs returned to screens tonight, 26 years after its very first episode aired.
The first of six hotly-anticipated brand new episodes followed the journey of three-month-old Triceratops Clover as she attempted to survive a harsh environment, pursued by a ravenous T-Rex.
During her voyage, the orphan dinosaur also meets a young Edmontosaurus playmate with whom she forms a quick bond… before disaster strikes.
Stepping in for original narrator Sir Kenneth Branagh, the rebooted Walking With Dinosaurs is voiced by The Crown star Bertie Carvel, who is along with Clover for every step of her perilous jaunt.
But Bertie isn’t the only human on the series’ roster – it has now been updated to include segments in the present day, where experts examine fossilised dinosaur poo and dust off Clover’s real-life bones.
This format change has proved controversial among purists, who have hit back, saying that the show has now been ‘ruined.’
Walking With Dinosaurs is back… but fans aren’t happy with its updated format (Picture: BBC) The first episode follows baby dinosaur Clover (Picture: BBC)Writing on X as the first episode aired, fans shared their thoughts on the all-new Walking With Dinosaurs.
‘The constant switching between the past and future ruins this for me. The original Walking with Dinosaurs never did this and was part of the reason why it was so successful,’ wrote @AmyTeamLH, signing off: ‘We want dinosaurs, not people.’
@miss_laura_82 agreed, saying: ‘Prefer the original version with dinosaurs not all this cutting to modern day digs. Just make a Jurassic time team for that and let us see the dinosaurs.’
‘Are they going to interject the experts talking about dinosaurs with the Dinosaur reenactments? If they are going to do this all season, then sorry, I’m out!’, said @RealEnli.
‘Honestly what have they done to walking with dinosaurs??? Why are there humans? Why are we looking at people using drones?? I’ve barely seen any dinosaurs and its only ep 1,’ bemoaned @Darklordofall23.
The new series will run for six episodes (Picture: BBC)Future episodes will travel to prehistoric Morocco, where a giant Spinosaurus – the largest dinosaur to ever roam the Earth – stalks the local rivers.
And, in the present day, a dig team makes a series of discoveries about a tribe of Albertosaurus, while, in the past, a young female hunter attempts to prove herself to her tribe.
Meanwhile, in Portugal, an old Lusotitan attempts to secure his bloodline by looking for love, facing off with a young rival as he meets his mate.
In the present day, palaeontologists uncover clues to the past (Picture: BBC)Of the new series, the BBC head of commission said: ‘A whole new generation of viewers is about to fall in love with Walking With Dinosaurs.
‘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.’
The beloved BBC show first aired in 1999 (Picture: BBC) Comment nowDid you tune in to the new Walking With Dinosaurs?Comment NowFirst airing in 1999, the series’ original iteration was watched by 15million viewers in the UK – making it one of the most-watched science programmes on British TV in the 20th century.
Utilising the then-groundbreaking technology, it cost an eye-watering £6.1million to produce – equating to £37,654 per minute, and making it the most expensive documentary series ever made.
Walking With Dinosaurs airs on Sundays at 6:25pm on BBC One with all episodes available for streaming on iPlayer now.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
