Netflix's 'The Dinosaurs' Series Becomes Global Phenomenon with 10 Million Views
Within days of its release on Netflix, the nature documentary series The Dinosaurs achieved an impressive 10,000,000 views, praised for 'bringing a lost world back to life'. The show quickly became the most-watched TV series in over 70 countries, captivating audiences worldwide with its detailed portrayal of prehistoric life.
Massive Three-Year Production Effort
Creating this groundbreaking series was a monumental undertaking that spanned over three years and involved more than 700 people from 18 countries. The team included 58 scientific consultants to ensure accuracy and depth. Series director Nick Shoolingin-Jordan, who previously worked on the 2023 Netflix documentary Life on Our Planet, explained the opportunity to delve deeper into dinosaur lore.
'This was an opportunity to go into a lot more depth,' Shoolingin-Jordan told Metro. 'They are so popular and have stood the test of time. We wanted to tell their whole story.'
Executive Production and Narrative Scope
Executive produced by Steven Spielberg and narrated by Morgan Freeman, the four-part series charts the rise and fall of the dinosaurs. It explores where they came from, why they mattered, how they evolved, and how they met their ultimate fate. The research process uncovered 'brilliant' characters and stories that surprised the team.
'Once we started researching, the characters and stories we discovered weren't just surprising, they were brilliant,' Shoolingin-Jordan noted.
Diverse Range of Featured Dinosaurs
The series features a wide array of dinosaurs, from tiny proto-dinosaurs like Marasuchus to giants such as Plateosaurus and Mamenchisaurus. Armoured icons like Stegosaurus and Ankylosaurus face off against apex predators including Allosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex. Leviathans from Pliosaurus to Mosasaurus prowl the oceans, while Spinosaurus traverses both land and sea.
Early feathered fliers, such as Anchiornis and Longipteryx, highlight the evolutionary link to modern birds. The selection process focused on species with compelling stories, from underdogs to dominant dynasties.
Scientific Accuracy and Emotional Engagement
Showrunner Dan Tapster of Silverback Films and senior science researcher Dr. Tom Fletcher emphasized the series' commitment to accuracy. In a Reddit Ask Me Anything with r/Paleontology, Tapster explained the evidence used: fossilized behaviors, trace fossils, phylogenetic bracketing with birds and crocodilians, and decades of wildlife observation.
'We've spent much of our adult lives observing wild animals,' Tapster said. 'So we have a very strong intuition about what animals can and can't do.'
Shoolingin-Jordan added that each dinosaur came with a 'bible of information' to ensure credibility. The team aimed for both scientific accuracy and emotional compelling narratives, using cliffhangers to keep viewers engaged.
Accessibility and Audience Impact
The series was designed to be accessible to all ages, avoiding excessive gore to allow family viewing. Since its release, Shoolingin-Jordan has received positive feedback, including reflections on human tenure on Earth and conservation themes.
'It's made people think about our short tenure on Earth,' he said. 'That's quite nice.'
Perspective on Dinosaurs and Planetary History
Shoolingin-Jordan highlighted the importance of understanding dinosaurs for perspective on life's longevity and planetary changes. 'The mind boggles almost,' he remarked. 'They are almost mythical creatures, but they actually lived. That's why they capture people's attention.'
The Dinosaurs is now streaming on Netflix, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment that resonates globally.
