Critics and fans laud David Attenborough, 100, as Blue Planet III makes its spectacular return after nine years

Sir David Attenborough, who reached the age of 100 earlier this year, has returned to narrate Blue Planet III, drawing five-star reviews from critics and widespread praise from viewers following its premiere. Critics described the return as "spectacular," with one reviewer awarding full marks and writing that every time Attenborough has shown us the world's wonders, he presents "even more we could never have imagined."

Four major outlets all delivered glowing verdicts, with reviewers describing Attenborough's narration as a "force of nature."

The new six-part series spans five major habitats — Tropical Seas, Open Ocean, Seasonal Seas, Polar Waters and The Deep — and closes with a final episode addressing what lies ahead for the world's oceans.

University of Southampton marine biologists Professor Jon Copley, Dr Ryan Reisinger and Professor Clive Trueman each advised on episodes, with Copley predicting the series will put ocean challenges "right in front of policymakers."