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The Best Episodes of Planet California

Every episode of Planet California ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Planet California!

Binge this in 1h 47m•Peaking at 7.7/10

A celebration of California’s wildlife and wild places, and their coexistence with the 40 million people who call it home. Famous for its beaches and Hollywood, California is also a wellspring of biodiversity. Bounded by

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Planet California Season 1 Episode 2 - Close Encounters
    7.7/10(11 votes)

    #1 - Close Encounters

    S1:E2

    From blue whales to kit foxes, spectacular images bring California's wildlife into sharp focus. Natural forces reshape the land, yet some species - like the bristlecone, one of the world's oldest organisms - persist, constantly adapting to a changing world. Still, in a space shared with 40 million people, is there room for all?

    Director:Rick Rosenthal
    Writer:Kate Youngdahl

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  2. Planet California Season 1 Episode 1 - Rivers of Gold
    7.6/10(12 votes)

    #2 - Rivers of Gold

    S1:E1

    California is a land of extremes - tallest, deepest, highest, hottest. It's home to the richest biodiversity in the Americas, from gray whales traveling the California Current to mountain lions in the Sierra Nevada and redwoods harvesting water from the air. In a rapidly changing and thirsty world, drought, dams and fire pose dire threats to an ecosystem connected by rivers on land, air and sea.

    Director:Rick Rosenthal
    Writer:Kate Youngdahl

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Best Episodes Summary

"Close Encounters" is the best rated episode of "Planet California". It scored 7.7/10 based on 11 votes. Directed by Rick Rosenthal and written by Kate Youngdahl, it aired on 6/29/2022. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Rivers of Gold".