Documentary1999BBC Two

The Best Episodes of The Planets

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

Best episode
S1E3 Giants
8.477 votes
Worst episode
S1E7 Life
7.764 votes
Top season
Season 1
8.0avg
Binge time
6h 24m
8 episodes

Seasons1

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    The Planets Season 1 Episode 3 - Giants
    8.4/10(77 votes)
    S1:E3

    They are the heavyweights of the planetary line up. There are unimaginable vast orbs of seething gas and brilliant could bands that contain virtually no landscapes. Now, take a closer look at these planetary behemoths.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. The Planets Season 1 Episode 4 - Moon
    8.2/10(66 votes)
    S1:E4

    While a number of planets are accompanied by moons of all sizes and compositions, only the Earth boasts such a comparatively huge "companion world." What forces could have resulted in this planetary odd couple? Join the search for the answer to one of the solar system's most baffling mysteries, from Cold Warrior scientists racing to be first on the moon, to current theories and remarkable computer-generated visions of the moon's explosive creation.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. The Planets Season 1 Episode 6 - Atmosphere
    8.1/10(65 votes)
    S1:E6

    Atmospheres make weather. This can result in alien weather reports that seem as if they're right our of a science program: torrential sulphuric rain and metallic snow on Venus, global dust storms raging across Mars and centuries-long, Earth-sized cyclones circling Jupiter. It's an eye-opening exploration of other worldly weather that reveals the surprising variety and force of atmospheric activity throughout the solar system.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. The Planets Season 1 Episode 5 - Star
    8.0/10(60 votes)
    S1:E5

    To primitive peoples, the Sun was synonymous with God - the ultimate source of life-giving warmth and light. Now, step aboard with the Skylab space station to probe the turbulent heart of our local power source. Plunge into the centre of the Sun to witness the reactions driving its primordial atomic pulse. And observe the spectacle of massive solar flares capable of engulfing entire planets - including our own.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. The Planets Season 1 Episode 2 - Terra Firma
    8.0/10(74 votes)
    S1:E2

    Relive the thrill of first glimpses of otherworldly terrain as you join the early quest to discover the true nature of our planetary neighbours. Pierce the toxic clouds of Venus to map ancient lava flows the size of continents. Visit a Martian volcano taller than Mount Everest and head even further out into the planetary system in search of clues to the "living" geological forces at work in the most unlikely cosmic corners.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. The Planets Season 1 Episode 8 - Destiny
    7.9/10(67 votes)
    S1:E8

    What is the long-term fate of the planets in our solar system? Voyage to a future billions of years in the distance. Explore the Sun's expansion as it engulfs its planetary progeny in the final, fiery act of its billion-year long dilemma.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Planets

    READ
  8. The Planets Season 1 Episode 1 - Different Worlds
    7.8/10(82 votes)
    S1:E1

    Travel back in time and space to witness the awesome forces that gave birth to the Sun and the far-flung family of planets that orbit it. From the rocky, superheated surface of Mercury, to the storm-wracked atmosphere of gigantic Jupiter and the distant mysteries of Pluto, this is a richly detailed introduction to the creation, composition and alien landscapes of The Planets.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. The Planets Season 1 Episode 7 - Life
    7.7/10(64 votes)
    S1:E7

    From the startling Copernican revelation that the Earth was not the centre of the Universe, humanity has wondered if life is unique to our world. But how likely is it that the Earth is the only reservoir of life in the vastness of space? Come along for the ride as early planetary researches learn that conditions on our neighbouring planets may be too hostile to support life and discover how recent findings hint there may be alien life "hiding out" in places we've overlooked.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Giants" is the best rated episode of The Planets. It scored 8.4/10 from 77 votes. Written and directed by Unknown, it aired on May 13, 1999. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "Moon".

Keep going

Browse The Planets by season

If you like The Planets