After the sugar highs of Christmas and the murderous drama of Boxing Day, Channel 5 offers a different kind of escapism: a descent into the inky depths of the ocean. “Monsters of the Deep: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” a new two-part documentary series, explores the world of deep-sea predators with the help of some seriously impressive CGI. Forget Rudolph and Frosty; these are the real monsters.
The premiere episode uses cutting-edge technology to reveal the bizarre and often terrifying creatures lurking in the abyss. We’ll get up close and personal with the anglerfish, whose bioluminescent spine acts as a lure for unsuspecting prey, and learn the secrets of the stoplight loose-jaw, a fish whose name alone suggests a bad time. Biologist Jennifer Hoyal Cuthill will introduce us to the thalassotitan, a prehistoric predator that made the unlikely transition from land to sea, while adventurer Steve Backshall will, one assumes, do something daring and potentially ill-advised involving these creatures.
The series will also feature the dunkleosteus, a giant prehistoric fish that sounds like it was named by a committee of paleontologists trying to outdo each other with syllables. There’s even a mechanical bite force test, because apparently, simply seeing this behemoth isn’t enough. We need quantifiable data on just how badly it could crush our bones. So, if you’re looking for a post-holiday escape that’s both educational and slightly terrifying, “Monsters of the Deep” may be just what the doctor ordered. Just don’t blame us if you start having nightmares about giant fish with glowing spines and loose jaws.
Monsters of the Deep: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea premieres Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 8:00 pm on Channel 5.
