David Attenborough will present a five-part series by BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit that will be aired later this year. Tentatively titled Dynasty, the 60-minute episodes will follow “individual animals - lions, hunting dogs, chimpanzees, tigers, and emperor penguins - at the most critical period in their lives”, said a press release from the broadcaster. “Each is a ruler - a leader of their family, their troop, their pride - each determined to hold on to power and protect their family, their territory and their dynasty.”

The high-definition series has been co-produced with BBC America and France Télévisions. It has been under production for the past four years by the same team that created the acclaimed Life Story and Planet Earth II. “This is an intense portrayal of the lives of these animals as they unfold, day-by-day, hour-by-hour, where the tiniest incident may end up having a huge consequence on their future,” the press release added. “Their chances of success depend on their own strength of character, their choices and on luck. But these animals do not operate alone - their success or failure will also hinge on how they work with, or against, their own families.”

The series will be aired on BBC One.