Planet Earth II producers defend brutal snow leopard 'rape' scene, saying they must compete with Game of Thrones

The producers of Planet Earth II have defended the program against accusations its scenes are too brutal, saying they must compete with television rivals like Game of Thrones.

The program, hosted by Sir David Attenborough, has been criticized by horrified viewers for what some called a "rape" scene between copulating snow leopards, as well as high-jeopardy snake chases.

But producers have said they must give modern viewers an "emotional journey" during their natural history show as they square up against blockbusters dramas for attention.

Chadden Hunter told ITV's This Morning: “We take the viewers on an emotional journey.

"These days a series like Planet Earth II, we are trying to compete with things like Game of Thrones and trying to give the viewer a very emotional journey.

"But we have comedy in there, courtship, romance - the first ever footage of snow leopards mating was an incredible thing to film.

"And so we don’t shy away from taking viewers on that journey, we want you to have that experience of nature.”

Its debut episode has become the most-watched natural history documentary in more than 15 years, racking up 12.26 million views and absorbing 40.9 per cent of the television viewing public.

It has employed Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer to help heighten the drama, with the very latest in camera technology to secure never-before-seen footage of animals in the natural world.