# Life in Cold Blood (2008)

> David Attenborough narrates a five-part BBC survey of reptiles and amphibians, revealing their surprisingly dramatic and tender lives.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/1157

## Facts

- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 5
- Episode runtime: 58 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: documentary
- Network: BBC One
- Cast: David Attenborough
- TMDB rating: 9.0/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1181716/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: mild
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: none
- Tone: wondrous, gentle, awe inspiring, tender, curious

## Synopsis

Life in Cold Blood (2008) is a British nature documentary miniseries created for BBC One, presented by David Attenborough as narrator. Across five hour-long episodes, the series follows the reptiles and amphibians of the world, from snakes and lizards to turtles, frogs, toads, salamanders and newts, and shows how these animals hunt, mate, raise young and survive in their habitats. Rather than treating them as cold or alien, the programme builds its episodes around intimate field footage that reveals drama, color and surprising tenderness in creatures many viewers overlook. Attenborough's measured, warm voice carries each segment, explaining the behaviors on screen with curiosity and quiet awe. The tone is gentle and wondrous, with moments of suspense as predators stalk prey and animals contend with harsh climates. Each episode stands alone as a self-contained study, so the series works well as a family viewing choice or a relaxed introduction to natural history. Fans of Planet Earth, The Blue Planet and Dynasties will find the same blend of patient filmmaking, scientific storytelling and wildlife wonder that defines the BBC's landmark nature programming.

## Shows like Life in Cold Blood

- [Dynasties (2018)](https://ember.film/tv/70813)
- [The Green Planet (2022)](https://ember.film/tv/81293)
- [Frozen Planet (2011)](https://ember.film/tv/8082)
- [Parenthood (2025)](https://ember.film/tv/162609)
- [The Life of Birds (1998)](https://ember.film/tv/8859)
- [Life Story (2014)](https://ember.film/tv/55128)
- [Life (2009)](https://ember.film/tv/15741)
- [Attenborough's Life in Colour (2021)](https://ember.film/tv/99530)
- [Trials of Life (1990)](https://ember.film/tv/8857)
- [Our Planet (2019)](https://ember.film/tv/71512)

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