Life on Earth

The story of life, from the first primitive cells to the plants and animals that now live around us.

Life on Earth (1979) is a British natural history documentary series created by BBC Studios Natural History Unit for BBC Two, presented by David Attenborough, who narrates and guides every one of its thirteen episodes. Rather than following characters through a plot, the series builds its engine from patient explanation: it traces the story of life from the first primitive cells through the emergence of plants and animals that now populate the living world, showing how natural selection and ecology shaped each stage. Each episode unfolds as a careful, sequential journey through deep time, with field footage of creatures and landscapes laid over Attenborough's measured commentary. The shape is a single continuous survey rather than a case-of-the-week format, a one-season limited run of thirteen episodes that reads as a coherent argument across its length. The series carries a calm, reverent and quietly awed register, one that treats scientific discovery as wonder. It sits within the British natural history documentary tradition and will appeal to viewers who enjoy the work of Planet Earth and The Blue Planet, as well as anyone searching for an accessible, sweeping account of biology and evolution.

Acclaimed as a landmark natural history series, praised for its ambition, filming and Attenborough's narration.

• The Blue Planetshared documentary nature survey, sweeping natural history narration, wonder at evolution
• Planet Earthshared natural history format, presenter-led exploration of the natural world, scientific awe
• Cosmos: A Personal Voyageshared educational documentary tone, presenter-led scientific storytelling

Release Date

1979-01-16

Episode runtime

55 min

Rating

9.1 / 10 (50)

What is Life on Earth about?

David Attenborough guides viewers through the 1979 BBC natural history survey of life's journey from primitive cells to the living world.

What is Life on Earth like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Life on Earth as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Life on Earth violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Life on Earth.

What did critics think of Life on Earth?

Acclaimed as a landmark natural history series, praised for its ambition, filming and Attenborough's narration.

Which shows are like Life on Earth?

Shows with a similar feel include The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, and Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.

How long is Life on Earth?

Life on Earth: 1 season, 13 episodes.

Is Life on Earth still running?

No, Life on Earth has ended.

Where can I watch Life on Earth?

In United States, Life on Earth streams on fuboTV, Curiosity Stream, Britbox Apple TV channel, CuriosityStream Apple TV channel, BBC Select Apple Tv channel, CuriosityStream Amazon Channel.