Making Life on Earth: Attenborough's Greatest Adventure
In 1976, David Attenborough embarked on the most ambitious television series he had ever attempted. This is the hair-raising story of how the first wildlife blockbuster was born.
In 1976, David Attenborough embarked on his most ambitious project ever, Life on Earth. No-one had ever attempted a natural history series on this scale before, and David’s reputation was on the line.
This is the remarkable story behind the BBC’s most famous wildlife blockbuster. A three-year, hair-raising odyssey around the world, travelling to 40 countries and filming over 600 species, including the famous mountain gorillas. First broadcast in 1979 and watched by 500 million people, it launched David Attenborough’s career as the most successful and influential wildlife film-maker of our time.
On TV
Clips
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The Life on Earth team venture to the Galápagos Islands
Duration: 01:46
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Attenborough’s allergy in the Grand Canyon
Duration: 02:32
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The one series that changed everything
Duration: 01:53
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The moment when Attenborough met the gorillas
Duration: 03:56
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Production Manager | Lisanne Marks |
| Executive Producer | Mike Davis |
| Producer | Victoria Bobin |
Broadcasts
- Sun 3 May 2026 20:00
- Mon 4 May 2026 23:00BBC One except Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland HD, Scotland, Scotland HD, Wales & 1 more
- Mon 4 May 2026 23:30BBC One Wales HD, Scotland, Wales & Scotland HD only
- Mon 4 May 2026 23:35BBC One Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD only
- Mon 15 Jun 2026 08:00
Featured in...
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In His Own Words
Attenborough on Attenborough
Attenborough at 100 Destination Page Hero
Hero pool for the Attenborough at 100 Destination Page - from 1st May
Wonderful Wildlife with Sir David Attenborough
Explore the world around you with natrual history from across the BBC ...
iPlayer BBC One Channel :: Featured Episodes
iPlayer BBC One Channel featured programmes
