Season
Episode
Player server
Natural World
19837
Documentary
Released
Oct 30, 1983
Country
United Kingdom
Productions
BBC StudiosBBC Studios Natural History UnitBBC
Natural World is a nature documentary television series broadcast annually on BBC Two and regarded by the BBC as its flagship natural history brand. It is currently the longest-running series in its genre on British television, with more than 400 episodes broadcast since its inception in 1983.
Natural World is produced by the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol, but individual programmes can be in-house productions, collaborative productions with other broadcasters or films made and distributed by independent production companies and purchased by the BBC. Natural World programmes are often broadcast as PBS Nature episodes in the USA. Since 2008, most Natural World programmes have been shot and broadcast in high definition.
About
Quick guide
Natural World is a long‑running BBC nature documentary series that explored global wildlife and ecosystems through in‑depth episodes.
Launched in 1983, Natural World became BBC Two’s flagship natural history strand, delivering over 500 episodes until its final broadcast in 2020. Each 50‑ to 60‑minute program offered a deep dive into a particular animal, habitat, or environmental story, often featuring the distinctive narration of David Attenborough and other naturalist voices. Produced by the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol, the series blended in‑house productions with collaborations and acquisitions, giving filmmakers wide latitude to craft narrative‑driven documentaries that ranged from intimate animal portraits to sweeping environmental overviews. Its flexible style and willingness to tackle unusual subjects helped it remain the longest‑running nature series on British television. The strand’s final episode aired on 20 March 2020, concluding a 37‑year run that set a benchmark for wildlife broadcasting.
What to know
- Aired on BBC Two from 30 Oct 1983 to 20 Mar 2020.
- Total of 493 episodes, each 50–60 minutes long.
- Produced by BBC Natural History Unit; half in‑house, half co‑produced.
- Episodes also broadcast in the USA as PBS Nature specials.
- David Attenborough narrated or presented about 50 episodes.
- High‑definition releases began in 2008 on BBC HD.
- Final episode aired in March 2020; no new series announced.
- Episodes cover a wide range of topics from animals to ecosystems.
Watch if
If you enjoy well‑researched, visually stunning natural history documentaries that combine science, storytelling, and high‑production values, Natural World offers a rich archive of diverse wildlife and environmental stories.
Skip if
If you prefer short, highly formatted documentaries or content with a heavy focus on human drama and conflict, this series may feel slow‑paced and less cinematic.
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Series Background
Natural World launched on 30 October 1983 as the successor to The World About Us. It quickly became BBC Two’s flagship natural history strand, with each episode offering an in‑depth look at a single theme, species, or ecological event. The series was designed to educate and entertain, leveraging the BBC’s growing colour television audience.
Production and Format
The BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol produced about half the series, while the rest came from collaborations with other broadcasters or independent producers. Episodes run 50‑ to 60 minutes, allowing filmmakers to explore subjects in detail. The production style is flexible, with a focus on narrative and scientific credibility.
Broadcast History
Aired on BBC Two and BBC Two HD, Natural World maintained a Sunday evening slot for many years. In 2008, it moved to high‑definition on BBC HD, and later simulcast on BBC Two HD. The strand ended its run on 20 March 2020, with no new series commissioned thereafter.
Notable Episodes
Iconic programmes include “Echo of the Elephants”, “Highgrove, A Prince’s Legacy”, and the “Vanishing Earth” mini‑series. The series is renowned for its breadth, covering everything from plankton to human‑impact stories, and for its use of cutting‑edge wildlife cinematography.
Awards and Recognition
Natural World earned multiple awards, including a 1999 Royal Television Society Best Documentary award and several Emmy nominations. Its episodes have won prizes at film festivals such as Jackson Hole and the International Wildlife Film Festival.
Availability Today
While the series is no longer producing new content, many episodes remain available on streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer (UK) and PBS.org (US). Some titles are also available for purchase on digital retailers such as Amazon Prime Video or iTunes.
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FAQ
25 Q&A
What is Natural World?
Natural World is a BBC documentary series that aired on BBC Two from 1983 to 2020. It explored global wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental issues through in‑depth, 50‑ to 60‑minute episodes.
When did Natural World first air?
The first episode, “Save the Panda,” aired on 30 October 1983. The strand ran annually until 20 March 2020.
How many episodes were produced?
A total of 493 episodes were made. The series produced around 10 new episodes a year in its later decades.
Was Natural World cancelled?
The series was not formally cancelled but has not produced new content since 2020. The final episode aired in March 2020.
Who narrated the series?
David Attenborough narrated or presented about 50 episodes, but many episodes were narrated by a range of naturalists and documentary voices.
What is the runtime of each episode?
Episodes typically run 50 to 60 minutes, allowing for detailed storytelling.
Where can I watch Natural World episodes?
In the UK, episodes are available on BBC iPlayer. In the US, many have aired as PBS Nature specials and can be found on PBS.org or other streaming services.
What is the difference between Natural World and PBS Nature?
PBS Nature is the U.S. brand that broadcasts many Natural World episodes. The two series share content, but Natural World is produced by the BBC while PBS Nature is a U.S. anthology.
Did the series feature David Attenborough throughout its run?
Attenborough narrated or presented about 50 episodes, mostly in the earlier and middle years. Later series featured other narrators.
What were some of the most acclaimed episodes?
Notable episodes include “Echo of the Elephants,” “Highgrove, A Prince’s Legacy,” “Vanishing Earth,” and the “Kingdom of the Ice Bear” mini‑series.
When did high‑definition broadcasts start?
High‑definition releases began in 2008 on BBC HD and later on BBC Two HD.
Is Natural World suitable for children?
The series is family‑friendly, with no strong language or violence. However, some episodes tackle complex environmental themes that may be better suited for older viewers.
What type of production team made Natural World?
About half the programmes were produced in‑house by the BBC Natural History Unit; the rest came from collaborations or acquisitions from independent producers.
Are there any spin‑off series from Natural World?
The strand succeeded The World About Us, and many Natural World episodes were also aired under the PBS Nature brand, but there are no direct spin‑offs.
How was the series funded?
The BBC Natural History Unit produced the series, with early funding supported by a partnership with U.S. broadcaster WNET, which helped co‑produce content for PBS.
What was the last episode about?
The final episode aired on 20 March 2020. It focused on environmental storytelling but does not follow a single species or event, instead summarising the series’ impact.
Can I rent or buy Natural World episodes?
Yes, many episodes are available for purchase on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.
Did Natural World win any awards?
The series received multiple awards, including a 1999 Royal Television Society Best Documentary award and several Emmy nominations.
What was the original name of Natural World?
It was originally titled The Natural World when it launched in 1983, later shortened to Natural World in 2001.
Does Natural World focus on a single theme per episode?
Each episode concentrates on one specific animal, event, or ecological topic, providing a deep, focused narrative.
Where was the series filmed?
Filming locations spanned the globe, from remote rainforests and oceans to urban wildlife habitats, reflecting the series’ global reach.
Was there a regular time slot for Natural World?
For many years, the show aired on Sunday evenings, becoming a staple of BBC Two’s schedule.
How did Natural World differ from other BBC nature series?
Unlike the Life series, Natural World allowed greater narrative flexibility, often blending scientific analysis with personal stories and unusual subjects.
What is the best way to start watching the series?
Begin with widely praised episodes such as “Echo of the Elephants” or “Highgrove, A Prince’s Legacy” to get a feel for the series’ style, then explore other titles based on your interests.
Are any episodes available on Netflix?
The series is not part of Netflix’s catalogue. Most episodes are found on BBC iPlayer or PBS.org.
