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.