Human Planet (2011)
A landmark BBC documentary series revealing how people across the globe survive — and flourish — in Earth's most extreme and unforgiving environments.
Human Planet - Series Information
- Original Title: Human Planet
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2011
- Created by: Dale Templar, Brian Leith
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (55 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 13, 2011 (Spain - TP)
- Networks: BBC One
- Production Companies: France Télévisions
- Production Countries: France, United Kingdom, United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 人类星球 (CN), הכוכב האנושי (IL), Země lidí (CZ), Planet des Lebens (DE), İnsan Gezegeni (TR), BBC - 天下為家 (HK)
Human Planet - Plot
A cinematic experience bringing you the most amazing human stories in the world. Humans and wildlife surviving in the most extreme environments on Earth.
Human Planet - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the extraordinary world of Human Planet unfold:
Natural born survivors.
Where to Watch Human Planet
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Human Planet - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Dale Templar
- Brian Leith
Main Cast
- John Hurt
Human Planet - FAQs
What makes Human Planet different from other nature documentaries?
Unlike traditional wildlife documentaries, Human Planet places people at the centre of the natural world. Each episode focuses on a specific environment — jungle, ocean, desert, Arctic — and reveals how communities around the globe have developed extraordinary, often breathtaking strategies to survive and thrive in those conditions.
Is Human Planet worth watching in 2024?
Absolutely. Human Planet remains one of the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant documentary series the BBC has ever produced. Its cinematic photography and intimate human stories hold up remarkably well, and John Hurt's warm narration gives the whole series an enduring, almost timeless quality that continues to captivate new audiences.
Where can I watch Human Planet online?
Streaming availability for Human Planet varies by region. Your best option is to check JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date viewing options — including streaming, rental, and purchase — across all major platforms in your country, so you can find the most convenient way to watch.
Who narrates Human Planet and who created it?
The late Sir John Hurt lends his iconic voice to the narration, bringing warmth and gravitas to every episode. The series was created by Dale Templar and Brian Leith for BBC One, with France Télévisions among the co-producing partners, giving it an international scope that matches its global ambitions.
Was Human Planet involved in any controversy?
Yes. In 2018, the BBC launched an investigation after allegations emerged that several scenes in Human Planet had been staged or misrepresented — most notably a sequence depicting a Mongolian family building a home in extreme cold. The BBC acknowledged the scenes were misleading and issued a formal apology, a significant moment for documentary ethics.
How many episodes does Human Planet have?
Human Planet consists of 8 episodes across its single season, each dedicated to a distinct environment — including jungles, oceans, deserts, grasslands, mountains, rivers, Arctic regions, and cities. There are also 11 additional special episodes available, offering extended footage and behind-the-scenes content from the main production.
Did Human Planet win any awards or critical recognition?
Human Planet earned strong critical praise upon its 2011 release and was recognised at BAFTA and the Royal Television Society awards. Reviewers celebrated its breathtaking cinematography and its fresh perspective on the relationship between humanity and the natural world, cementing its place among the BBC's most celebrated factual productions.
What are similar documentaries to Human Planet?
If Human Planet captivated you, explore One Strange Rock, Our Planet, and Planet Earth for similarly stunning nature filmmaking. Night on Earth and Natural World offer more intimate wildlife perspectives, while Great Migrations and Prehistoric Planet take the cinematic documentary format in fascinating evolutionary and ecological directions.
More About Human Planet
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