Natural World (1983)
The BBC's definitive natural history series — over four decades of extraordinary wildlife storytelling from around the globe.
Natural World - Series Information
- Original Title: Natural World
- First Air Year: 1983
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 39
- Number of Episodes: 543
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 30, 1983 (United States - TV-G), October 30, 1983 (Australia - G), October 30, 1983 (Brazil - 12), October 30, 1983 (Mexico - B), October 30, 1983 (Spain - 7)
- Networks: BBC Two
- Alternative Titles: Természetes világ (HU), BBC Natural World (UK), Přirozený svět (CZ), Naturens värld (SE)
- Production Companies: BBC Studios, BBC Studios Natural History Unit, BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, France
Natural World - Plot
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.
Natural World - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of the breathtaking wildlife filmmaking at the heart of this series.
Where to Watch Natural World
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Natural World - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- David Attenborough
- Barry Paine
- Juliet Stevenson
- Andrew Sachs
- John Hannah
- John Shrapnel
- Ian Holm
- Tim Pigott-Smith
- Colin Stafford-Johnson
- Jeremy Northam
Writers
- Brian Jackman
- David Attenborough
- Nicolas Noxon
- Anne MacLeod
- Rob Sullivan
Executive Producers
- Tim Martin
- Chris Cole
- Andrew Graham-Brown
- Sarah Cunliffe
Natural World - FAQs
Is Natural World still being made?
Natural World is listed as a returning series and remains in production. The series has aired continuously since 1983, making it the longest-running nature documentary on British television. New episodes continue to be produced and broadcast on BBC Two, with the most recent season airing in 2020.
Where can you stream Natural World online?
Natural World is available to stream on BritBox, BritBox via Apple TV Channel, and BBC Select via Apple TV Channel. It is also available on Pluto TV with ads. In the United States, many episodes air as PBS Nature episodes. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date regional availability.
How many episodes does Natural World have?
Natural World has 543 episodes spread across 39 seasons, plus a collection of specials. The series has aired annually on BBC Two since its debut on October 30, 1983, making it one of the most prolific nature documentary series in television history.
What is Natural World about?
Natural World is the BBC's flagship natural history documentary series, exploring wildlife, animals, and ecosystems from around the globe. Each episode focuses on a specific subject — a species, habitat, or environmental story — blending stunning cinematography with in-depth storytelling. It is produced by the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol.
Who narrates the Natural World series?
Natural World has featured a wide range of distinguished narrators over its decades on air, including David Attenborough, Juliet Stevenson, Ian Holm, John Hannah, Jeremy Northam, Tim Pigott-Smith, Stephen Fry, Ian McShane, Sean Pertwee, and Andrew Sachs, among others.
When did Natural World first air on television?
Natural World first aired on October 30, 1983, on BBC Two in the United Kingdom. It has since broadcast annually for nearly four decades, accumulating over 500 episodes and cementing its place as the longest-running nature documentary series on British television.
What is the content rating for Natural World?
Natural World carries a TV-PG content rating in the United States, indicating that some material may not be suitable for younger children without parental guidance. The series is rated G in Australia and received a TV-G rating for its US release, reflecting its generally family-friendly nature content.
Did Natural World win any major awards?
Natural World has received numerous accolades over its long run, including BAFTA nominations and wins across various categories. Individual episodes have earned recognition at wildlife film festivals worldwide, including the Wildscreen Festival in Bristol, which is considered the premier event for natural history filmmaking.
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