BBC Announces Major Programming Blitz for Sir David Attenborough's Centenary
The BBC has revealed ambitious plans to celebrate the monumental 100th birthday of national treasure Sir David Attenborough with a television extravaganza worthy of his legendary status. The broadcaster confirmed it will launch not one, not two, but three brand-new television shows to mark what it describes as Sir Attenborough's "extraordinary milestone" on May 8, 2026.
A Week-Long Celebration of a Broadcasting Icon
The centenary festivities will encompass an entire week of special programming across BBC platforms, blending fresh content with beloved classics from the presenter's unparalleled archive. This comprehensive tribute aims to honor Sir David Attenborough's lifetime of contributions to natural history broadcasting and public understanding of the planet.
Three New Programmes Unveiled
The cornerstone of the celebration is the trio of new television productions featuring Sir Attenborough:
- Making Life on Earth: Attenborough's Greatest Adventure – This behind-the-scenes special revisits the landmark 1979 series Life on Earth, which involved filming 600 species across 40 countries. The programme includes new interviews with Sir Attenborough and the original production team, reflecting on challenges including being shot at, navigating a coup in the Comoros, and the presenter's iconic encounter with gorillas in Rwanda.
- Secret Garden – A five-part series where Sir Attenborough explores the hidden ecosystems within British gardens, revealing the rich biodiversity in ordinary backyards while discussing practical steps the public can take to support struggling species.
- David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth – A live event broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra and special guests, creating a multimedia celebration of the broadcaster's century of life and work.
Classic Content and Digital Archives
Throughout the celebratory week, the BBC will intersperse the new programming with "greatest hits" from Sir Attenborough's catalogue, including special episodes from Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II. Additionally, BBC iPlayer will host a dedicated collection of 40 of his most beloved programmes, ensuring fans have extensive access to his groundbreaking work.
BBC Executive Praise for Attenborough's Legacy
Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning for Specialist Factual at the BBC, emphasized the significance of the celebration in an official statement: "It's impossible to overstate what Sir David Attenborough has given us. His programmes have not only defined science and natural history broadcasting, but they have also changed how we see our planet and our place within it."
Bootle continued: "This special week is a celebration of an extraordinary milestone and of a body of work that continues to inspire awe, curiosity and care for the natural world. It's also a moment for all of us at the BBC to say thank you to David – for his generosity, for his brilliance and for a lifetime spent bringing the wonders of nature into our homes."
The BBC's comprehensive tribute promises to deliver a veritable feast for Sir David Attenborough's global audience, combining nostalgia with new insights as it honors one of broadcasting's most influential figures.
