Originally launched on October 30, 1983, on BBC Two, replaced the long-standing documentary series The World About Us . It quickly became the flagship brand for the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol and remains one of the longest-running wildlife documentary series in British television history, with nearly 500 episodes produced over four decades. The Legacy of 1983
: A broad exploration of nature's variety. Originally launched on October 30, 1983, on BBC
For over 40 years, the series has used its platform to showcase undiscovered animal behaviors and remote locations, often serving as a precursor to global hits like Planet Earth . Many episodes were later adapted for international audiences, airing on PBS Nature in the USA or the Discovery Channel . October 30, 1983 Network Format Typically one-off 59-minute films Total Episodes Nearly 500 Series End March 20, 2020 For over 40 years, the series has used
The series was designed to take an in-depth, cinematic look at specific natural history events or species. Unlike previous documentary styles that were often educational or lecture-based, Natural World focused on immersive storytelling and award-winning photography. For over 40 years
: Investigating the mechanics and instinct of avian travel.
: A study on the defensive mechanisms of various animals.