BBC Celebrations For Sir David Attenborough's 100th Birthday
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Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday will be celebrated with three special programmes, the BBC has announced.
For more than 70 years, Sir David Attenborough has brought the wonders of our planet into living rooms around the globe. As he approaches his 100th birthday on 8 May 2026, the legendary biologist remains as influential as ever with no signs of slowing down. His signature narration style - calm, curious, and deeply reverent - has made him one of the most recognisable figures in documentary history.
Reaching the age of 100 is remarkable, yet Attenborough’s influence extends far beyond the species he has documented. He has inspired scientists, filmmakers, and environmental advocates, alongside everyday people, to be curious about the amazing world surrounding us and to share it with others.
The BBC will mark Sir David's "extraordinary milestone" with a week of special programming featuring new and old shows by the beloved presenter. One of the new programmes, titled Making Life on Earth: Attenborough's Greatest Adventure, will go behind the scenes of his landmark BBC One series. Life on Earth was first broadcast in 1979 - when he was just plain David Attenborough - as he travelled to 40 countries to film 600 species. The new programme will feature new interviews of the wildlife broadcaster and the original production team as they reflect on the making of the series.
Sir David (who famously has more letters after his name than in it) will also appear in a new series, Secret Garden, in which he will reveal the hidden worlds within Britain's gardens. Over five episodes, the series will capture the rich diversity of life in back gardens while also reflecting on how the public can do their bit to save struggling species. The series reflects a theme that has defined his later work: hope rooted in action.
And, of course, there will be a celebratory party. The presenter will attend David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth, a live event from the Royal Albert Hall featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra and special guests.
The week will also revisit episodes from Sir David's most-loved series including Planet Earth, One Planet, Blue Planet, Frozen Planet, Planet Earth and his most recent special Wild London.