In 2026, Sir David Attenborough will turn 100. To celebrate, the BBC will air new shows like Wild London, Kingdom, The Green Planet II, Tiger Island, and Ocean in Concert. Attenborough’s work, from Zoo Quest to his most recent one, continues to inspire generations as the world’s most trusted natural historian.
David Attenborough’s Early Years
In 1926, David Attenborough was born in Leicester. He grew up on the grounds of Leicester University, where his father worked. He collected fossils and was curious about nature. His love of science got him a scholarship to Cambridge University, where he studied natural sciences. This was the first step on his path to a life dedicated to learning about and sharing the natural world.
David Attenborough’s First Steps in TV
Attenborough started working for the BBC as a production assistant in the 1950s. He had never seen a TV show before taking the job because it was a new medium. He got his big break when he unexpectedly stepped in front of the camera for Zoo Quest. His natural warmth, clarity, and conversational style made an instant connection with people.
By the middle of the 1960s, he was named Controller of BBC Two. This job let him combine his love of nature with his work in broadcasting.
How David Attenborough Changed the Way Natural History Films Are Made
David Attenborough’s documentaries changed the way people tell stories about animals over the course of more than seven decades. Life on Earth, Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, and Our Planet are all examples of natural history that have raised the bar.
He was open to new technology, like time-lapse filming, super slow motion, infrared cameras, and taking pictures underwater. By 2010, he could finally tell the story of the first animals on Earth, something he had wanted to do for decades.
David Attenborough and the Move to Protect the Environment
Early works praised discovery, but later documentaries showed how important it was. He went back to the Great Barrier Reef in a submersible at the age of 88 and said,
“The Great Barrier Reef is in grave danger… In a few decades, reefs will be gone. That would be a disaster for the whole world.”
In Ocean: With David Attenborough (2025), he thought about both oceans and death:
“When I was a young boy, I thought of the sea as a huge wilderness that people should learn to control and use. Now that I’m getting close to the end of my life, we know the opposite is true. The most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.”
Fans were worried he might give up, but instead he kept working on new projects. Toby Nowlan, the co-director, said that Ocean was “the best message he’s ever told.”
David Attenborough’s Awards and Honours
Attenborough is the only broadcaster to have won BAFTAs in all formats: black and white, colour, HD, 3D, and 4K. He has also won three Emmys, three Golden Globes, three Peabody Awards, three Critics’ Choice Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, and three TCA Awards.
He became a Knight in 1985 and was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 2022. He talked to President Obama at the White House and is a member of the Earthshot Pride Council, which promotes environmental innovation around the world.
Animals and plants named after David Attenborough
More than 50 species have been named after him. Some of the most interesting animals are Attenborough’s pitcher plant from the Philippines, a Peruvian frog, a Tasmanian snail, a Tanzanian killifish, Attenborough’s hawkweed from Wales, a South African lizard, a dragonfly from Madagascar, and even the fossil genus Attenborosaurus.
Scientists often called him a teacher. One dedication for the Inambari gnatcatcher said he was “a mentor to many generations of ornithologists,” which shows how much he influenced people all over the world.
David Attenborough and the New Media
The BBC said not long ago that it would bring Attenborough’s shows to TikTok, with short clips aimed at younger viewers. Tim Davie, the Director General of the BBC, said, “Who is very popular with young people?” Our 99-year-old natural history host is a legend they trust. This shows that he can connect with people of all ages while still being real.
READ MORE: BBC’s Kingdom – Attenborough’s Next Big Nature Adventure Revealed
New David Attenborough Projects Leading Up to His 100th Birthday Wild London
Attenborough’s most personal project, Wild London (1×60′, BBC One and iPlayer), will come out in 2026. He has lived in London for 75 years and knows about the city’s wildlife, like foxes in Tottenham, peregrines nesting at Parliament, and beavers near shopping malls.
- Tom Hugh-Jones is the executive producer.
- Gaby Bastyra is the producer.
- Tom Watt-Smith is the commissioning editor.
- Co-producer: The London Wildlife Trust
- BBC Studios sells things all over the world.
Tom Hugh-Jones said, “Wild London shows Attenborough magic at its best.” Katie Bowyer from the London Wildlife Trust said, “The wildlife in our city is in danger…” We can only make sure that nature thrives for future generations by protecting it today.
Kingdom
Kingdom (6×50′, BBC One, BBC America, AMC+) is a big show that was filmed over five years in Zambia. It follows leopards, lions, wild dogs, hyenas, elephants, hamerkops, and baboons in a fertile river valley.
- Mike Gunton is the executive producer.
- Felicity Lanchester is the series producer.
- Simon Blakeney is the series editor.
- Jack Bootle is in charge of commissioning.
- BBC Studios is in charge of global sales.
Felicity Lanchester said that Attenborough’s narration brought the series to life: “With his warmth, timing, and emotion, the series really came to life.”
Jack Bootle said, “No other broadcaster invests in natural history as consistently as this one. From David Attenborough exploring the wildlife of his own city to filmmakers risking it all to film tigers in Nepal.”
The Second Green Planet
The Green Planet II (5×60′, BBC One, PBS, Open University) builds on the groundbreaking work of the 2022 series by showing that plants are smart actors that can trick, cooperate, and adapt to stay alive.
- Mike Gunton and Holly Spearing are the executive producers.
- Scott Alexander is the series producer.
- Tom Watt-Smith is the commissioning editor.
- BBC Studios’ Global Sales
Island of the Tigers
Tiger Island (2×60′, BBC One and PBS) shows amazing footage of one of the highest concentrations of tigers in Nepal. Drone technology showed us hunts, parenting, and fights that had never been filmed before.
- Roger Webb is the BBC’s Executive Producer.
- Matthew Wright is the series producer.
- Helen Wallbank is the production manager.
- The PBS Team is made up of Fred Kaufman (EP), Bill Murphy (SP), and Janet Hess (SE).
- BBC Studios: Global Sales
Bearwalker
Bearwalker (1×75′, BBC Two) is about biologist Dr. Lynn Rogers, who lived with black bears in Minnesota. It also tells the story of his daughter Colleen’s emotional journey as Rogers faces weakness and the threat of hunters. She helps keep his legacy alive. The fact that he wants to see his favourite bear, Lily, one last time makes the movie even more sad.
- Producers: Merit Jensen Carr and David Allen
- Ted Oakes is the producer.
- Peter Lowns is the director.
- Tom Watt-Smith is the commissioning editor.
- BBC Studios’ Global Sales
Gordon Buchanan – Me and Wild Horses
Gordon Buchanan spends time with a group of wild horses in the Canadian Rockies, where he sees fighting stallions, young foals, and threats from predators and culling. Filming was risky: “A well-placed kick could kill.” Buchanan said of the experience, “They have grace, strength, and spirit in every step.”
- Wendy Rattray is the executive producer.
- Patrick Evans is the director and producer.
- Caroline McKirdy is the production manager.
- Tom Watt-Smith is the commissioning editor.
- BBC Studios: Global Sales
Ocean in Concert
Ocean: With David Attenborough will be a live concert at the Royal Festival Hall in February 2026. There will also be concerts in Bristol, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. As the movie plays, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and a vocal group will play Steven Price’s score live.
Bowie in Berlin
Bowie in Berlin (1×90′, BBC Two, iPlayer), which will also air in 2026, looks at David Bowie’s time in Berlin from 1976 to 1978.
- Louis Theroux and Mandy Chang are the executive producers.
- Francis Whately is the director.
- Commissioning: Jonathan Rothery (BBC Popular Music TV)
- Rachel Davies is the commissioning editor.
- Clare Shenstone, Romy Haag, Sarah-Rena Hine, and Sydney Rome were all important to Bowie’s creative process in Berlin.
A hundred years since David Attenborough was born
David Attenborough will be 100 years old in May 2026. The BBC will release Wild London, Kingdom, The Green Planet II, Tiger Island, and Ocean in Concert to celebrate the event. These projects show not only his legacy but also his continuing role as the voice of nature.
Conclusion – David Attenborough’s voice will always be there.
David Attenborough has changed how we see nature on screen, from Zoo Quest in the 1950s to Kingdom in 2026. Many scientists, filmmakers, and conservationists say that his work has had a huge impact on their careers.
He knows he will die, but his voice is still a source of trust and inspiration. David Attenborough, who is 100 years old, reminds us that protecting the planet is the most important thing we can do right now.
FAQ’S
What is David Attenborough’s most recent work?
The projects he has lined up for 2026 are Wild London, Kingdom, The Green Planet II, Tiger Island, Bearwalker, Gordon Buchanan: Wild Horses and Me, and Ocean in Concert.
What is David Attenborough’s age?
In May 2026, David Attenborough will turn 100 years old.
How many species have David Attenborough’s name on them?
More than 50 species, such as plants, reptiles, insects, and even fossils, have been named after him.
Has David Attenborough ever won a big award?
Yes, he has won BAFTAs for all types of broadcasting, three Emmys, Golden Globes, Peabody Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and TCA Awards.
Where can I find David Attenborough’s documentaries?
You can watch his documentaries on BBC One, iPlayer, PBS, Netflix, and other services like AMC+ and BBC America.
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