Famous Documentaries

Format: [documentary name] [host name] [field] [synopsis] [network] [running dates] [number of seasons] [number of episodes]

Cosmos: A Personal Voyage
Carl Sagan
Science
Explores the universe and the scientific method in an accessible way.
PBS
28-09-1980-21-12-1980
1
13

Planet Earth
David Attenborough
Nature/Science
A detailed exploration of Earth's diverse natural environments and wildlife.
BBC
05-03-2006-10-07-2006
1
11

The Civil War
Ken Burns
History
A comprehensive documentary on the American Civil War, combining photos, music, and narration.
PBS
23-09-1990-15-11-1990
1
9

Blue Planet II
David Attenborough
Nature/Science
Examines the world's oceans and their extraordinary marine life.
BBC
29-10-2017-29-12-2017
1
7

The Story of Maths
Marcus du Sautoy
Mathematics
Traces the history of mathematics from ancient to modern times.
BBC
12-10-2008-16-11-2008
1
4

Civilisations
Simon Schama, Mary Beard, David Olusoga
History/Art
Explores the history of art and civilization across cultures and continents.
BBC
02-03-2018-01-04-2018
1
9

The Ascent of Man
Jacob Bronowski
Science
Charts the development of human society through scientific achievements.
BBC
01-01-1973-25-02-1973
1
13

Connections
James Burke
Science/History
Shows how historical events and inventions are interconnected.
BBC
04-09-1978-04-12-1978
1
10

Life on Earth
David Attenborough
Nature/Science
Documents the evolution of life and biodiversity across the planet.
BBC
16-02-1979-23-05-1979
1
13

The Civilisations of China
Michael Wood
History
Explores China's rich cultural and historical legacy.
BBC
09-01-1987-13-03-1987
1
6

Nature
Various Hosts
Nature/Science
Covers global wildlife and environmental topics over decades.
PBS
10-10-1982-ongoing
40
850

The Brain with David Eagleman
David Eagleman
Science
Explores the human brain and how it shapes our experiences.
PBS
01-03-2015-15-03-2015
1
6

Human Planet
John Hurt
Nature/Science
Investigates how humans adapt to life in extreme environments.
BBC
07-10-2011-23-10-2011
1
8

The Blue Planet
David Attenborough
Nature/Science
Focuses on marine ecosystems and oceanic wildlife.
BBC
12-09-2001-12-12-2001
1
8

Forces of Nature
Brian Cox
Science
Explains the natural forces shaping our world and universe.
BBC
23-11-2016-07-12-2016
1
3

The Story of India
Michael Wood
History
Traces the history, culture, and development of India.
BBC
24-09-2007-22-10-2007
1
6

Civilisations: History of Art
Simon Schama
History/Art
Detailed exploration of the global history of art and design.
BBC
02-03-2018-01-04-2018
1
9

The Universe
Various Hosts
Science
Explores cosmic phenomena and space discoveries.
History Channel
29-05-2007-31-05-2015
9
72

Egypt: Secrets of the Pharaohs
Joann Fletcher
History
Uncovers the mysteries of ancient Egypt's rulers.
BBC
13-03-2006-27-03-2006
1
3

Inside the Human Body
Michael Mosley
Science
Explains human anatomy and bodily functions.
BBC
13-01-2011-17-01-2011
1
4

The Secret Life of Machines
Tim Hunkin, Rex Garrod
Technology
Demonstrates the workings and history of everyday machines.
Channel 4
12-09-1988-14-12-1993
3
21

How the Earth Was Made
Various Hosts
Science/History
Explores Earth's formation and geological history.
History Channel
24-01-2009-01-12-2009
1
20

The Incredible Human Journey
Alice Roberts
Science
Tracks human migration and evolution.
BBC
08-11-2009-20-12-2009
1
4

The Great War
BBC Team
History
Chronicles World War I with archival footage and expert interviews.
BBC
28-07-1964-06-11-1965
1
26

Africa
David Attenborough
Nature/Science
Shows the wildlife and ecosystems of the African continent.
BBC
01-09-2013-20-10-2013
1
6

Frozen Planet
David Attenborough
Nature/Science
Explores polar regions and their ecosystems.
BBC
26-10-2011-11-12-2011
1
7

The Genius of Charles Darwin
Richard Dawkins
Science
Examines Darwin's work and the impact of evolution.
BBC
04-11-2008-25-11-2008
1
3

The Day the Universe Changed
James Burke
Science/History
Shows how scientific advances altered human perception of the world.
BBC
05-01-1985-16-02-1985
1
8

The Story of Science: Power, Proof and Passion
Michael Mosley
Science
Explores the evolution of scientific ideas through history.
BBC
21-03-2010-25-04-2010
1
4

The Human Body: Secrets of Your Life Revealed
Various Hosts
Science
Investigates the human body through modern medical research.
BBC
22-09-2017-27-10-2017
1
5

The Genius of Photography
Jackie Stacey
Art/History
Traces photography's impact on culture and society.
BBC
09-06-2007-14-07-2007
1
6

The Story of Wales
Huw Edwards
History
Documents the history of Wales from prehistoric times to modern day.
BBC
03-09-2010-08-10-2010
1
5

How Earth Made Us
Iain Stewart
Science/History
Explains how geological forces shaped human civilization.
BBC
08-03-2010-05-04-2010
1
4

The Story of Film: An Odyssey
Mark Cousins
Film/History
Examines the history of cinema worldwide.
BBC
16-10-2011-06-11-2011
1
15

Inside Nature's Giants
Colin Stafford-Johnson, Michael Woods
Science
Dissects large animals to study anatomy and evolution.
Channel 4
12-03-2009-03-03-2014
4
20

The Planets
Brian Cox
Science
Explores the solar system and planets in detail.
BBC
28-09-2019-19-10-2019
1
5

The Age of the Universe
Various Hosts
Science
Chronicles the history and formation of the universe.
PBS
10-05-2009-10-05-2009
1
1

Civilisations: Art and Power
Mary Beard, David Olusoga
History/Art
Explores how art has reflected political power throughout history.
BBC
02-03-2018-01-04-2018
1
9

The Code
Marcus du Sautoy
Mathematics
Explains the hidden mathematical patterns in nature and society.
BBC
13-09-2011-04-10-2011
1
4

The Incredible Human Machine
Various Hosts
Science
Breaks down the human body to reveal its complex mechanics.
Discovery Channel
01-03-2010-15-03-2010
1
3

The Story of Britain
Simon Schama
History
Covers British history from ancient times to the modern era.
BBC
08-10-2000-26-11-2000
1
8

Secrets of the Solar System
Various Hosts
Science
Investigates planets, moons, and cosmic phenomena.
PBS
01-04-2017-01-04-2017
1
2