In fifty years of broadcasting, David Attenborough has travelled the globe to document the living world in all its wonder. Now, in this landmark series, he completes his journey by going back in time to the very roots of the tree of life, in search of the very first animals.

From the fog bound coastline of Newfoundland to the deserts of North Africa and the rainforests of Queensland, Attenborough finds evidence in fossils and living animals of an extraordinary period in Earth’s history, half a billion years ago, when animals first appeared in the oceans. From the first eyes that saw, to the first predators that killed and the first legs that walked on land, these were creatures that evolved the traits and tools that allow all animals, including us, to survive to this day.

Stunning photography and state of the art visual effects combine with the captivating charm of the world’s favourite naturalist. Bringing together fossil finds from the last few years that have transformed our understanding of early life forms with photorealistic CGI technology, First Life brings these animals and their environments back to life in brilliant detail.

Attenborough’s Jou­rney

Filmed over the course of a year, this special edition documentary is a remarkable portrait of the world’s leading natural history broadcaster as he makes the landmark series that completes his journey into the story of life.