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Atta-boy! David Attenborough at 100
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As the natural historian celebrates his centenary birthday, we look at the big numbers behind his extraordinary life. Plus, where else to watch him on Virgin TV now
By Charlotte Briggs Feature Writer
- Published
- 6 May 2026
Hang the bunting, put on your party hats and pop the champagne because we’re about to celebrate a national holiday. We’re not talking about another #plattyjubes but instead the #attyjubes, as internationally treasured broadcaster David Attenborough marks his 100th birthday on Friday 8 May.
To mark this momentous occasion, the wildlife legend will be honoured with a spectacular event that will be broadcast live from the Royal Albert Hall in London. The best part? You’re invited! So get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as viewers embark on a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world, all through the lens of Attenborough’s groundbreaking career.
Tune in to David Attenborough’s 100 Years On Planet Earth from 8.30pm on Friday 8 May on BBC One HD (CH 101).
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There’s live musical performances of tracks that appear in Attenborough’s vast catalogue of documentaries, while wildlife presenter Chris Packham and explorer Steve Backshall are set to make an appearance.
Few lives can be captured as vividly through numbers as that of David Attenborough. Spanning nearly a century, his lifetime reflects decades of groundbreaking broadcasting and countless miles journeyed across the Earth in the name of discovery – an extraordinary career that has evolved alongside the medium of television itself, culminating in his unique distinction as the only person to have received BAFTA Awards for programmes in black-and-white, colour, high-definition, 3D and 4K resolution. Read on to explore Attenborough’s remarkable life through 10 statistics that define his legacy.
100+ documentaries and series on our TV screens
32 honorary university degrees
2 knighthoods
28 years old when he made his first nature series, Zoo Quest
56 species of creatures and plants named directly after him
57 different filming locations in Life On Earth
1 appearance on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage
72 years on our TV screens
1,000,000,000+ people estimated to have watched the first two Planet Earth series
1 shirt used to catch a crocodile in the Borneo swamps
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Where can I watch David Attenborough on Virgin TV?
What do we want? More David Attenborough. When do we want it? Now! Whether you’re a long-time fan or just love watching the natural world go by from the comfort of your sofa, discover where you can watch some of his best work on Virgin TV now. Starting with the most recent, we’ve picked 30 essential Attenborough shows, taking you from the depths of the oceans to the African savanna to the frozen poles. Plus, you can check out the full David Attenborough collection on BBC iPlayer here.
Making Life On Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure – Stream it now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Secret Garden – Stream series 1 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough – Stream it now in Apps > Netflix
Wild London – Stream it now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Deep Ocean: Kingdom Of The Coelacanth – Stream it now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Ocean With David Attenborough – Stream it now in Apps > Disney+
Kingdom – Stream series 1 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Parenthood – Stream series 1 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Asia – Stream series 1 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Mammals – Stream series 1 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Secret World Of Sound With David Attenborough – Stream series 1 now in Sky Nature on demand
Secret Life Of Orangutans – Stream it now in Apps > Netflix
Attenborough And The Giant Sea Monster – Stream it now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Planet Earth – Stream series 1-3 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Our Planet – Stream series 1-2 now in Apps > Netflix
Wild Isles – Stream series 1 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Frozen Planet – Stream series 1-2 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Dynasties – Stream series 1-2 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Dinosaurs: The Final Day With David Attenborough – Stream it now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
The Green Planet – Stream series 1 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Attenborough’s Wonder Of Song – Stream it now in Apps > BBC iPlayer + Apps > U
Attenborough And The Mammoth Graveyard – Stream it now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
The Mating Game – Stream series 1 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Breaking Boundaries: The Science Of Our Planet – Stream it now in Apps > Netflix
Attenborough’s Life In Colour – Stream series 1 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
A Perfect Planet – Stream series 1 now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
Extinction: The Facts – Stream it now in Apps > BBC iPlayer
The Blue Planet – Stream series 1-2 in Apps > BBC iPlayer now
Seven Worlds, One Planet – Stream series 1 in Apps > BBC iPlayer now
Africa – Stream it in Apps > BBC iPlayer now
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Catch Up TV: Catch Up TV content available for up to 7 days or up to 30 days after broadcast, depending on content.
On Demand: Content available to view depends on TV package. Time limits apply for viewing chargeable On Demand content – see virginmedia.com. Once purchased, all chargeable On Demand content must be viewed within 48 hours. Premium channels and upgrades must be kept for at least 30 days.
Image credits: Seven Worlds, One Planet © BBC NHU / Alex Board
Attenborough And Animals © BBC 1963
The Living Planet © BBC 1984
