Club Benefits
Sir David Attenborough turns 100 on May 8, and the BBC is marking the occasion with its biggest tribute of the week: "David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth", a 90-minute live special from London's iconic Royal Albert Hall.
You can watch "David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth" online from anywhere with a VPN (try risk-free) – and potentially for free.
"David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth" airs live on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 8:30 p.m. BST on BBC One.
• WATCH FREE — BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
Hosted by Kirsty Young, the program will look back across Attenborough's extraordinary career using archive footage, live music and reflections from some of the figures who have worked alongside him.
This isn't a new documentary in the usual sense. It's a one-off event built around the scale of Attenborough's gargantuan legacy, with the BBC Concert Orchestra performing music from "Planet Earth", "Blue Planet" and "Frozen Planet", alongside appearances from guests including Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall, Chris Packham and Liz Bonnin.
Performers on the night include Dan Smith of Bastille, Icelandic band Sigur Rós, singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro and Paraguayan harpist Francisco Yglesia.
The special also sits at the center of a wider week of BBC programming for Attenborough's centenary, alongside "Making Life on Earth: Attenborough's Greatest Adventure", "Secret Garden" and a curated iPlayer collection of more than 40 of his best-known programs.
Can I watch 'David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth' for free?
Yes. BBC iPlayer are broadcasting "David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth" for free to the U.K. public.
All you need is a BBC account with a British postcode and a valid TV license.
Abroad? Unlock BBC iPlayer with NordVPN — more on that below.
Watch 'David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth' from anywhere
Traveling and blocked from your usual apps? A VPN, or virtual private network, lets your device appear to be back in your home country so you can securely use your existing subscriptions while abroad.
We've tested many options, and the best VPN you can get right now is NordVPN. It offers fast, reliable connections, works on most devices and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Using a VPN is simple.
1. Install the VPN app on the device you’ll watch on. NordVPN is our pick.
2. Connect to a server in your home country. For example, choose a UK server to access BBC iPlayer while abroad.
3. Open your streaming app and play as normal.
Watch 'David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth' in the U.K.
In the U.K., "David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth" airs live on BBC One at 8:30 p.m. BST on Friday, May 8. You can also stream it live, and for FREE through BBC iPlayer or watch on demand after the broadcast.
If you’re temporarily outside the U.K., you’ll likely need a VPN to access BBC iPlayer just as you would at home. For this setup, we recommend NordVPN.
Watch 'David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth' in the U.S.
At the time of writing, there isn't an officially confirmed U.S. broadcaster for "David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth".
If you’re a Brit in the States for work or on holiday and would rather stick with your usual U.K. streaming setup, you can still watch via BBC iPlayer by using a VPN such as NordVPN. Just connect to a U.K. server, then open BBC iPlayer as you normally would.
Watch 'David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth' in Canada
There isn't an officially confirmed Canadian broadcaster for "David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth".
If you’re a Brit in the Great White North for work or on holiday and would prefer to stick with your usual U.K. streaming setup, you can watch via your normal services by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
Watch 'David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth' in Australia
There isn't an officially confirmed Australian broadcaster for "David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth".
If you’re a Brit working or on holiday Down Under and want to keep using your usual U.K. streaming services, you can still catch the show with a VPN like NordVPN.
How long is 'David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth'?
The special runs for 1 hour and 29 minutes.
Is David Attenborough appearing in person in 'David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth'?
Official event listings state that Sir David Attenborough himself will not be present at the live event at Royal Albert Hall.
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