A Year on Planet Earth

The episode investigates how the season of summer across the northern half of the globe – and the opposite winter in the southern half – shapes the lives of animals. It points out that wildlife must constantly adapt to a cycle of plenty and shortage, while also confronting extreme events such as blazing fires and torrential downpours. By juxtaposing the two hemispheres, the programme highlights how these contrasting climates force creatures to endure both feast and famine, and to survive through both scorching heat and relentless rain. The contrast between bright, dry spells and sudden, heavy downpours highlights the fragile equilibrium wildlife must keep, as the same weather that fuels growth can also ignite fires or flood habitats.

In the Spring programme, Stephen Fry explores how the season reshapes the natural world. He points out that as temperatures begin to climb, the Northern Hemisphere experiences a wave of fresh growth and activity. He observes how the warming air triggers blooming flowers and the return of migratory birds, signalling the start of the seasonal cycle. The episode highlights the way spring acts as a catalyst for new life, with plants, animals and ecosystems responding to the warming climate. Fry’s narration ties these changes together, showing the season’s vital role in reviving the environment. By linking these observations, Fry demonstrates how spring’s warming effect underpins the resurgence of ecosystems across the continent.

Presented by Stephen Fry, this documentary examines how the changing seasons affect wildlife across the globe. Fry guides viewers through a study of the natural world, highlighting the ways in which the planet’s yearly trek around the Sun drives seasonal shifts and, consequently, influences animal behaviour, habitats and survival strategies. By tracing the Earth’s annual orbit, the film reveals the direct link between the Sun’s position, the rhythm of the seasons and the adaptations of living creatures. Throughout, Fry’s narration ties together scientific observation with visual examples, offering a clear picture of how the cyclical journey of our planet underpins the ebb and flow of life.

Presented by Stephen Fry, this documentary examines how the changing seasons affect wildlife across the globe. Fry guides viewers through a study of the natural world, highlighting the ways in which the planet’s yearly trek around the Sun drives seasonal shifts and, consequently, influences animal behaviour, habitats and survival strategies. By tracing the Earth’s annual orbit, the film reveals the direct link between the Sun’s position, the rhythm of the seasons and the adaptations of living creatures. Throughout, Fry’s narration ties together scientific observation with visual examples, offering a clear picture of how the cyclical journey of our planet underpins the ebb and flow of life.

The episode investigates how the season of summer across the northern half of the globe – and the opposite winter in the southern half – shapes the lives of animals. It points out that wildlife must constantly adapt to a cycle of plenty and shortage, while also confronting extreme events such as blazing fires and torrential downpours. By juxtaposing the two hemispheres, the programme highlights how these contrasting climates force creatures to endure both feast and famine, and to survive through both scorching heat and relentless rain. The contrast between bright, dry spells and sudden, heavy downpours highlights the fragile equilibrium wildlife must keep, as the same weather that fuels growth can also ignite fires or flood habitats.

In the Spring programme, Stephen Fry explores how the season reshapes the natural world. He points out that as temperatures begin to climb, the Northern Hemisphere experiences a wave of fresh growth and activity. He observes how the warming air triggers blooming flowers and the return of migratory birds, signalling the start of the seasonal cycle. The episode highlights the way spring acts as a catalyst for new life, with plants, animals and ecosystems responding to the warming climate. Fry’s narration ties these changes together, showing the season’s vital role in reviving the environment. By linking these observations, Fry demonstrates how spring’s warming effect underpins the resurgence of ecosystems across the continent.

In the Spring programme, Stephen Fry explores how the season reshapes the natural world. He points out that as temperatures begin to climb, the Northern Hemisphere experiences a wave of fresh growth and activity. He observes how the warming air triggers blooming flowers and the return of migratory birds, signalling the start of the seasonal cycle. The episode highlights the way spring acts as a catalyst for new life, with plants, animals and ecosystems responding to the warming climate. Fry’s narration ties these changes together, showing the season’s vital role in reviving the environment. By linking these observations, Fry demonstrates how spring’s warming effect underpins the resurgence of ecosystems across the continent.

Stephen Fry explores the autumnal period in the northern hemisphere alongside the spring season in the southern hemisphere, highlighting how both times of transition present fresh possibilities while also posing significant challenges.

Presented with Stephen Fry’s distinctive voice, this documentary series examines how every form of life is shaped by the rhythm of the four seasons. Throughout each episode, Fry guides viewers through the subtle and dramatic shifts that spring, summer, autumn and winter impose on plants, animals and ecosystems. The programme highlights the interconnectedness of nature, showing how seasonal changes influence growth, behaviour and survival across the natural world. By weaving scientific observation with vivid imagery, the series offers a clear picture of the continual influence that the yearly cycle exerts on all living things. It underscores the perpetual adaptation required for survival as the climate transitions.