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BBC Four 1936 - 79 seasons 5585 eps TV-PG Airing

BBC Documentaries

1936 - 79 seasons 5585 eps TV-PG

New episode November 9, 2026

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58 min

S2026 · E1 · Jan 1, 2026

Wild London Episode 1

Sir David Attenborough explores the wildlife of his London hometown, from urban deer to rooftop peregrines and many others, revealing how nature thrives in the world’s greenest major city.

7.9 · You

58 min

S2026 · E2 · Jan 8, 2026

Kegworth: Flight to Disaster Episode 2

The air disaster that changed flight safety. Survivors and eyewitnesses tell their story of the terrifying moment Flight BD092 crashed into the side of the M1 motorway.

59 min

S2026 · E3 · Jan 10, 2026

Paul Young at the BBC Episode 3

Paul Young looks back on a career that saw him top the chart and capture the hearts of a generation of fans with enduring hits like Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home), Love of the Common People and Every Time You Go Away. Interwoven with clips of his classic songs, Paul reflects on his journey through fame, the stories behind his most memorable tracks and the experiences that shaped his career, from the early days with the Q-Tips to solo fame in the 1980s and right up to the present day.

60 min

S2026 · E4 · Jan 12, 2026

Greer Ralston - Giving It All to Art Episode 4

An intimate portrait of figurative artist Greer Ralston as she demonstrates her exceptional talent and tells of her plans to devote herself solely to art.

85 min

S2026 · E5 · Feb 1, 2026

Lover, Liar, Predator Episode 5

When four women discover they have each been coercively controlled and abused by the same man, they join forces to end their nightmare and put him on trial.

7.1 · You

58 min

S2026 · E6 · Feb 3, 2026

Caitlin Hanna: Trafficked in Belfast Episode 6

The life and sudden death of a young Belfast woman, and how it fuelled a three-year police investigation that exposed a hidden criminal underworld operating in Northern Ireland. Twenty-one-year-old Caitlin's life was tragically cut short, leaving behind her friends and her mum, Deborah, searching for answers.

59 min

S2026 · E7 · Feb 4, 2026

Reform: Ready to Rule? Episode 7

With Reform UK leading in the polls, Laura Kuenssberg explores the party’s ambitions, organisation and growing influence, asking whether it can evolve into a credible party ready to govern.

92 min

S2026 · E8 · Feb 14, 2026

Meet the Buchanans Episode 8

Scottish enthusiasts from around the world join the Clan Buchanan family in deepest Perthshire for the inauguration of their newly confirmed chief, the Scottish millionaire landowner Mike Buchanan.

60 min

S2026 · E9 · Feb 24, 2026

The Zero Line: Inside Russia's War Episode 9

Russian soldiers and civilians film with the BBC in secret, exposing how men on the front line are executed and forced to fight against their will, and how dissent is crushed at home.

59 min

S2026 · E10 · Feb 25, 2026

L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes Episode 10

An insight into the secretive 'matchstick men' painter as he guides us through his revealing life story in unheard interviews from the end of his life, lip-synced by Ian McKellen.

7.9 · You

59 min

S2026 · E11 · Mar 3, 2026

Ben Youngs Investigates: How Safe Is Rugby? Episode 11

England’s most-capped men’s player, Ben Youngs, sets out to re-examine the game that has defined his life. Is there a link between concussion and long-term brain health?

59 min

S2026 · E12 · Mar 7, 2026

Caroline Walker: Women's Work Episode 12

Acclaimed Scottish artist Caroline Walker paints the invisible labour that shapes women’s lives, from housework to caregiving to creative production.

59 min

S2026 · E13 · Mar 10, 2026

Dunblane: How Britain Banned Handguns Episode 13

Parents, politicians and campaigners tell the story of their fight to ban handguns after the shooting in which 16 children and a teacher were murdered with legal firearms.

60 min

S2026 · E14 · Mar 16, 2026

Inside the Rage Machine Episode 14

The inside story of how social media algorithms have been helping to tear people apart. Insider testimony and documents expose a machine thriving on outrage and division.

6.7 · You

51 min

S2026 · E15 · Mar 18, 2026

The Birds Episode 15

Wildlife film-maker Martin Dohrn contemplates the end of his career as he turns his lens to the dramatic dance between a million seabirds and a single hunting falcon.

58 min

S2026 · E16 · Mar 18, 2026

Black Waters: The Sea Empress Disaster Episode 16

The story of the 1996 Sea Empress oil spill off the Pembrokeshire coast, and how communities mobilised to respond to the disaster and protect their coastline.

45 min

S2026 · E17 · Mar 24, 2026

The Trials of Pa Salieu Episode 17

After prison, Coventry musician Pa Salieu returns with renewed purpose and takes the stage at Glastonbury. While he fights to rebuild his career, can music save him again?

49 min

S2026 · E18 · Mar 25, 2026

My Garden of a Thousand Bees Episode 18

Wildlife film-maker Martin Dohrn is bee obsessed. He has found over 60 species in his Bristol garden and sets out to film them, with mind-blowing results.

28 min

S2026 · E19 · Mar 26, 2026

Julian Barnes: Beyond the Page Episode 19

Acclaimed and award-winning writer Julian Barnes talks to Katie Razzall about his literary life, preoccupation with death, why he's written his final novel and missing his readers.

58 min

S2026 · E20 · Apr 1, 2026

Chauvet: Humanity's First Great Masterpiece Episode 20

Documentary that follows a 30-year archaeological, geological and artistic adventure as scientists endeavour to understand and conserve the extraordinary art of the Chauvet cave.

58 min

S2026 · E21 · Apr 2, 2026

Harry Clark Goes to Rome Episode 21

From altar boy to Britain’s most famous liar, Harry Clark explores what it means to be a ‘good Catholic’ as he embarks on a pilgrimage to Rome and attempts to meet the new pope.

6.9 · You

58 min

S2026 · E22 · Apr 3, 2026

Michelle McManus Sings for the Pope Episode 22

Michelle McManus is on a mission to sing a new hymn in front of Pope Leo XIV. This deeply personal story follows the singer and broadcaster on the most profound spiritual journey of her life.

88 min

S2026 · E23 · Apr 2, 2026

McCartney: The Hunt for the Lost Bass Episode 23

The disappearance of McCartney’s original Höfner bass over 50 years ago is one of rock ‘n’ roll’s great mysteries. This is the story of the iconic instrument and the quest to find it.

7.2 · You

59 min

S2026 · E24 · Apr 13, 2026

Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me Episode 24

Director Simon Draper set out to make a podcast with actress Miriam Margolyes, but the project soon becomes sidetracked as Simon is drawn ever deeper into her orbit.

7.9 · You

59 min

S2026 · E25 · Apr 15, 2026

Artemis: To the Moon and Back Episode 25

The inside story of the Artemis II mission - filmed over three and a half years at NASA. How did four astronauts travel to the moon, going deeper into space than ever before?

S2026 · E26 · Apr 19, 2026

Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century Episode 26

Documentary that sets Queen Elizabeth II’s life against a century of momentous change. Archive and eyewitness moments reveal how she led an ancient monarchy into the modern world.

29 min

S2026 · E27 · Apr 20, 2026

What Happened at Chernobyl Episode 27

The 1986 explosion at Chernobyl triggered a public health emergency across Europe. Today, the site's strategic location continues to be a flashpoint in Russia's war with Ukraine. Forty years on from the disaster, Jordan Dunbar travels to Chernobyl to examine the events that led to the world's worst nuclear accident and what we can learn from them today.

59 min

S2026 · E28 · May 3, 2026

Making Life on Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure Episode 28

In 1976, David Attenborough embarked on the most ambitious television series he had ever attempted. This is the hair-raising story of how the first wildlife blockbuster was born.

8.0 · You

91 min

S2026 · E29 · May 8, 2026

David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth Episode 29

A 90-minute special, broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall, London, celebrating Sir David Attenborough's groundbreaking career on the day of his 100th birthday.

89 min

S2026 · E30 · May 11, 2026

Children of the Blitz Episode 30

During the Blitz, over two million British children were not evacuated, instead staying at home in towns and cities at risk of being bombed. Now, the survivors of the bombings tell their stories.

60 min

S2026 · E31 · Jun 9, 2026

The Golden Generation Episode 31

With Beckham, Rooney, Ferdinand and Cole on the team, the 2006 World Cup was supposed to be England's moment. So why did the dream end in on-field agony and off-field acrimony?

8.5 · You

97 min

S2026 · E32 · May 13, 2026

Kidnapped by My Mum Episode 32

At 11 years old, Alex vanished on holiday with his mother and grandfather for six years. Now, he's retracing his steps across Europe to tell the full story for the first time.

88 min

S2026 · E33 · Mar 5, 2026

The Corinthians: We Were the Champions Episode 33

The real-life story of the original rebel girls of football, Corinthians Ladies FC, who defied the English Football Association’s 50-year ban on women playing to become global champions.

29 min

S2026 · E34 · May 29, 2026

24 Hours with Ella Toone Episode 34

Unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Manchester United and England star Ella Toone as she prepares for her wedding, while still coming to terms with the loss of her biggest fan, her dad.

104 min

S2026 · E35 · Nov 16, 2020

The Three Kings Episode 35

An insight into three of the greatest Scottish football managers and how they lead their clubs to success.

7.8 · You

59 min

S2026 · E36 · Jun 1, 2026

Emma Barnett: Fighting Endometriosis Episode 36

Emma Barnett shares her struggle with endometriosis, shedding light on her own worsening illness and other women’s stories, exposing a neglected disease which has no known cure.

67 min

S2026 · E37 · Jun 1, 2026

Football’s New Generation Episode 37

How England's newest recruits rose from grassroots heroes to Europe's biggest stage, revealing the personal battles that culminated in them representing England at Euro 2024.

59 min

S2026 · E38 · Jun 3, 2026

Hadron Collider: In Search of the Peace Particle Episode 38

A film that blends remarkable access to the Large Hadron Collider with poetry, music and rare archival footage to explore a place where science, politics and culture collide.

59 min

S2026 · E39 · Jun 5, 2026

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game Episode 39

Kevin Bridges embarks on a journey to see if the beautiful game still exists. He meets Brazil football icon Cafu, Scottish legend John McGinn, Sao Paulo ultras, US football fans and many others.

58 min

S2026 · E40 · Jun 8, 2026

Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men Episode 40

Former England men's football manager Gareth Southgate reveals the struggles many boys and young men face, asking why some feel left behind and what could help them move forward.

7.6 · You

59 min

S2026 · E41 · Jun 11, 2026

Rivals: Messi v Ronaldo Episode 41

A look at the careers of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as the finest players of their generation, as they both head to the World Cup for what is likely to be the final time.

58 min

S2026 · E42 · Jun 12, 2026

Queen James: Passion, Plots and Power in the Court of Britain’s First King Episode 42

Gareth Russell reveals the story of King James VI and I, his fondness for male favourites and a scandalous murder trial that threatened to blow his monarchy apart.

61 min

S2026 · E43 · Jun 15, 2026

OnlyFans: Inside the Machine Episode 43

Amber Haque reveals how OnlyFans models suffer widespread exploitation and coercion at the hands of their managers.

59 min

S2026 · E44 · Jun 22, 2026

Millionaire Superyacht: Why Ships Sink Episode 44

During intense storms on 19 August 2024, the 54m superyacht Bayesian mysteriously sinks off the coast of Sicily. Seven people tragically perish. What went wrong?

30 min

S2026 · E45 · Jun 24, 2026

Nursery Scandals: What Went Wrong? Episode 45

Following the death of a toddler at a ‘good’ rated nursery, Hayley Hassall hears from the parents of young children let down by safeguarding failings. Contains upsetting scenes.

31 min

S2026 · E46 · Jul 1, 2026

GK Barry: Toxic Gossip Episode 46

Influencer GK Barry goes inside one of the UK’s most notorious gossip forums to ask where online gossip ends and real-world harm begins.

59 min

S2026 · E47 · Jul 12, 2026

The Tech Billionaire Takeover Episode 47

A new breed of tech billionaires are building their own countries, replacing democracy as we know it and targeting the global financial system. Matt Shea goes inside their world.

31 min

S2026 · E48 · Jul 15, 2026

Hunting The Spycammers Episode 48

Jess Davies infiltrates a dark online world where illegal hidden camera footage is shared for likes and trades. Can she get close enough to the spycammers to confront them?

47 min

S2026 · E49 · Jul 28, 2026

Shabaz Asks: Are Billionaires Bad? Episode 49

After years of roasting the super-rich online, content creator and broadcaster Shabaz Ali comes face to face with a billionaire to see if they're as bad as everyone thinks.

57 min

S2026 · E50 · Jul 29, 2026

Jared Leto: Hollywood's Dark Secret Episode 50

Multiple women tell the BBC about the alleged sexual misconduct of Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Jared Leto. All were teenagers when the incidents took place.

63 min

S2026 · E51 · Jul 30, 2026

Ricky Gervais Celebrates 25 Years of The Office Episode 51

Twenty-five years after The Office changed British comedy forever, Ricky Gervais looks back at the moments that made David Brent one of television’s most iconic characters. From unforgettable speeches and painfully awkward meetings to legendary one-liners, Ricky counts down his 25 greatest David Brent moments to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Office. Whether you watched it when it first aired or discovered it years later, these are Ricky's favourite scenes that defined a comedy classic.

59 min

S2026 · E52 · Aug 13, 2026

The Coen Brothers Story Episode 52

Actors and collaborators look back at the Coen brothers' remarkable career and explore the humour, craft and singular vision that have made their films modern classics.

84 min

S2026 · E53 · Aug 29, 2026

Wham! 10 Days in China Episode 53

Unseen and beautifully restored footage captures Wham!'s historic 1985 China tour, where George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley brought western pop to a curious and expectant nation.

59 min

S2026 · E54 · Aug 30, 2026

Hamza: African Birds of Prey Episode 54

Hamza Yassin embarks on an epic journey to film Kenya’s most spectacular birds of prey. He discovers the mounting threats these raptors face and learns why protecting them is vital.

87 min

S2026 · E55 · Sep 1, 2026

Stolen Babies Episode 55

Revealing how the British state forced 250,000 unmarried women to give up their babies. Told by the mothers affected, this landmark documentary exposes the forced adoption scandal.

59 min

S2026 · E56 · Sep 9, 2026

Britain's Forgotten Girls Episode 56

Girls across Britain are being groomed and exploited by drug gangs. Through survivors and whistleblowers, this film investigates why the failures have continued for two decades.

59 min

S2026 · E57 · Sep 14, 2026

Secrets of the Bayeux Tapestry: Inside the Museum Episode 57

As the Bayeux Tapestry, one of the treasures of the medieval world, travels to the UK for the first time in 950 years, a stellar cast of historians and experts unravel its secrets.

52 min

S2026 · E58 · Sep 30, 2026

The Shaman's Grave Episode 58

An ancient grave: a woman, a child, circumstances of death unknown - researchers in Germany reopen an archaeological cold case from the Mesolithic period.

89 min

S2026 · E59 · Oct 4, 2026

Bel Episode 59

A raw tribute celebrating the late Scottish-Kenyan singer-songwriter Beldina Odenyo, revealing the talent, struggles and defiance that shaped her unforgettable voice.

74 min

S2026 · E60 · Oct 5, 2026

Damilola: The Untold Story Episode 60

Made 26 years after the murder of 10-year-old Damilola Taylor shocked Britain, this documentary returns to his story with new testimony that sheds fresh light on what happened to him.

51 min

S2026 · E61 · Oct 7, 2026

Echoes from Below: Exploring Britain's Caves Episode 61

Documentary film that investigates the importance of caves throughout British history and heads inside the deepest shaft ever discovered in Britain - Titan.

30 min

S2026 · E62 · Oct 9, 2026

Shoplifting: Menace on the High Street Episode 62

The BBC investigates England's shoplifting crisis, exposing the impact on retailers and asking whether policing and technology can turn the tide

59 min

S2026 · E63 · Oct 12, 2026

Being Muslim After 9/11 Episode 63

Twenty-five years after 9/11, film-makers Mobeen and Masood revisit their archive and reconnect with people across the British Muslim community to explore how life has changed.

59 min

S2026 · E64 · Oct 13, 2026

John Simpson - 60 Years at the BBC Episode 64

John Simpson looks back at his extraordinary 60-year career at the BBC - reporting on the biggest global news stories of our times.

58 min

S2026 · E65 · Oct 14, 2026

The Lost City of Sanxingdui Episode 65

In the mountains of Sichuan, China, lies a mysterious ancient city that was consigned to oblivion until the chance discovery of a jade object in 1927. Since that first find, over 10,000 artefacts made of gold, jade, ivory and bronze have been unearthed, buried by the inhabitants in sacrificial pits before they left the city about 3,000 years ago. The finds include objects unlike any other: curiously shaped bronze heads and masks covered in gold foil.

57 min

S2026 · E66 · Oct 14, 2026

The Book That Changed My Life Episode 66

Five surprising and inspiring stories of how books can change lives, led by Her Majesty Queen Camilla.

30 min

S2026 · E67 · Oct 16, 2026

Wildfire: A Warning from the Midlands Episode 67

After wildfires destroyed 38 homes in the Midlands in August 2026, Mary Rhodes meets residents, firefighters and experts. She asks whether the UK's warning systems and preparedness are ready for the more frequent wildfires that climate change is expected to bring.

59 min

S2026 · E68 · Oct 19, 2026

Aberfan: The Village That Fought Back Episode 68

Aberfan’s grieving community takes on the government, demanding justice and removal of the remaining tips after the disaster that killed 144 people.

52 min

S2026 · E69 · Oct 21, 2026

Asteroids: Spark of Life? Episode 69

Scientists explore if the destructive impacts of asteroids on Earth four billion years ago may have provided the essential ingredients needed for life to ignite on our planet.

29 min

S2026 · E70 · Oct 26, 2026

Thank You Sir Kev Episode 70

Prince William leads the tributes to Sir Kevin Sinfield, who has raised £13m to support motor neurone disease (MND) charities by completing seven challenges.

52 min

S2026 · E71 · Oct 28, 2026

How the Romans Conquered the Alps Episode 71

Documentary that explores Emperor Augustus’s Alpine campaign, revealing for the first time the route, weapons and tactics used by the Romans to successfully annex the unconquered Alps.

29 min

S2026 · E72 · Oct 29, 2026

Breast Cancer Scandal: Exposing the Harm Episode 72

BBC Health correspondent Sharon Barbour investigates a deepening breast cancer scandal in County Durham and hears from women told their mastectomies were unnecessary.

S2026 · E73

Mums v Big Pharma Episode 73

Nov 9, 2026

73 episodes in Season 2026

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Documentaries produced by or for the BBC.

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Total runtime 5398h 50m · Episode length 58 min · Country United Kingdom

Show info

Premiered

November 2, 1936

Latest episode

October 29, 2026

Next episode

November 9, 2026

Status

Airing

Networks

BBC Four · BBC News · BBC One +15

Country

United Kingdom

Episode length

58 min

Total runtime

5398h 50m

Original language

English

Production

Z

Zig Zag Productions

Production

A

All3Media

Production

M

Mosaic Films

Production

B

BBC Studios

Production

B

BBC Four

Production

B

BBC Scotland

Production

P

Plimsoll Productions

Production

H

Hopscotch Films

Production

W

Windfall Films Ltd

Production

O

Off the Fence

Production

B

BBC Northern Ireland

Production

H

Handful of Films

Production

O

Orchard Productions

Production

B

BBC

Production

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Some details come from TheTVDB.

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