David Attenborough: How to watch his 100th birthday TV special

May 8 (UPI) -- Famed broadcaster and natural history expert David Attenborough is celebrating his 100th birthday.

The BBC will mark the occasion Friday by airing the 90-minute TV special David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth.

Kirsty Young will host the broadcast from Royal Albert Hall in London. The special looks back on Attenborough's life and work, taking audiences on "an extraordinary journey through a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world," according to a press release.

Liz Bonnin, Steve Backshall, Chris Packham and Michael Palin will join Young to reflect on Attenborough's legacy.

In addition, the BBC Concert Orchestra will perform iconic music from Attenborough's series, including Planet Earth and The Blue Planet. Bastille frontman Dan Smith and Sigur Ros will also take the stage.

"Bringing together breathtaking wildlife imagery, live orchestral and contemporary music, and contributions from those who have worked alongside David throughout his career and those who feel passionately about the natural world, the program celebrates not only a broadcasting legend, but a century long relationship between audiences and nature," an official synopsis reads.

David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth will air Friday at 8:30 p.m. local time on BBC One and iPlayer.

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This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 12:00 AM.