The World About Us

The World About Us first aired on 3 December 1967. The programme set out to combine natural history with an element of adventure. The first episode was Volcano, made by Haroun Tazieff and Pierre Bichet, which featured exciting footage of active volcanoes. The World about Us was one of several series commissioned by David Attenborough, Controller of BBC Two, which effectively promoted the advantages of colour television.

The World About Us took in all aspects of the natural world, and its exploration. It often featured well-known naturalists such as Jane Goodall and Gerald Durrell, and the oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. Cousteau's films were broadcast as The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, and featured life aboard his ship Calypso. The haunting flute tune which introduced each episode was written by John Scott.

The World About Us ended in 1986, but was succeeded by The Natural World. The full potential of nature programmes on the BBC was realised in 1979 when the Natural History Unit made Life on Earth, which attracted a huge audience worldwide. This time David Attenborough was the writer and presenter. The Natural History Unit has continued to innovate with pioneering work in HD and 3D.