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Where to stream

How the BBC Began

7.020221 seasonTV SeriesDocumentary

The often-hilarious stories of the BBC's first 50 years. The corporation's pioneers describe its evolution – which was often by accident rather than design.

WriterJohn Bridcut
ProducersJohn Bridcut·Magnus Temple

Where to watch

Sky GoSky GoBBC iPlayerBBC iPlayer
Availability shown for United Kingdom · rights vary by country

Seasons & Episodes

E1
Accident and Opportunity
Oct 22, 2022
E2
Building the Audience
Oct 29, 2022
E3
Shooting the Rapids
Mar 3, 2024

Cast

JSJoanna Scanlan
Joanna Scanlan
Self - Narrator (voice)
DADavid Attenborough
David Attenborough
Self
DDDavid Dimbleby
David Dimbleby
Self
JBJoan Bakewell
Joan Bakewell
Self
JS
June Spencer
Self
RB
Richard Baker
Self
SP
Sylvia Peters
Self
HB
Humphrey Burton
Self
MS
Monica Sims
Self
JG
John Grist
Self

More from Joanna Scanlan · Lead actress

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1987 · 6.6
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2005 · 8.1
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2013 · 6.4
Avenue 5
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2020 · 6.5
See all fromJoanna Scanlan

More from David Attenborough · Co-star actor

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1964 · 7.5
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1982 · 7.9
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Wildlife on One
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1977 · 9.0
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Zoo Quest
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See all fromDavid Attenborough

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How the BBC Began — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams How the BBC Began?

How the BBC Began is streaming on Sky Go and BBC iPlayer in United Kingdom. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is How the BBC Began on Netflix?

No, How the BBC Began is not on Netflix in United Kingdom as of October 2026. It's currently on Sky Go and BBC iPlayer.

Is How the BBC Began on Amazon Prime Video?

No, How the BBC Began isn't on Amazon Prime Video in United Kingdom right now. It's on Sky Go and BBC iPlayer instead.

Where can I watch How the BBC Began for free?

How the BBC Began is available to stream free (with ads) on BBC iPlayer in United Kingdom.

How many seasons does How the BBC Began have?

How the BBC Began has 1 season so far.

Are all episodes of How the BBC Began out yet?

The 1 released season of How the BBC Began is complete, but the show is still in production — a new season is expected.

Is there a Season 2 of How the BBC Began?

A Season 2 of How the BBC Began hasn't been officially confirmed yet.