Watch The Trials of Life

The Trials of Life is a nature documentary series produced by the BBC in 1990, narrated by David Attenborough and distributed by BBC Worldwide. The show features an in-depth look at the different stages of life that animals go through, namely birth, growth, and reproduction. The series showcases a diverse range of species from across the globe, from mammals and birds to insects and marine life.

The show's narrative is structured around the idea that every creature, big or small, faces a series of challenges during its life cycle. The program explores these challenges and presents intimate portraits of various species as they tackle them. Viewers are treated to an array of incredible visuals and footage that capture everything from a mother cheetah protecting her newborn cubs to thousands of penguins huddling together to withstand the Antarctic's freezing winds.

The series is broken down into twelve episodes, each dedicated to a specific stage of life. Episode one focuses on the birth of animals, showcasing the difficulty and trauma that accompanies it. We see a newborn elephant afraid to stand up as well as a newly hatched orphaned bird learning to fend for itself.

Episode two covers the marathon that is growth, or a creature's journey from birth to adulthood. We see a variety of examples of animals growing up in the wild, such as giraffes learning to run on wobbly legs, and baby monkeys struggling to keep up with their more agile elders.

Episodes three and four explore the world of courting and mating. The show offers a rare glimpse into the elaborate courtship displays of the bowerbird, as well as the violent battles between male elephant seals who are fighting for a mate.

In episodes five, six, and seven, the focus shifts to the challenges and techniques of parental care. We see a lioness' desperate search for her young cub, a mother polar bear struggling to find food for her cubs in a melting Arctic, and the comical attempts of male emperor penguins to keep their eggs safe while their female partners head out to sea.

Episodes eight and nine tackle the daunting task of finding food in the harsh environment. We see examples of various hunting strategies, from the serrated teeth of the shark to the poison dart frog's unique venomous skin. These episodes also emphasize the crucial role of cooperation within specific animal groups to ensure a successful hunt.

Episode ten, focuses on the unique ability of certain animals to adapt to changing environments. Creatures such as the desert tortoise, the chameleon, and the kangaroo rat exhibit remarkable adaptations that help them survive in the harshest of conditions.

Episodes eleven and twelve wrap up the series by taking a closer look at communication within the animal kingdom, both in terms of sounds and body language. We learn about the complex social structures of gorillas and elephants, and the intricate vocalizations of dolphins and birds.

Overall, The Trials of Life is a breathtaking documentary series that provides a rare and fascinating glimpse into the world of wildlife. The series not only highlights the struggles these creatures face but also showcases the wonder and beauty of their lives. Attenborough's narration and the carefully curated footage create a truly compelling and educational viewing experience that is exceptional in every way.

The Trials of Life is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on October 4, 1990.