Episode 1
A Winning Design
58m8.5 / 10
From the tiniest bat to the massive blue whale, all mammals share the ability to nurture their young on milk and regulate their own temperatures.
Where to watch The Life of Mammals
TV series
The Life of Mammals
2002TV-G1 season8.4 / 10
David Attenborough presents a nature documentary series looking at why mammals are the most successful creatures on the planet.
Watch trailerAvailability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
The Life of Mammals premiered November 20, 2002. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
David Attenborough presents a nature documentary series looking at why mammals are the most successful creatures on the planet.
Cast, crew and production details
About The Life of Mammals
Cast
David AttenboroughSelf - PresenterCredits
- Written by
- David Attenborough
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Miniseries
- Episodes
- 10
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
DiscoveryUnited States
BBCUnited Kingdom
BBC Studios Natural History UnitUnited Kingdom
Themes
animalsmammalsminiseriesnaturenature documentarywildlife
Season 1 episodes
Watch options above are for the show and may vary by season or episode.
Episode 2
Insect Hunters
58m8.0 / 10
Mammals from tiny shrews to giant anteaters have specialised in eating insects. Some have even pursued their prey into the skies.
Directed by Mark Linfield
Where to watch The Life of Mammals
Episode 3
Plant Predators
58m7.7 / 10
The plant eaters take on the largely indigestible, spiny and poisonous defences of plants with some spectacular physical adaptations to diet.
Where to watch The Life of Mammals
Episode 4
Chisellers
58m8.0 / 10
Special tools like chisel sharp front teeth and underground dwelling enable this group of mammals to feast on roots and seeds.
Where to watch The Life of Mammals
Episode 5
Meat Eaters
58m7.7 / 10
Predators and prey must evolve speed, endurance and manoeuvrability to outwit each other, and the pack hunters must maintain order in the ranks.
Where to watch The Life of Mammals
Episode 6
Opportunists
58m8.0 / 10
A mammal capable of having a varied diet can be highly adaptable and exploit new environments including the cities where they thrive.
Where to watch The Life of Mammals
Episode 7
Return to the Water
58m8.0 / 10
With perfect streamlined bodies and great underwater speed, seals, dolphins, porpoises and whales became the new hunters of the sea..
Where to watch The Life of Mammals
Episode 8
Life in the Trees
58m8.7 / 10
A range of adaptations from sucker-feet to gripping tails help the tree dwellers to survive, and in the dark forest super senses come in to play.
Where to watch The Life of Mammals
Episode 9
Social Climbers
58m8.7 / 10
In the daily hubbub of monkey life, only those with a talent for social wheeler dealing get ahead, driving the shift towards larger brains.
Directed by Mark Linfield
Where to watch The Life of Mammals
Episode 10
Food for Thought
58m8.3 / 10Finale
The natural world was transformed when one great ape began to walk upright - us. But why has this led to the development of our extraordinary brains?
Where to watch The Life of MammalsEpisode information updated Jul 22, 2026
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