The presenter, David Attenborough, outlines the development of the theory by Darwin through his observations of animals and plants in nature and in the domesticated state, visiting sites important in Darwin's own life, including Down House, Cambridge University and the Natural History Museum, and using archive footage from Attenborough's many nature documentaries for the BBC.

He reviews the development of the theory since its beginnings, and its revolutionary impact on the way in which humans view themselves – not as having dominion over the animals as The Bible says, but as part of the natural world and subject to the same controlling forces that govern all life on Earth.

The programme was aired in a primetime slot on BBC One, at 9pm on Sunday 1 February.

Official ratings from BARB show that it attracted an audience of 6.34 million viewers,[1] a healthy figure for a factual programme.

[2] The programme drew effusive praise from critics: The Grierson Awards 2009, Winner, Best Science Documentary[11]