‘The Year Earth Changed’ tops Apple TV+’s unscripted viewership charts

In perfect timing with Earth Day 2021 (which is today), Apple’s “The Year Earth Changed” documentary special, narrated by David Attenborough, has premiered as the #1 unscripted program on the platform.

“The Year Earth Changed,” which debuted on April 16, is the most viewed documentary/docuseries currently on Apple TV+ in the U.S., ahead of such high-profile titles as “The Oprah Conversation,” “Beastie Boys Story,” “Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry,” “Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You,” and “Boys State.” The special also is topping unscripted viewing globally, with the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Russia, India, France, Brazil, Mexico and Japan as standout territories.

Showcasing exclusive footage from around the world after an unprecedented year, here’s how Apple describes the special: “The Year Earth Changed” is a documentary special that takes a fresh new approach to the global lockdown and the uplifting stories that have come out of it. From hearing birdsong in deserted cities, to witnessing whales communicating in new ways, to encountering capybaras in South American suburbs, people all over the world have had the chance to engage with nature like never before. In the one-hour special, viewers will witness how changes in human behavior — reducing cruise ship traffic, closing beaches a few days a year, identifying more harmonious ways for humans and wildlife to coexist — can have a profound impact on nature. The documentary, narrated by David Attenborough, is a love letter to planet Earth, highlighting the ways nature bouncing back can give us hope for the future. 

“The Year Earth Changed” is produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit, directed by Tom Beard, and executive produced by Mike Gunton and Alice Keens-Soper.