David Attenborough is one of a kind, for better or worse

David Attenborough is undoubtedly one of the UK’s national institutions. He regularly tops polls for the country’s most popular and trusted celebrity. There will never be another broadcaster like him – but that’s okay.

Attenborough, who turns 100 on May 8, began his career in nature broadcasting in 1954 with Zoo Questin which London Zoo staff traveled to tropical countries to capture exotic animals and bring them back to the UK. He was very much a product of his time, just like Attenborough. He was at the forefront of a new medium (only a third of British homes had a television when Zoo Quest was first broadcast) and set the template for nature documentaries, notably with his 1979 film Land life series.

People often wonder who could replace him, but the truth is that the niche that allowed him to evolve – a dominant broadcaster within the BBC and a cohesive culture reinforced by a lack of choice in program viewing – no longer exists. Instead, the rise of social media has seen a Cambrian explosion in the number of science communicators, each adapting to their environment.

There are pros and cons to this. From TikTok to YouTube to podcasts, we now find a format that suits us, freed from a linear TV schedule. A much more diverse range of voices has been able to flourish, and people put off by Attenborough (even if they don’t want to admit it in polite company) have a wider range of presenters to choose from.

But this fragmentation also has its drawbacks. TV editors no longer determine what we see on our screens. They have been replaced by algorithms that often reward quick dopamine hits over deeper work. Although many scientific creators are very committed to facts, like Attenborough, misinformation can also flourish unchecked. Additionally, because no one ever looks at the same thing, we have lost part of our shared culture.

Fortunately, Attenborough’s programs remain available today, and many of them are still as relevant as ever. Check out this roundup of our favorites and choose something to watch to celebrate its centenary.