BBC Earth (international TV channel)
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television broadcasting |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founder | BBC Studios |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Owner | BBC Studios |
| Website | https://www.bbcearth.com |
BBC Earth is a subscription-based documentary television channel specializing in high-quality factual content, fully owned and managed by BBC Studios. Although its global debut was initially slated for 2014, the channel officially launched in 2015, starting with Poland.
History
In October 2013, the BBC revealed intentions to introduce three new brands in 2014—BBC Earth, BBC First, and BBC Brit—with BBC Earth dedicated to premium factual programming. The channel showcased series such as Frozen Planet and Wonders of the Universe, complemented by roughly 30 hours of newly commissioned content during its inaugural year. BBC Earth was created to succeed BBC Knowledge, although BBC Knowledge continued to operate in regions where it maintained strong viewership.
Poland
On 1 February 2015, BBC Earth launched in Poland, taking over from BBC Knowledge.
Nordic countries
BBC Earth replaced BBC Knowledge across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland on 13 April 2015. This channel was subsequently succeeded by BBC Nordic on 17 April 2023.
Hungary
The channel began broadcasting in Hungary on 14 April 2015, substituting BBC Knowledge.
Romania
On 14 April 2015, BBC Earth debuted in Romania as a replacement for BBC Knowledge.
Turkey
BBC Earth took over from BBC Knowledge in Turkey on 14 April 2015.
Latin America
The channel launched throughout Latin America—including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and other countries—on 1 September 2015, replacing BBC HD. It ceased operations on 13 April 2017 alongside BBC Entertainment and CBeebies.
South Africa
On 1 September 2015, BBC Earth became available on South Africa’s DStv platform, replacing BBC Knowledge.
Asia
BBC Earth commenced broadcasting on 3 October 2015 across Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam by replacing BBC Knowledge. The Philippines launch occurred later on 1 April 2017 alongside BBC World News. In September 2017, the channel expanded into Laos via Laosat DTH and became accessible in Myanmar through Sky Net and CANAL+. On 14 September 2021, Malaysian satellite provider Astro reintroduced BBC Earth HD. In Taiwan, the channel launched on cable networks starting 1 January 2024 following the departure of National Geographic and other Disney-owned channels.
Serbia
BBC Earth replaced BBC Entertainment upon its launch in Serbia on 28 December 2015.
Eastern Europe
The channel extended its reach into Eastern European markets on 1 January 2016 by taking over from BBC Entertainment.
Greece
On 1 October 2017, the channel became available on Cosmote TV in Greece.
Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
BBC Earth entered the MENA region through beIN DTH and STC TV platforms starting from 5 April 2018.
India
In India, Sony BBC Earth was introduced on 6 March 2017 through a partnership between Sony Pictures Networks India and the BBC after receiving regulatory approval. Actress Kareena Kapoor serves as the official ambassador for the channel.
Canada
A collaboration between BBC Worldwide and Canadian media company Blue Ant Media was announced on 6 December 2016 to launch a Canadian version of BBC Earth. The channel officially started broadcasting on 24 January 2017 and premiered Planet Earth II in Canada on 18 February 2017 simultaneously with its U.S. debut on BBC America. Replacing Blue Ant’s radX, the Canadian channel is wholly owned by Blue Ant Media due to foreign ownership regulations but licenses branding and programming from BBC Worldwide.
New Zealand
On 22 October 2018, BBC Earth was introduced on Sky, taking over from BBC Knowledge.
Australia
BBC Earth made its Australian debut on Foxtel and Fetch TV on 10 October 2019, replacing the former BBC Knowledge channel.
United States
In the United States, BBC Earth content is broadcast on BBC America and various channels under Warner Bros. Discovery. Additional programming is offered through collaborations with PBS, featuring series such as Nature and Nova. Furthermore, BBC Earth runs a dedicated streaming channel on Roku.
Programming blocks
BBC Earth programming segments are available on the following networks:
- ProSieben Maxx (Germany; launched September 2013)
- #0, previously known as Canal+ (Spain; since June 2015)
- Eén (Flanders; starting Autumn 2015)
- WOWOW (Japan; since 2010)