Catastrophe

Name: Catastrophe
Genre: Documentary
Rating: 8

Our planet is shaped by an endless cycle of destruction and renewal.

8.0

2008 – 20081 Seasons · 5 EpisodesEnded

Documentary

Overview

This spectacular five-part series, presented by Tony Robinson, investigates the history of natural disasters, from the planet's beginnings to the present, putting a new perspective on our existence – that we are the product of catastrophe. Using the latest CGI effects and featuring scientific experts, the series reveals how the evolution of life on Earth has been shaped by lethal catastrophes that have caused mass extinctions, almost to the point of wiping out life altogether.

Network: Channel 4

Cast

Tony Robinson

Self - Presenter

Episodes

Season 1

S1E1

Episode 1 · 48m

Birth of a Planet

The first programme is the story of Earth's difficult birth and how the formation of our moon set us on a unique course to being a planet ripe for life.

Nov 24, 2008

S1E2

Episode 2 · 48m

Snowball Earth

650 million years ago Earth froze, pushing life to the edge of extinction.

Dec 1, 2008

S1E3

Episode 3 · 48m

Planet of Fire

Scientists believe that evolution has been shaped by major catastrophes that have almost extinguished all life on earth. Using the latest CGI and featuring scientific experts, Tony Robinson investigates these theories. 250 million years ago, 95% of life was wiped off the face of the Earth in the biggest extinction event ever. But what was responsible?

Dec 8, 2008

S1E4

Episode 4 · 48m

Asteroid Strike

65 million years ago, the planet was rocked by yet another massive event when, seemingly out of nowhere, the mighty dinosaurs were suddenly wiped off the face of Earth.

Dec 15, 2008

S1E5

Episode 5 · 48m

Survival Earth

So far, humans have been lucky to not experience a catastrophe on a global scale. Though they are the most powerful species on this planet, it's easy to forget that the forces that wiped out many successful species in the past are still at work.

Dec 22, 2008