The Open University

Sir David Attenborough explores the natural world’s history in landmark OU/BBC series, Planet Earth III

19 October 2023

Join nature historian Sir David Attenborough on a journey around the globe in a brand-new series co-produced by The Open University (OU) and BBC, Planet Earth III. Beginning on 22 October at 6.15pm BBC One and iPlayer, this eight-part series follows some of the world’s most amazing species, telling extraordinary stories that are dramatic, thrilling, […]

Explore Scotland’s Sacred Islands and inhabitants’ faiths and beliefs with Ben Fogle

17 October 2023

A new four-part OU/BBC production of Scotland’s Sacred Islands with Ben Fogle airs tonight at 8pm on BBC Scotland and will be available on BBC iPlayer thereafter. This is the second series of the programme that sees adventurer Ben Fogle travel across some of Scotland’s most beautiful islands to explore how faith and belief took […]

‘Thrilling’ BBC documentary airs about the history of the Union

2 October 2023

The turbulent history of how Great Britain evolved is dissected in an intriguing Open University/BBC co-production – Union with historian David Olusoga – which reaches the small screen tonight (Monday 2 October). The four-part series airs on BBC Two at 9pm and charts the history of the Union from the 1600s – a century defined […]

New OU / BBC programme explores how we can make our cars and heating greener

21 July 2023

Tuesday 25th July sees the first of two brand new programmes from The Open University (OU) and BBC titled What They Really Mean For You, beginning on BBC One at 20:00, presented by BBC’s Climate Editor, Justin Rowlatt. The first episode, Electric Cars: What They Really Mean For You, investigates people’s frustrations with electric cars […]

Stunning new OU/BBC series relives our Earth’s fascinating history

14 July 2023

Join us on a journey through some of our home planet’s most epic moments in a new OU/BBC series, Earth, presented by legendary naturalist and nature photographer, Chris Packham. The series will begin this evening (17 July 2023) on BBC Two at 9.00pm, kicking off five incredible episodes tracking the origins of Earth to the […]

OU academics help showcase the treasures of India

7 July 2023

If you’re fascinated by India and Indian heritage a new two-part documentary – produced with the help of two Open University academics – is about to air. Treasures of India will hit the small screen on Sunday 9 July on Channel 4 at 8pm, when viewers see seasoned adventurer, author and historian, Professor Bettany Hughes, […]

Windrush – portraying the lives of a generation

19 June 2023

A new Open University/BBC co-production programme this week shows the work of artists, commissioned by His Majesty The King to produce portraits of people from the Windrush generation. The works of art commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush, a ship that docked in Tilbury on 22 June 1948, bringing […]

Springwatch – the wildlife lovers’ favourite – returns to our screens

26 May 2023

A new series of the BBC’s popular Springwatch is about to make its annual appearance on our screens and this time it’s produced in partnership with The Open University and comes from a brand new location – the RSPB Arne Nature Reserve in Dorset. Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Gillian Burke return to […]

Open University wins two broadcast accolades

23 May 2023

The Open University has won the Broadcast Award at the prestigious Learning on Screen Awards for the OU/BBC co-production, AIDS: The Unheard Tapes. The BBC2 documentary brought to life the voices of infected gay men and their friends, using actors who lip-sync to original voice recordings. The judges praised the entry for its “inventive and […]

Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland – documentary about the Troubles

22 May 2023

A gripping new Open University/BBC co-production series on the Troubles in Northern Ireland is about to air containing interviews with people whose lives were changed forever by conflict. The powerful new five-part documentary is broadcasting on BBC Two, BBC Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer today, Monday 22 May at 9pm. Once Upon a Time in […]

OU News

Category: TV and radio