Curiosity Stream
Sign In

History Of Life On Earth

4 episodes 95%4KCC

From volcanic mudpots to mammals, witness evolution on a planetary scale.

Trace life’s story across 4.5 billion years, from the first spark in water and volcanic landscapes to fish, dinosaurs, mammals, and humans. Along the way, explore the breakthroughs, extinctions, and adaptations that shaped every major chapter of Earth’s living history. Sign up to follow the evidence and see how our own origins fit into the bigger story.

Episode guide

4 episodes
1
1Life In The Seas
The first life forms on the planet were microscopic, single-celled organisms, it took billions of years before more complex creatures evolved, first jellylike bodies, and then armored shells on their outsides, and finally the first backbone and the beginnings of fish.
52 min
2
2Journey To Land
Life evolved in the sea, in a water-bound planet, but landmasses slowly appeared and aquatic life began to explore different ways to colonize it. Plants were the first pioneers, then insects to feast on them, and then each other.
49 min
3
3Rise Of the Giants
It took a long time for vertebrates to really take over the land, but once they did, there was no turning back. Reptiles seemed to win the race, some becoming the biggest creatures to ever walk the Earth. Dinosaurs dominated for 150 million years, but they weren't alone.
48 min
4
4Mammal Takeover
The dinosaurs had a long and glorious reign, but it was not to last, and with their passing, a land of opportunity was laid bare for the little mammals that had scampered about their feet.
52 min
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Thousands of the world's best documentaries and factual programming — nature, history, science, technology, and biography — including exclusive Curiosity Originals like History Of Life On Earth. Stream it all ad-free, anytime.

Plans are billed annually — every plan streams in 4K. The Smart Bundle adds four partner services. There are no contracts — cancel anytime.

Watch on the web, iOS and Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Android TV, and most smart TVs. Start on one device and pick up right where you left off on another.

Yes. The library is full of family-friendly nature and science programming, and the Smart Bundle includes Kidstream — carefully chosen, ad-free shows kids will love and parents can trust.

Absolutely. There are no contracts and no cancellation fees — manage or cancel your plan anytime from your account settings.

Curiosity Stream is our streaming service — thousands of documentaries and originals. The Smart Bundle is Curiosity Stream plus four other independent streaming services (Tastemade, Kidstream, Curiosity University, and SOMM TV) on a single subscription.

Yes. Start on any plan and move up to the Smart Bundle whenever you like — the change takes effect right away, and your billing is simply prorated from your account settings.

Got your answer? Pick a plan and start streaming.Start streaming
Available now

Start watching History Of Life On Earth today

Stream thousands of award-winning documentaries. Cancel anytime.

Start streaming