Sky Nature TV Guide — Saturday, 5 September 2026

Part one of two. The naturalist explores the evolution of vertebrates over the past 500 million years, beginning with a look at how remarkable advances allowed primitive fish to make the radical move on to land, and then take to the skies with the advent of flight. He uses fossils of both ancient and living species combined with CGI and film to chart their journey out of the water to populate all corners of the globe

The naturalist concludes his two-part exploration of the evolution of vertebrates over the past 500 million years by looking at the history of mammals. He traces their journey from humble origins as tiny nocturnal forest-dwellers to their astonishing explosion in diversity and domination of the world following the death of the dinosaurs

The ongoing battle between predators and prey, beginning with a look at how predators have evolved formidable means of surviving, with strategies ranging from fearsome size and speed to sophisticated teamwork

The keen eyesight, razor-sharp talons and other adaptations that help raptors like the peregrine falcon and bald eagle hunt

Part one of two. Biologist Patrick Aryee explores how cats have evolved throughout the millennia, learning to thrive in inhospitable environments, as well as becoming the world's most popular pet. In the first edition there is spectacular footage of caracals jumping three metres to catch flying birds, and a rare Bornean bay cat, which was thought to have been extinct. Patrick finds out how tigers made the transition from South-east Asia's steamy jungles to the -40C temperatures of Siberia, and meets 'lion whisperer' Kevin Richardson

A pride of lions including young cats learning to hunt attacks a buffalo herd, but the raid leaves a cub dead, while three more stray into the territory of a rival pride

A clan of hyenas led by a powerful alpha female endures a series of challenges, while an orphaned cub ends up at the bottom of the group's pecking order