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How the Earth Was Made
Title screen
GenreDocumentary
Narrated byCorey Johnson
Jonathan Keeble
ComposerTim Garland
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes26 + 1 pilot (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producersStuart Carter
Stephen Marsh
Susan Werbe
Running time45 minutes
Production companyPioneer Productions
Original release
NetworkHistory Channel
ReleaseFebruary 10, 2009 (2009-02-10) –
March 2, 2010 (2010-03-02)

How the Earth Was Made is a documentary television series produced by Pioneer Productions for the History Channel. It began as a two-hour special exploring the geological history of Earth, airing on September 16, 2007. Focusing on different geologic features of the Earth, the series premiered on February 10, 2009, and the 13-episode first season concluded on May 5, 2009. The second season premiered on November 24, 2009, and concluded on March 2, 2012.

Overview

[edit]

How the Earth Was Made premiered as a 90-minute documentary special, narrated by Edward Herrmann, that aired on the History Channel on September 16, 2007, and focused on the geological history of Earth. The History Channel released the original documentary film to Region 1 DVD through Warner Home Video on April 15, 2008, and to Blu-ray through A&E Home Video on May 26, 2009.[1][2]

The television series premiered on February 10, 2009. Each 45-minute episode focuses on different geologic features and processes of the Earth. The first season, spanning 13 episodes, concluded on May 5, 2009. The second season premiered on November 24, 2009.[3][4] The first season of the television series was released as a four-volume Region 1 DVD box set on August 25, 2009.[5][6] The second season was scheduled to be released on June 29, 2010.[7] The Region 4, four-volume DVD set of season one was released by ABC DVD on August 1, 2010[8] and season two was released on November 1, 2010.[9]

Episodes

[edit]

Pilot (2007)

[edit]
TitleOriginal release date
"How the Earth Was Made"[10][11][12]September 16, 2007 (2007-09-16)
This 90-minute documentary explains the geological and biological history of Earth, from its formation 4.5 billion years ago to the present day. Explained are the very beginnings of the Earth; the formation of the crust and atmosphere; the origins of water; when life began in the oceans and moved to the land; the Carboniferous period and how it ended; when dinosaurs ruled the land and the arrival of mammals; and the numerous ice ages. The documentary also explains plate tectonics and ends with the foreseeable next stages of our planet until its final stagnation about 2 billion years in the future.

Season 1 (2009)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleOriginal release date
11"San Andreas Fault"February 10, 2009 (2009-02-10)
A look at how geologists are keeping an eye on California's 800 mile-long San Andreas Fault which many believe is overdue for a major earthquake in the region that could destroy some of the most valuable real-estate in the world.
22"The Deepest Place on Earth"February 17, 2009 (2009-02-17)
A look at Challenger Deep, the deepest part of the Mariana Trench, where only a few scientists have been able to explore this amazing rift caused by the subduction of the Pacific Plate under the Mariana Plate.
33"Krakatoa"February 24, 2009 (2009-02-24)
A look at the geologic history of the Krakatoa volcano in Indonesia, the 1883 eruption which spawned a tsunami that took tens of thousands of lives, and how another, possibly more powerful eruption, could happen again.
44"Loch Ness"March 3, 2009 (2009-03-03)
A look at the geologic history of Scotland and how Loch Ness was carved out by the movement of ancient glaciers.
55"New York"March 10, 2009 (2009-03-10)
A look at the geologic history of the land modern day New York City sits atop; how Ice Age glaciers carved the rock beneath the metropolis, and its connection to land on the east coast of Africa.
66"Driest Place on Earth"March 17, 2009 (2009-03-17)
A look at the driest place on Earth, the Atacama Desert in South America which is 50 times drier than Death Valley; and how even in such a barren place, bacteria can still thrive.
77"Great Lakes"March 24, 2009 (2009-03-24)
A look at the Great Lakes of North America – the largest expanse of freshwater on Earth, and how findings gathered from a fossilized coral reef and the salt mines below the lakes are providing geologists with evidence that the region was once an ancient seabed.
88"Yellowstone"March 31, 2009 (2009-03-31)
A look at Yellowstone National Park and the caldera super volcano beneath it that is pushing up the land and long overdue for what could be a titanic eruption.
99"Tsunami"April 7, 2009 (2009-04-07)
A look at how tsunamis are created, and the possible consequences if a landslide generated megatsunami were to strike the east coast of the United States and countries that face the Atlantic.
1010"Asteroids"April 14, 2009 (2009-04-14)
A look at how asteroids played a role in the formation of the Earth; a study of how the Barringer Meteor Crater in Arizona was formed, and why little evidence remains of the meteor itself that created it.
1111"Iceland Volcano"April 21, 2009 (2009-04-21)
A look at the geologic history of Iceland and how the forces of fire and ice – volcanoes and glaciers – played a role together in the island's formation.
1212"Hawaii"April 28, 2009 (2009-04-28)
A look at the geologic puzzle of how the isolated Hawaiian Islands chain was formed and predictions about their future.
1313"The Alps"May 5, 2009 (2009-05-05)
A look at the Alps mountain range in Europe; how geologic uplifting caused by the collision of the African and Eurasian plates brought such peaks as the Matterhorn and Eiger to their current height, and the marine fossil evidence found there that shows the land was once below sea level.

Season 2 (2009–10)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleOriginal release date
141"The Grand Canyon"November 24, 2009 (2009-11-24)
A look at how the Grand Canyon in Arizona was believed to have been formed by the slow draining of an ancient lake which formed the Colorado River and carved the canyon out over millions of years.
152"Vesuvius"December 1, 2009 (2009-12-01)
A look at the geologic history of Mount Vesuvius which destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii; how geologists are collecting evidence that the volcano is stirring again; and how another eruption could spell disaster for the unprepared heavily-populated city of Naples.
163"Birth of the Earth"December 8, 2009 (2009-12-08)
A trip four billion years back in time to show the formation of planet Earth; to how molten material came together and solidified into rock; how the world survived a collision with a Mars-sized planet; how water arrived and formed the oceans, and when the first lifeforms appeared.
174"Sahara"December 15, 2009 (2009-12-15)
A look at the Sahara, the largest desert on Earth, and how scientists have uncovered fossilized evidence of whales, fresh water shells and ancient human settlements – clues that this searing wasteland was once a fertile land with a great sea.
185"Yosemite"December 22, 2009 (2009-12-22)
A look at how the geographically diverse Yosemite Valley was formed, and the debate whether it was carved by crushing ice age glaciers or a volcanic ripping of the Earth.
196"The Rockies"December 22, 2009 (2009-12-22)
A look at the mighty Rocky Mountains; how they are being formed by geologic uplifting from the collision of the Pacific Plate and the North American Continent, and the evidence that these geologically young mountains are still growing.
207"Ring of Fire"January 12, 2010 (2010-01-12)
A look at the Pacific Ring of Fire – the largest region of volcanic activity on Earth, that stretches around the Pacific Ocean from New Zealand, to Japan, to the Aleutians and down through the Andes mountain range of South America.
218"Everest"January 19, 2010 (2010-01-19)
A look at the geologic history of Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world, and how the Himalayas mountain range was really once an ancient seabed, pushed up to the roof of the world by tectonic smashing of the Indian plate into the Asian continent.
229"Death Valley"January 26, 2010 (2010-01-26)
A look at the geologic treasure trove of Death Valley; how one of the hottest places on Earth holds evidence for the coldest times on our planet; and how the valley, already well below sea level, is still sinking lower into the Earth.
2310"Mt. St. Helens"February 2, 2010 (2010-02-02)
A look at the creation of the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state; its history of violent eruptions and the evidence another massive eruption could occur again in the near future.
2411"Earth's Deadliest Eruption"February 9, 2010 (2010-02-09)
A look back 250 million years ago when a massive volcanic eruption, (in what is now Siberia), spewed lava one mile thick over an area the size of Texas; caused intense climatic change that killed 95% of the life on the planet and paved the way for the next dominant species – the dinosaurs.
2512"America's Ice Age"February 16, 2010 (2010-02-16)
A look at past Ice Age eras that Earth has experienced throughout its existence; how the slightest changes in the planet's orbit and angle of rotation can bring them about; how long they can last, and when the Earth will endure another.
2613"America's Gold"March 2, 2010 (2010-03-02)
A look at how gold, a scarce element left behind by the explosions of supernovas, was collected by the forming Earth and how its geologic processes concentrated it in various places throughout the globe.

Reception

[edit]

The editor of the special, Huw Jenkins[13] (although credited as Huw Jenkin), was awarded a 2008 News and Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Craft: Editing, in a three-way tie.[14]

In its first season, the television series averaged 1.4 million viewers.[15]

International broadcast

[edit]

In Australia, the pilot along with both seasons were all broadcast on Pay television through History. For free-to-air viewers, season one also aired on ABC1 each Thursday at 11am from July 22, 2010.[16]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

How the Earth Was Made

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
''How the Earth Was Made'' is a documentary television series produced by Pioneer Productions for the . It began as a two-hour special exploring the , which aired on September 16, 2007. The series focuses on different geologic features and processes that shaped the planet, with each 45-minute episode examining a specific location or phenomenon, using on-location footage, expert interviews, and graphics to explain 's dynamic history. It premiered as a full series on February 10, 2009, with the 13-episode first season concluding on May 5, 2009, followed by a second season of 13 episodes from November 24, 2009, to March 2, 2012. The first season averaged 1.4 million viewers per episode, and the series won a 2008 News & Documentary Emmy Award for editing.

Series Overview

Premise and Format

How the Earth Was Made is a documentary series that examines the over approximately 4.5 billion years, using specific natural wonders such as volcanoes, canyons, and fault lines to illustrate the planet's formation from a molten state to its current diverse landscapes. By focusing on these iconic sites, the series reveals how processes like , volcanic activity, and have shaped the planet's surface and interior. Each episode follows a consistent 45-minute format, blending high-definition on-location footage with (CGI) reconstructions to visualize ancient cataclysms and gradual transformations. Expert interviews with geologists and scientists provide insights into mechanisms such as tectonic shifts and erosional forces, making the narrative both educational and visually engaging. The series originated as a 90-minute pilot special in 2007, offering a broad overview of Earth's global geological evolution, before transitioning into serialized deep dives into individual locations across two seasons of 13 episodes each. This evolution allowed for more focused storytelling on site-specific histories while maintaining a cohesive exploration of planetary development. With an emphasis on accessibility, the program employs narrative techniques to demystify complex , avoiding technical to appeal to viewers without prior scientific knowledge and fostering a deeper appreciation for Earth's dynamic past. The U.S. version is narrated by Corey Johnson, with Jonathan Keeble providing narration for international audiences.

Creative Team

The documentary series How the Earth Was Made was produced by Pioneer Productions, a British company specializing in scientific documentaries, which adapted the original 2007 pilot special into a full 13-episode season for the . Executive producers Stuart Carter, Stephen Marsh, and Susan Werbe from Pioneer Productions played key roles in securing funding from the and ensuring the series maintained high standards of scientific accuracy through collaboration with geologists and experts. The U.S. broadcasts featured narration by Corey Johnson, whose dramatic delivery heightened the geological drama and engaged viewers in the planet's formative processes, while Jonathan Keeble provided narration for select international versions. Tim Garland crafted the original score, incorporating orchestral and ambient elements to underscore the series' exploration of Earth's ancient geological environments. Editor Huw Jenkins contributed to the pilot special, earning a News & Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Craft: for his work enhancing the flow and visual pacing.

Production

Development History

The development of How the Earth Was Made originated with a 90-minute special produced by Pioneer Productions for the , focusing on the planet's geological evolution from its formation approximately 4.6 billion years ago to predictions of its future demise. Directed by Peter Chinn and narrated by , the special premiered on September 16, 2007, as a standalone program that combined expert narration with visual reconstructions of key events in 's . Building on the special's format, Pioneer Productions expanded the project into a full episodic series, which the commissioned for broadcast starting in February 2009. Executive producers, including Bob Strange, played a key role in pitching the concept's integration of historical and scientific elements to appeal to a broad audience. Scientific accuracy was prioritized through collaborations with geologists from reputable institutions, such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). These consultations drew on peer-reviewed geological data to validate reconstructions of tectonic processes and other formative stages. Production faced challenges related to budget constraints for advanced , particularly (CGI) needed to simulate prehistoric natural events like volcanic eruptions and ; these were addressed by engaging specialized supervisors, such as Mike Stillwell, who handled CGI integration for the series episodes.

Filming and Technical Aspects

The production of How the Earth Was Made involved filming at numerous locations worldwide to capture real-world geological features, including Iceland's volcanoes for demonstrations of tectonic activity, the Grand Canyon in the United States for studies of processes, and the base camp of for high-altitude Himalayan geology. Additional sites encompassed the Sahara Desert, underwater explorations related to the in the to illustrate , and various U.S. regions such as , , , , and . Aerial shots were obtained using helicopters to provide sweeping views of these landscapes. Technical innovations played a key role in visualizing Earth's , with extensive (CGI) created by effects teams to recreate events such as asteroid impacts and formations. These simulations drew on scientific data from sources like for cosmic events and the U.S. Geological Survey for terrestrial processes, ensuring geological accuracy in depictions of cataclysmic phenomena. The series also employed to document ongoing natural changes, such as lava flows from active volcanoes, which were then integrated with expert narration to explain long-term geological dynamics. Filming presented significant challenges due to extreme environmental conditions, including high-altitude operations at base camp where thin air and harsh weather complicated equipment handling, and underwater filming in the Pacific Ocean's depths for sequences, requiring specialized submersibles and remote cameras to access hazardous zones. An international crew of over 100 members managed these across more than 50 global sites, with spanning from 2007 to 2009 and totaling approximately 18 months of intensive fieldwork. Development delays occasionally impacted the schedule, but the team's adaptability allowed for comprehensive coverage of Earth's formative processes.

Episodes

Pilot Special (2007)

The Pilot Special, a 90-minute documentary, aired on the History Channel on December 16, 2007, narrated by Edward Herrmann. It offers a comprehensive overview of Earth's 4.5-billion-year geological evolution, beginning with the accretion of cosmic dust into a molten protoplanet and progressing through cataclysmic events to the formation of modern continents. The narrative emphasizes transformative forces, including the giant impact with Theia that formed the Moon, the development of an early atmosphere from volcanic outgassing, and the emergence of liquid water amid intense bombardment. Key segments highlight dramatic epochs using CGI reconstructions and expert interviews, such as eon volcanism that resurfaced the planet, the hypothesis during glaciations covering the globe in ice, and cycles of assembly and breakup like , which reshaped landmasses and oceans. Paleontologists provide insights into evidence marking life's origins and major extinctions, including the asteroid impact 66 million years ago that ended the dinosaurs, illustrating how biological and geological processes intertwined. On-location footage from remote geological sites complements these visuals, underscoring ongoing and . As a standalone production by Pioneer Productions, the special functioned as a proof-of-concept, a dramatic style and high-impact without the episodic format of later installments. Its success, evidenced by an IMDb user rating of 8.1 out of 10 from over 600 reviews praising the innovative graphics and accessible science, directly influenced the commissioning of the full series in 2009.

Season 1 (2009)

Season 1 of How the Earth Was Made premiered on the History Channel on February 10, 2009, and consisted of 13 weekly episodes airing through May 12, 2009. The season focused on the geological origins of various landmarks and natural phenomena, primarily highlighting North American features while incorporating select international sites to illustrate formative events like , volcanic activity, and glacial processes. Each episode connected local to global processes, such as driving , fostering conceptual understanding of Earth's dynamic history. The narrative style employed on-location site visits to key formations, interviews with specialists including seismologists and volcanologists, and animated simulations reconstructing events like the collision of tectonic plates or supervolcanic eruptions. This approach avoided a comprehensive planetary timeline, instead using specific sites as entry points to explain interconnected geological mechanisms without overlap from the 2007 pilot special. The episodes are as follows:
No.TitleAir DateFocus
1February 10, 2009Examines the fault's formation through tectonic plate interactions along the Pacific and North American plates, causing earthquakes and shaping California's landscape.
2The Deepest Place on EarthFebruary 17, 2009Investigates the 's creation via zones, revealing insights into formation and deep-sea pressures.
3February 24, 2009Details the island's explosive history from buildup in a , linking the 1883 eruption to plate convergence in .
4March 3, 2009Explores Scotland's ancient rifts and volcanic activity that formed the loch, amid broader effects.
5New YorkMarch 10, 2009Traces the region's evolution from towering mountains eroded by glaciers during the to the bedrock supporting modern skyscrapers.
6Driest Place on EarthMarch 17, 2009Analyzes the Atacama Desert's aridity from Andean uplift blocking moisture, offering clues to Mars-like environments.
7March 24, 2009Describes glacial scouring by sheets that carved the basins, filling them post-melt to form the world's largest freshwater system.
8YellowstoneMarch 31, 2009Covers the supervolcano's hotspot origin, eruption cycles, and systems driven by chambers beneath the park.
9April 7, 2009Studies tsunami generation from underwater earthquakes and landslides, using evidence from ancient mega-events to explain coastal reshaping.
10AsteroidsApril 21, 2009Investigates meteor impacts like Arizona's , demonstrating rapid crater formation and mass extinction ties.
11April 28, 2009Highlights the island's emergence from the , showcasing active rifting, volcanoes, and geothermal activity.
12May 5, 2009Explores the chain's volcanic buildup over a Pacific hotspot, contrasting explosive and formations.
13The AlpsMay 12, 2009Outlines the mountain range's rise from the African and Eurasian plates' collision, followed by sculpting peaks.

Season 2 (2009–2010)

Season 2 of How the Earth Was Made aired on the from November 24, 2009, to March 2, 2010, comprising 13 episodes that expanded the series' scope to international geological sites and delved into extreme phenomena such as massive volcanic eruptions and continental collisions. As the final season of the series, it concluded the exploration of Earth's formative processes, building on the documentary's premise of using on-site evidence and to reconstruct geological history. This season featured enhanced (CGI) to visualize cataclysmic events like ancient meteor impacts and , alongside interviews with a broader range of experts, including volcanologists and glaciologists, to explain global-scale dynamics such as subduction zones and mass extinctions. Each episode linked specific landforms to broader planetary events, emphasizing how local features reflect Earth's 4.5-billion-year evolution. The season's episodes are listed below, with brief descriptions of their key geological focuses:
  1. Grand Canyon (November 24, 2009): This episode examines the formation of the through the interplay of the Colorado River's erosion and the uplift of the over approximately 6 million years, revealing layered rock evidence of ancient seas and volcanic activity.
  2. Vesuvius (December 1, 2009): Focusing on in , the program details its explosive eruptions, including the 79 AD event that buried Pompeii, and assesses modern risks to nearby populations through analysis of pyroclastic flows and magmatic processes.
  3. Birth of the Earth (December 8, 2009): The episode traces Earth's origins from the solar nebula 4.5 billion years ago, highlighting accretion, differentiation into core and crust, and early bombardment by meteorites that delivered water and shaped the planet's habitability.
  4. Sahara (December 15, 2009): Exploring the Sahara Desert in North Africa, it investigates cycles of aridification and greening over millions of years, driven by orbital changes and monsoon shifts, with evidence from ancient riverbeds and fossils linking climate to tectonic influences.
  5. Yosemite (December 22, 2009): This installment resolves debates on Yosemite Valley's creation in , attributing its granite cliffs and to 200 million years of Sierra Nevada pluton intrusion followed by Pleistocene glaciation.
  6. The Rockies (December 22, 2009): The ' rise from a shallow is detailed, involving the around 70 million years ago due to flat-slab , with ongoing potentially leading to future .
  7. Ring of Fire (January 12, 2010): Centered on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the episode explains how circum-Pacific subduction zones fuel 75% of Earth's volcanoes and frequent earthquakes, using examples from Japan and the Andes to illustrate plate convergence.
  8. Everest (January 19, 2010): Mount Everest's formation in the Himalayas is explored through the ongoing India-Asia plate collision since 50 million years ago, which has thickened the crust to over 70 kilometers, enabling peaks exceeding 8,000 meters.
  9. Death Valley (January 26, 2010): The episode recounts 's transformation from an inland sea to a basin 6 million years ago, involving Basin and Range extension that created its extreme depth and heat, with salt flats as remnants of ancient lakes.
  10. Mt. St. Helens (February 2, 2010): Detailing the 1980 eruption of in Washington, it covers lateral blasts and dome-building that exposed magmatic systems, drawing parallels to similar events in the and informing volcanic monitoring.
  11. Earth's Deadliest Eruption (February 9, 2010): The in are profiled as the source of a 1-million-year event 252 million years ago, releasing greenhouse gases that triggered the Permian-Triassic , wiping out 90% of marine species.
  12. America's Ice Age (February 16, 2010): Focusing on the Pleistocene glaciation across , the program illustrates how ice sheets up to 3 kilometers thick shaped landscapes through scouring and deposition, with lingering effects on modern rivers and lakes.
  13. America's Gold (March 2, 2010): The geological origins of gold rushes in and are traced to hydrothermal fluids from , concentrating ores in veins along fault lines during Cordilleran uplift.

Release and Distribution

Original Broadcast

The pilot special of How the Earth Was Made premiered on the in the United States on , 2007, at 9 PM ET. Season 1 of the series debuted on February 10, 2009, airing weekly on Tuesdays at 10 PM ET, with episodes exploring specific geological features through on-location footage and expert analysis. Season 2 followed on November 24, 2009, shifting to Tuesdays at 9 PM ET and continuing the format of 44-minute episodes dedicated to Earth's formative events. This launch aligned with the History Channel's strategic expansion into science-oriented documentaries during the late , as the network sought to broaden its appeal amid intensifying competition from channels like Discovery, which dominated factual programming on and exploration. Promotional efforts featured trailers that teased "Earth's untold story," emphasizing dramatic visualizations of planetary formation to draw viewers into the series' narrative of geological evolution. Reruns commenced immediately following the conclusion of each season, building audience familiarity.

International Airings and Home Media

The series aired internationally shortly after its U.S. premiere, with broadcasts on regional affiliates and public broadcasters. In , Season 1 began airing on ABC1 starting July 22, 2010, with the episode "," and was also available on the from earlier in the year. In the , the series premiered on UK on February 10, 2009. broadcast the episodes via beginning February 10, 2009, providing English-language access to North American audiences outside the U.S. To broaden accessibility, the series received dubbed versions in several languages for non-English markets. A Spanish edition, titled Así Se Hizo La Tierra, was released with dubbing in Castilian Spanish and included Portuguese audio options, facilitating distribution in Europe and Latin America. Some regional airings featured minor edits to highlight local geological features, such as increased focus on European landforms in EU broadcasts, though the core content remained consistent across versions. Home media releases expanded the series' reach through physical formats. The Season 1 DVD set, a Region 1 box set containing three discs with the 13 episodes plus behind-the-scenes featurettes and geological timelines, was released on August 25, 2009, by A&E Home Video. Season 2 followed with a four-disc DVD set on June 29, 2010, including audio commentaries and additional timelines. Blu-ray editions began with the pilot special and Season 1 compilation on May 26, 2009, offering high-definition visuals of on-location footage and enhanced graphics. These releases included closed captions and were distributed internationally, with UK Blu-ray versions available from March 8, 2010. Digital availability was initially limited after the 2010 broadcasts, with no widespread streaming until later years. Full episodes became accessible on YouTube through official History Channel channels around 2015, enabling global on-demand viewing with subtitles in multiple languages. As of November 2025, episodes are available for streaming on HISTORY Vault, , and Apple TV.

Reception and Impact

Critical Response

Critics and scientists generally praised How the Earth Was Made for its engaging presentation of complex geological concepts, particularly through high-quality CGI and dramatic visuals that transformed dry subjects like into cinematic experiences. A review in highlighted the series' presenter-free format, which delivered gripping facts and explosive graphics without unnecessary narration, making it accessible yet intellectually rigorous. This balanced approach to drama and science was lauded for avoiding oversimplification while appealing to a broad audience. However, some critiques pointed to the series' occasional prioritization of dramatic flair over scientific precision. Geologists and reviewers noted that while the show featured expert interviews, its entertainment-driven style sometimes sacrificed nuance, leading to a perceived imbalance between and spectacle typical of programming. Aggregate user reviews reflect this mixed reception, with the series earning an 8.0/10 rating on based on 815 votes, indicating strong appreciation for its educational value. Educational organizations, including those aligned with the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), have recommended episodes for classroom use due to their visual aids and focus on real-world . Overall, the series was valued for demystifying Earth's formation while sparking interest in earth sciences, though purists called for greater fidelity to peer-reviewed timelines.

Viewership, Awards, and Legacy

The series garnered strong viewership during its initial broadcast on the , establishing itself as one of the network's biggest hits in by drawing audiences interested in geological , averaging 1.4 million total viewers in its first season. Its appeal was bolstered by critical praise for the innovative visuals that made complex accessible. For the pilot special aired in 2007, editor Huw Jenkins received the 2008 News & Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Craft: , recognizing the precise integration of dramatic reenactments and scientific explanations. The enduring legacy of How the Earth Was Made lies in its integration into educational settings, particularly U.S. high school curricula, where episodes serve as supplementary resources to illustrate geological processes like and volcanic activity. No additional seasons were produced after 2010, but the series' success expanded the History Channel's focus on documentaries, paving the way for similar programs exploring cosmic and human history themes. As of 2025, episodes are available for streaming on platforms including Prime Video and HISTORY Vault, sustaining its influence amid ongoing discussions on and .

References

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  39. https://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/abc1/201007/programs/ZX0832A011D2010-07-22T110200.htm?program=How%20The%20Earth%20Was%20Made
  40. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1591535/releaseinfo/
  41. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hizo-Tierra-Earth-Made-4Dvds/dp/B0053CB6D0
  42. https://www.amazon.com/How-Earth-Was-Made-Complete/dp/B001R60ER0
  43. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/How-the-Earth-Was-Made-Blu-ray/4579/
  44. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/How-the-Earth-Was-Made-Blu-ray/8298/
  45. https://www.history.com/shows/how-the-earth-was-made
  46. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2011/oct/13/how-the-earth-was-made
  47. https://insidepulse.com/2009/11/12/how-the-earth-was-made-the-complete-season-one-dvd-review/
  48. https://www.facebook.com/groups/nationalesta/posts/10155095616971875/
  49. https://variety.com/2009/scene/awards/reality-shows-with-a-shot-at-emmy-1118004665/
  50. https://www.documentary.org/blog/pbs-dominates-news-and-doc-emmys
  51. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-the-Earth-was-Made-Complete-Season-One-Notes-804244
  52. https://www.amazon.com/How-Earth-Was-Made-Season/dp/B01E9ITZG8
  53. https://www.historyvault.com/shows/how-the-earth-was-made
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