BBC Two is set to debut its ambitious four-part documentary series, 'Once Upon a Time in Space,' on the evening of October 27, 2025, at 9:00 PM GMT. The production aims to move beyond the technicalities of space travel, focusing instead on the deeply human narrative embedded within the history of space exploration. It frames past achievements and current efforts as connected segments of a single, evolving story of human ambition.
The creative direction is helmed by acclaimed director James Bluemel, whose previous works, such as 'Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland' and 'Once Upon a Time in Iraq,' suggest a sensitive, character-driven approach. Viewers can anticipate a rich texture and personal resonance, utilizing rare archival footage, striking contemporary visuals, and firsthand accounts from participants. The inaugural episode, "America First," immediately concentrates on the early Space Shuttle program and the rigorous selection process for NASA astronauts.
The narrative gains authenticity through the inclusion of distinguished voices from the Cold War space race. Key participants include NASA veterans Jerry Linenger, Anna Fisher, Charlie Bolden, and Terry Virts, alongside Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Lazutkin, providing a unified perspective on shared challenges. The second installment, scheduled for November 3, 2025, and titled "The Russian Thing," will pivot to examine the significant period of US-Russia collaboration aboard the Mir space station, highlighting cooperation born from shared scientific goals.
While broadcast schedules for the final parts, "Politics Always Wins" and "Friends Forever," are pending, the established structure suggests a thematic progression toward contemporary and future space endeavors. This television event is timely, coinciding with renewed international focus on lunar and Martian exploration. The series serves as a reminder that current launches build upon the foundational courage and ingenuity of those who preceded them, offering essential context for understanding the balance of national ambition and necessary partnership in modern spaceflight.