The Search for a New Earth (2017): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2017, The Search for a New Earth is a documentary film directed by Davina Bristow, running about 89 minutes. “Planet Earth has been home to humankind for over 200,000 years, but with a population of 7.5 billion and counting and limited resources, this planet might not support us forever.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. In this landmark film Professor Hawking, alongside engineer and radio astronomy expert Professor Danielle George and a former student, Christophe Galfard, join forces to find out if, and how, humans can reach for the stars and relocate to different planets. Travelling the globe, they meet top scientists, technologists and engineers who are working to answer our biggest questions: is there another planet out there that we could call home? How will we travel across the vast distances of space to get there? How will we survive the journey? And how will we set up a new human civilization on an alien world? Taking in the latest advances in astronomy, biology and rocket technology from the Atacama Desert to the wilds of the Arctic, viewers will discover a whole world of cutting edge research. This programme shows that Professor Hawking’s ambition isn’t as fantastical as it sounds - and that science fiction is closer to science fact than we ever thought.

Who’s in it. The Search for a New Earth stars Stephen Hawking as Himself, Christophe Galfard as Himself, Danielle George as Herself (Professor Danielle George) and Christophe Galfard as Himself (Professor Christophe Galfard).

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, The Search for a New Earth has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Search for a New Earth page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Search for a New Earth tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.