TV series
The Search for the Nile
1971, English, on BBC One. Created by Derek Marlowe & Michael Hastings.
The Search for the Nile is a 1971 BBC One docudrama miniseries about the 19th-century European quest to find the source of the Nile River, focusing on explorers like Richard Burton, John Hanning Speke, and David Livingstone. The acclaimed six-part series, starring Kenneth Haigh as Burton, is known for its detailed portrayal of the explorers' hardships, rivalries, and discoveries, winning a Primetime Emmy and a Peabody Award.
- Seasons
- 1
- Episodes
- 6
- Episode length
- 58 min
- Status
- Ended in 1971
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Latest episode
S1 E6: Conquest and Death
Aired 27 October 1971
Seasons 1
Cast & crew
- Derek MarloweCreator
- Michael HastingsCreator
- James MasonNarrator · 6 ep
- Kenneth HaighSir Richard Francis Burton · 6 ep
- John QuentinJohn Hanning Speke · 5 ep
- Barbara Leigh-HuntIsabel Arundell · 4 ep
- Michael GoughDavid Livingstone · 4 ep
- André van GyseghemSir Roderick Murchison · 4 ep
- Ian McCullochCaptain James Grant · 4 ep
- Norman RossingtonSamuel Baker · 3 ep
- Seth AdagalaBombay · 3 ep
- Salim MohamedSheik Snay · 3 ep
- David FirthLawrence Oliphant · 2 ep
- Keith BuckleyHenry Morton Stanley · 2 ep
Details
- First aired
- 22 September 1971
- Last aired
- 27 October 1971
- Network
- BBC One
- Language
- English
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- Miniseries
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News & fan talk
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The Search for the Nile: quick answers
Is The Search for the Nile worth watching?
The Search for the Nile doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How many seasons of The Search for the Nile are there?
The Search for the Nile has 1 season and 6 episodes, about 58 minutes each.
Is The Search for the Nile finished?
Yes. The Search for the Nile ended in 1971, so you can watch the whole story.
Which OTT platform is The Search for the Nile on?
The Search for the Nile isn’t listed on any OTT platform in India yet. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
The Search for the Nile parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Search for the Nile yet.
What shows are like The Search for the Nile?
If you liked The Search for the Nile, try Testament: The Story of Moses, Rescue 911, The First 48.
Who created The Search for the Nile?
The Search for the Nile was created by Derek Marlowe and Michael Hastings and stars James Mason, Kenneth Haigh, John Quentin.