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Gillian Anderson Narrates BBC's Animated Series on Universe Origins

publication · 2026-07-23

The BBC and the Open University have released a new animated series, "How Did Everything Begin?", exploring theories of the universe's origins. Narrated by Gillian Anderson, the videos cover Thomas Aquinas' First Mover argument, Hindu cosmology, William Paley's design argument, and the Big Bang theory. Scripted by Nigel Warburton of the Philosophy Bites podcast, the series makes complex philosophical and scientific concepts accessible. Anderson uses a British accent, distinct from her X-Files character Dana Scully. The series follows the earlier "A History of Ideas" narrated by Harry Shearer.

Key facts

  • BBC and Open University produced animated series 'How Did Everything Begin?'
  • Narrated by Gillian Anderson
  • Scripted by Nigel Warburton
  • Covers Thomas Aquinas, Hindu cosmology, William Paley, Big Bang
  • Anderson speaks in British accent
  • Follows earlier series 'A History of Ideas' narrated by Harry Shearer
  • Videos available on YouTube
  • Paley's watchmaker analogy from 1802 work 'Natural Theology'

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • BBC
  • Open University
  • Philosophy Bites

Locations

  • UK

Sources