The World at War
The World at War is a TV show on Yesterday. Acclaimed British documentary series from the 1970s telling the story of World War II. The program has been available since 2025. A total of 26 episodes have been broadcast, most recently in November 2025.
Last episode
1:00:00
1:00:00The World at War
Laurence Olivier narrates this epic, 26-part WWII retrospective. Hear how French military leaders made the disastrous mistake of preparing for a war similar to WWI.
Catching up on The World at War?
Don't want to miss an episode anymore? Set up a free alarm and receive an email when new episodes are available. Handy!
1:00:00Improve your knowledge of WWII with this acclaimed series narrated by Laurence Olivier. As the Nazi war machine sweeps across Europe, an uneasy calm settles on Britain.
1:00:00Legendary actor Laurence Olivier narrates the definitive series on World War II. Hear why Germany, stricken by defeat in WWI, looked to Adolf Hitler for hope.
1:00:00The hugely respected chronology of WWII. Churchill described Italy as the 'soft underbelly of the crocodile', thinking the Allies could cut through it to reach Germany.
1:00:00The ultimate guide to World War II, narrated by Laurence Olivier. Bomber Command are unable to hit their targets precisely and attack German cities under cover of darkness.
1:00:00Following Operation Barbarossa in 1941, the Soviet Army battled the Germans almost alone for two years. Laurence Olivier recounts their efforts as the epic series continues.
1:00:00England became a supply dump as the British and Americans assembled the largest invasion fleet in history for Operation Overlord on 6 June 1944. Laurence Olivier tells all.
1:00:00Laurence Olivier narrates this 26-part series, a milestone in TV history. Germany's progress loses momentum as the tide of the war turns in favour of the Allies.
1:00:00World War II as told by the late Laurence Olivier. Hear more about life on the British Home Front, a time of gas masks, digging for victory and evacuation.
1:00:00Laurence Olivier narrates the acclaimed documentary series on WWII. Hear how Japanese advances across Asia forced the Allies into ignominious retreat.
1:00:00The definitive guide to World War II, narrated by the late, great Laurence Olivier. Hear how German U-boats caused havoc among Allied merchant shipping in the Atlantic.
1:00:00Laurence Olivier narrates this exhaustive account of World War II. In the deserts of North Africa, the 8th Army battles against Rommel's Afrika Korps.
1:00:00Recalling America's entry into World War II after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the great Laurence Olivier sheds more light on the deadliest conflict in history.
1:00:00December 7, 1941 saw the infamous Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Laurence Olivier revisits this pivotal moment of World War II in the much-praised documentary series.
1:00:00A milestone in TV history: Laurence Olivier tells the story of WWII. Hitler turns his tanks towards Russia. After a succession of victories, the Germans delay fatally.
1:00:00After Dunkirk, Britain faced an onslaught. Although the RAF won the Battle of Britain, our cities were blitzed. Laurence Olivier tells us more in the landmark series on WWII.
1:00:00Laurence Olivier narrates the iconic, 26-part documentary series about World War II. As peace descends in 1945, the series ends with a sombre reminder of the human cost.
1:00:00Discover how the superpowers established a new political order at the end of World War II. Laurence Olivier's narration and interviews with statesmen paint a vivid picture.
1:00:00The critically acclaimed documentary series all about World War II. Hear about the Allied scientists' controversial efforts to develop a new, immensely powerful weapon.
1:00:00World War II in revealing detail, narrated by the great actor Laurence Olivier. Hear how the Americans fought their way across the Pacific towards Japan and the Philippines.