BBC preps 1918 factual series

The BBC’s 14-18 NOW strand marks the centenary of the conflict’s end

The BBC in the UK has ordered a range of content exploring the events of 1918, including the end of the First World War and the Spanish flu pandemic.

BBC1 will broadcast a number of programmes under the World War One Centenary – Armistice banner, which will in turn be part of the pubcaster’s programming strand 14-18 NOW, which explores the conflict.

An as-yet untitled film directed by Peter Jackson (The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings) will use remastered original footage and BBC archive audio to bring unheard voices from 100 years ago to life.

BBC1 will also air The Last Hundred Days , which looks at the closing months of the conflict, while BBC2 will broadcast a show fronted by historian Dan Snow exploring the devastating consequences of shell shock.

Meanwhile, BBC1 has ordered a documentary that explores how universal suffrage was achieved.

A BBC2 doc about the impact of the post-war Spanish Flu pandemic, which killed up to 50 million people worldwide, is also on the slate, while 100 Years of the RAF explores the formation of the UK’s air force.