Walking with Cavemen: Your views

Walking with Cavemen: Your views

The actors spent five hours in make-up each morning

Walking with Cavemen is one of the BBC's most ambitious TV science projects, using the latest technology to bring the prehistoric world to life.

It follows the Walking with Dinosaurs and Walking with Beasts series and cost £4m to make.

The programmes take the viewer back three and a half million years to explain how modern man evolved from a common ancestor with apes.

So what do you think?

This debate is now closed. Please see below for a selection of your comments.

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I did not watch the previous Walking with... series but was intrigued by this particular subject matter. Personally I would have liked the trivial style toned down just slightly in favour of more hard facts. But this is a minor quibble as undoubtedly this programme makes science more accessible to the masses. The subject matter is one that is rarely approached and yet should be of fundamental interest to us. Overall - excellent!
Dave, N Ireland

Possibly the most unintentionally hilarious programme I have ever seen. The least life-like funniest "beast" acting since Creature From The Black Lagoon.

Best bit was where the invading troupe was stood in a tree, in perfect symmetry, looking for all the world like a prehistoric White Helmets formation team.

I was embarrassed for Robert Winston - presumably Attenborough turned down the chance to narrate this fiasco.
Jeff, UK

Accessible? It patronised the viewer; does no-one want to watch academic documentaries any more?

Mark, UK

I thought the programme was absolutely brilliant. There was a humanistic approach as well as a scientific one and it really works. The make-up was great and well done to the actors.
Dawn, UK

I suppose that after Walking with Dinosaurs and the Life of Mammals, my expectations were quite high. I like Robert Winston but this programme was dreadful. I watched it to learn something but found myself in hysterics and positively gobsmacked. I think the BBC has really let themselves down this time.
Nic, UK

The programme was wonderful, I can't wait for next week's show, roll on evolution!
Emma, England

Of course the biggest discussion today will be of how well all that applied make-up looked on the small screen, and in my opinion it was a success, as usual good old Dr Robert Winston looked great, Lucy and co I suppose looked alright too. As usual it was the science and historical revelations, delivered in RW's "detective/teacher/and the winner is" style, where the magic of this programme lay. The interactive segment was very good, but should have been integrated into the main programme...good work fellows.
James S, England

Oh no. This was dire beyond belief, TV by morons for morons. I can't believe they have wasted so much money and hype on little more than a children's basic learning programme, dressed up with a few effects and many wild scenarios.

Accessible? It patronised the viewer; does no-one want to watch academic documentaries any more? Whatever happened to Timewatch/Horizon/etc? The presenter has lost what little credibility he had left, pretending to perch on top of prehistoric trees and gurning at the camera.

Short of a few soap stars turning up as the cavemen, (Phil Mitchell?), or having a chance to vote off the least popular ape, I can't think how much worse it could get.

Appalling. Is this all we can expect from BBC One now?
Mark, UK

The populist approach makes science more accessible and encourages more people to watch. I, for one, will watch the rest of the series with interest

A McEwan, UK

Astounding. Simply astounding. It's not the best science programme I've seen but it's a worthy addition to the BBC's documentaries. Looking forward to next Thursday.
Christopher Wright, Wales, UK

I can understand why people might want to see how cavemen may have acted, but to make it a soap opera overseen by a celebrated doctor placed into the scenario, as if he were "back in time", made it feel cheap.
Paul, UK

It was very interesting, and it was made to seem so easy to understand. It is really amazing what you can find out on TV now.
Robyn Dearden, Scotland

This must be one of the worst "science" programmes that the BBC has ever put on. It even beats Walking with Dinosaurs.

The adults are shown furred, like chimps. Why? We are not told. Yet the infant is shown naked? Why? Again we are not told. If the adults needed a covering of fur to keep warm, how come infants don't? They are MUCH smaller and need insulation far more.

The account of the origin of bipedalism was laughable in the extreme. Apparently there were no predators at all in that part of Africa during any part of that time. So Lucy and her companions could slowly walk around the landscape, thinking only of their "energy-efficiency".

A simple test for any article on human evolution is to ask: "Does the author use terms inappropriate to any dicussion on evolution?" The word "forced" is a classic instance. It is the mark of execrable science. It will not be found in any study of the evolution of other species.

There are many very serious problems in human evolution. Very few good answers are around. Only a trashy programme would seek to hide that fact and then come up with its own "solutions", all of which could be demolished by an intelligent seven-year-old.
Paul Crowley, Ireland

I have been watching the first episode and already I am worried. Much of what is being put forward about australopithicus afarensis is conjecture, such as their social structure. Yet it is making out that it is fact. This can lead to people who have not studied this subject assuming this is exactly what happened, and that can be very damaging.
Sarah, Wales

Absolute rubbish. We should be given a TV licence refund.
David Shute, England

Talk about dumbing down! I can only assume that this programme was some sort of misguided attempt to interest small and uncritical children in the subject of human evolution. It certainly didn't offer much for anyone with a modicum of interest in the subject - or a reasonably agile mind. People look to the BBC to tell the "truth" but this programme was one piece of unsubstantiated conjecture after another. Please BBC, don't dress up fiction as fact - it comes over as patronising twaddle and your viewers ARE able to tell the difference.
Susan, UK

My wife commented "What a load of guff" as we watched the first episode. However, I found it very interesting. I think that the viewing figures that the previous Walking With... series have had speak for themselves. The populist approach makes science more accessible and encourages more people to watch. I, for one, will watch the rest of the series with interest.
A McEwan, UK

The acting was hammy in the extreme and the make-up was no better than the original version of Planet of the Apes

Christian, UK

A complete work of fiction. From a couple of nearly complete skeletons of A. Afarensis and a few jaw bones, they can really determine all this about behaviour? I was appalled.
Mike Salmon, UK

I thought it belonged more on children's TV than at prime time in the evening. It was presented without any real reference to the science behind the claims being made, which made it sound more like a bedtime story rather than a factual documentary. Even the accompanying commentary seemed very simplistic and (hopefully) aimed at children.
Susie, UK

I thought this prgramme was brilliant with superb writing and effects, especially the scene where both Robert Winston and "Lucy" were in the same tree but millions of years apart, the programme is a credit to the BBC for producing such entertaining viewing. roll on next week!
Adam, UK

Absolutely dire! Cheap-looking costumes inhabited by actors who looked like they had about five minutes to prepare. Really, really disappointed. Would have been more convinced if you'd shown the Fimbles populating the ancient plains. Dr Winston has done himself (apart from financially) no favours, when he is next on screen trying to give serious comment on some issue like genetics I will no longer be able to take him seriously, expecting at any time to see a pantomime ape appear from behind him cuddling a badly made ET doll.
Stuart, UK

Whilst I agree with a lot of the criticisms I have seen of this programme - I am definitely not a fan of "dumbing down" - the sad fact is that all TV shows need to get ratings and a dry scientific approach would not have filled many seats.

Maybe they could have included a disclaimer and emphasised the conjecture a bit more but overall an entertaining and informative episode. I look forward to seeing the rest.
Alan, England

Brilliant - the BBC win again for making the most of the interactive elements of my Sky box! It's worth the licence fee and the Sky subscription all by itself!
Julian Maurer, UK

How did Robert Winston manage to keep a straight face? The people in the ape-suits were deeply unconvincing in the way they moved, especially Lucy who looked like she was prancing across a netball court when running. They resembled nothing so much as a gathering of Big-Foot hoaxers. Terrible.
Hazel, UK

Very cringe-worthy.
Luke, UK

The acting was hammy in the extreme and the make-up was no better than the original version of Planet of the Apes. The computer effects were even worse. The scene with Robert Winston and Lucy in the tree looked like it had been done on a home computer and the rubber baby actually wobbled and bounced when it was picked up. People also have to remember the proportions are all wrong. Lucy and co were supposed to be little more than a metre tall and would have had an entirely different bulk and frame to a man in a furry suite. The opening scene of 2001: A Space Odyssey was far superior some 30 years ago. I am stunned that this cost £4m to make!
Christian, UK

I think more focus on the facts was necessary. Attenborough would so have done this better

Kunal Bid, UK

I was slightly disappointed by the programme, since I had expected a lot more from the BBC and Robert Winston.

It seemed very dumbed down, and the only real thing I did learn was that Lucy was named after Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by the Beatles.
Vinod Chhotu Patel, West Bromwich, UK

Very poor! The limited CG efects weren't great, it was patronising and I won't be watching it next week. I taped it for my 7-year-old; might suit his age-group better.
Eamonn, UK

Did anyone notice the similarity between the Australopithecus afarensis, and our current political leaders? The head of the featured tribe, leading his group towards battle but getting eaten by a crocodile, bore a striking resemblance to George W Bush. And his two possible successors included the brash, confident candidate (who looked like Tony Blair) and an individual the programme called "The Quiet Man", who honestly did resemble Iain Duncan Smith.
Michael, UK

The programme seemed to me to be mere conjecture, filmed in Jurassic Park-style to appeal to a wider audience. Those wishing to LEARN about our evolution would have been sorely disappointed. Dire.
Debs, England

Enjoyed every moment. Fantastic.
John, UK

The programme was dire. I am a research scientist who fully supports communicating science to the public in an easily accessible format. However, when theory is put forward as fact the producers are treading on dangerous ground. I find it hard to believe that bipedalism originated purely to conserve enough energy equivalent to a packet of biscuits over a year. If that was the case why aren't more animals bipedal?

Surely a more logical explanation is that it freed up their hands to utilise them in a more articulate way. The worst part of the programme was towards the end when the viewer was supposed to get sentimental about the death of Lucy and Robert carrying her to the riverside - do us a favour! More facts, less fiction please.
Kelvin, UK

I thought the programme was wonderful. It provided a fantastic insight into the early development of humans. Can't wait for next Thursday. 10 out of 10.
MJ Smith, England

A total disappointment if you ask me. Felt that the programme had been totally dumbed down. I think more focus on the facts was necessary. Attenborough would so have done this better.
Kunal Bid, UK

Great subject matter, unfortunately it was presented in a way that could only appeal to soap fans or children

Paul, Scotland

Why hasn't this been done before? Fascinating to see where I evolved from. Will definitely be watching next week.
Georgina Mansfield, England

If people want to think that we came from apes, then that is entirely up to them. Personally, I don't think so and it is ridiculous to suggest that we did.
James, Ireland

I am finding it very difficult to express how appallingly bad the programme was. It's only redeeming feature was the comedy value, my sides are still hurting.
Carl Robinson, UK

It was terrible, it was more like a cheap sci-fi drama than a factual documentary. It was very disappointing, I was expecting an interesting factual programme about the evolution of man and instead watched something that would have insulted a child's intelligence.
Kate, England

I thought the programme was wonderful. I did not move for the whole half hour. I can't understand why so many people did not like it. The format was good and the facts were handled in a clear fashion. I thought it was really sad when Lucy died at the end!
Alison, UK

Robert Winston often walks a narrow line between accessible science and patronising rubbish. Last night's programme saw him immerse himself in the latter, with only a large cheque to wipe away his embarrassment. The ape men were laughably unconvincing and the amount of pure conjecture was insulting. My girlfriend works as a primary school teacher, and I thought that her seven-year-olds might find it entertaining. However, I wouldn't want their early knowledge of natural history to be so poorly informed. Our standards are set when we are children - fortunately I had David Attenborough.
Michael Moreton, UK

Wonderful, really enjoyed.
Jackie, UK

Great subject matter, unfortunately it was presented in a way that could only appeal to soap fans or children. While I am interested in anthropology, last night's episode was little more than a re-hashed documentary on the life of chimps.

Obviously "Lucy" and her ancestors didn't leave too much info for the experts to get on with. I hope the following episodes aren't as soap opera-like in their approach.

Still, I'd rather see my licence fee go on this type of progamming than the continual DIY or real life shows that the BBC have been churning out recently. I wonder how long it will be before the Beeb sells this to one of the UK groups of satellite channels for a tidy profit. If the Beeb are going to sell progammes to commercial channels so that their logo appears before adverts, isn't it time to drop the licence and go the whole hog? Being non-commercial doesn't mean quality programming as the first episode of Cavemen clearly shows.
Paul, Scotland

Seems the moaning gene has had a successful journey down the evolutionary road

Alan, UK

I thought it was great but what was that ape in the shorts with the moustache all about?
Mark, UK

Having long wailed about the lack of anything on TV about Human Evolution, I was looking forward to Walking with Cavemen, but with trepidation. I enjoyed Walking with Dinosaurs, but was dismayed by speculation being presented as fact.

Walking with Beasts was very disappointing as the special effects quality seemed to have deteriorated. But last night, I think the BBC finally hit rock bottom.

Prof Wintston is fine - usually - but even he couldn't save a programme which was factually inaccurate, facile, patronising and frankly downright demeaning to us as viewers. The BBC took a very interesting concept and rubbished it. Please BBC, make amends and remake this series, treating the viewer as serious, intelligent adults.
Caity, Essex

I watched the first five minutes of this and Robert Winston's commentary so patronising that I switched off.
Lizzie, UK

This was by far the worst of the Walking With... series. Winston was his usual patronising self, talking about a subject in which he is far from expert. (His series on human nature was much the same). The BBC still cannot do hair in CGI with any great effectiveness, and there was even more dressing-up-speculation-as-fact than usual. There are several theories about why man is an upright animal, and none of them are totally convincing. The watchword seems to be "use the newest theory and treat it as fact."

Also, has it occured to anyone that there is no drama when the ending is known - dramatise using the record, certainly, but naming Lucy took all the fun out of guessing who was going to die...
Lil Shepherd, UK

Oh dear. Once again the viewing public have to swallow a great deal of speculation in order to hear the few actual facts concerning this distant relative. However, it does seem to demonstrate the huge leaps in science. You dig up a skull that's a few million years old and can work out, with the power of science, what tree the owner hid in. Come on BBC, you have a CBBC channel, keep the programmes shown at grown-up times for grown-ups please. I realise that science is not always easily understood but surely the viewers don't require such "dumbing down" of the facts? It wouldn't surprise me if the subtitles were in alphabetti spaghetti. Sorry BBC. Utter pony.
Martin, UK

I had to laugh because I thought one of the more modern cavemen looked strangely familiar, like Nick Knowles from DIY SOS! I did enjoy the interactive part of the programme. I have followed all the Walking With.. series, but I found myself day-dreaming through this one for some reason. Oh, that rubber baby...
Jules, UK

Walking with Cavemen was a major disappointment. The presence of the narrator was extremely intrusive, his script was banal and the monkey suits were no improvement on 2001, which was made 35 years ago.
Christopher Jofeh, Wales

Seems the moaning gene has had a successful journey down the evolutionary road.
Alan, UK

Far better to have spent the resources otherwise spent on special effects on producing a 'talking heads' programme such as Horizon

SB, England

Congratulations BBC in making yet another first class programme to match the previous two. Hats off to the professionals involved, and long may you continue making programmes which set the standard to the rest of the world.
Jason Cairns, UK

I personally thought it a little silly and I should think the actors in the chimp suits were quite embarrassed but my 12-year-old son watched it with me and can't wait for the next one. 5/10 from me and 10/10 from him.
Steve Lane, England

Walking with Cavemen from the BBC's science team was sadly reminiscent of much of what comes out of the BBC's religious broadcasting: fanciful, patronising drivel presented as hard fact. This style is a danger to honest searching for truth.

I hope that as we get to the (alleged) transition from ape to human, that the real differences between humankind and other species, so blindingly obvious to any layman, are addressed with honesty. The search to understand the glory of the human spirit deserves more than the BBC has offered in recent years.

Has BBC One lost James Burke's and David Attenborough's phone number?
Rev Steve Stewart, United Kingdom

The theory is based on scant evidence and pretends evolution is fact when the fossil record fails to prove it.
Niall, UK

A fine example of how to make a few scientific facts fill half an hour of television. What a tragedy that the respected Dr Winston should be associated with such a shallow programme.

Far better to have spent the resources otherwise spent on special effects on producing a 'talking heads' programme such as Horizon used to be in which the research scientists could have discussed the little evidence that they do have and to allow an in-depth exploration of these topics.
SB, England

My husband and I thought we were watching one of the lost episodes of The Goodies.
Kim Gough, England

What a great programme, may it continue. Well done

Donna Marie Parkin, UK

Is it just me or was this more like watching the dull and boring Planet of the Apes movie?
Z Ravat, UK

I was disappointed to see this "dumbing down" historical programme. The BBC seems to sacrifice hard facts and scientific evidence in favour of costume drama! Please, no more.
Gus Wright, england

I don't know if it was because we're not used to seeing ape-like creature standing upright, or if it was because the costumes weren't quite perfect, but I couldn't stop myself thinking I was watching "men-in-monkey-suits". That said, it was fabulously entertaining, and I can even remember bits too so I guess that makes it educational as well.
Angie, UK

It is a shame that more time is not spent looking into the possibility of an intelligent designer, who made us as wonderfully as we are. How could this happen by chance?
Collie, UK

I think Walking with Cavemen is really intersting and I can't wait till the next episode.
Star, England

Although I have reservations about its over-dramatisation, this programme has blasted my imagination and created a voracious appetite for more background.

This programme may well be seen as dumbing down, but if so it transforms that concept into the highest and most noble of arts.

To captivate such a huge audience as the £4m budget implies it will achieve globally, is quite brilliant.
A S Kavanagh, UK

What a great programme, may it continue. Well done.
Donna Marie Parkin (Miss), United Kingdom

Very informative but it was a shame Lucy died the way she did!! I nearly cried!!
Jim, England

Nothing more than a playground for the graphics creators and editors and out of touch scriptwriters...... a dreadful introduction into what might have been a very educational and interesting subject. It's a pity that such a well respected presenter has landed himself with this millstone about his neck.
Alan, UK

I was hooked as usual with a Dr Robert documentary.
Veronica Palmer-Robinson, England