Jane Goodall’s ‘Famous Last Words’ Documentary on Netflix: Her Message for the World Gets Posthumous Release

Published 10/03/2025, 2:13 PM EDT

In today’s world, where the fragile balance between humanity and nature is often overlooked, the voices of those who dedicate their lives to understanding the bond feel more powerful than ever. Despite attention on it being the need of the hour, though, few have bridged the gap as profoundly as Jane Goodall, whose groundbreaking work with a specific wild creature forever changed how the natural world is seen. Now, with her journey beyond mortal life, Netflix offers a moving glimpse into her enduring message through the posthumous release of Famous Last Words.

What did Jane Goodall ask from the world, knowing this would be her last message to humankind? Netflix reveals it all.

Netflix honors Jane Goodall’s message with posthumous documentary

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Jane Goodall’s final message in Netflix’s new documentary series Famous Last Words runs 55 minutes and carries both urgency and hope, reminding the world that every human life has meaning and even the smallest actions from them can shape the planet’s future. The famed chimpanzee conservationist urged people to protect nature, resist apathy, and cherish what remains beautiful. Her words reflect on life, legacy, and the belief that today’s choices define tomorrow. The posthumous episode, the general format of the show, premiered on Netflix on Friday, October 3.

The documentary was filmed earlier in the year in an interview conducted by Emmy Award-winner Brad Falchuk under strict confidentiality. Recorded on an empty stage and preserved unedited until her passing, the film, according to Tudum, provides an intimate look at the legendary conservationist’s life. Famous Last Words, for those unversed, meanwhile, is an adaptation of a beloved foreign language TV series.

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Netflix’s format for Famous Last Words draws inspiration from a Danish language series, which has featured some of the most prominent voices from musicians to politicians.

Guests to have graced the show that inspired Netflix’s Famous Last Words

The Danish TV show Det Sidste Ord, which premiered in 2020, has aired several episodes capturing the final reflections of renowned personalities. Each episode shares the subjects’ wisdom and personal stories, broadcast posthumously.  According to IMDb, the series has featured singer Peter Belli, politician Ritt Bjerregaard, musician Povl Dissing, and politician Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, among others. The unique format preserves their voices, offering audiences a profound glimpse into their lives and legacies even after their passing.

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Jane Goodall’s presence in Famous Last Words, therefore, is more than a farewell; it is a reminder that legacies endure when they spark action. Her message, rooted in hope and responsibility, lingers as a call for change that transcends her demise. Whether Netflix’s effort to expand its catalogue through this format will resonate widely remains to be seen, but what is certain is that Goodall’s words will continue to echo, urging humanity to safeguard the world she so tirelessly defended.

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Will you be watching the Jane Goodall documentary soon? Let us know in the comments.

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Seema Sinha

460 articles

Seema Sinha is a journalist at Netflix Junkie, covering the celebrity culture and global cinema beats. With three years of experience at major Hollywood media verticals, she filters real news from the gossip and buzz. Her core focus is on pop culture narratives surrounding musicians—primarily Taylor Swift—with her reporting striking a fine balance between human insight and editorial clarity.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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