Netflix has launched a remarkable new documentary series, ‘Famous Last Words’, which gives some of the world’s most influential voices the chance to speak one final time. Hosted by Emmy Award winner Brad Falchuk (Glee, American Horror Story), the series records in-depth, private interviews with cultural icons, with the understanding that the conversations will only be aired posthumously.
The opening episode focuses on the extraordinary life of Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, the pioneering ethologist and conservationist, who passed away of natural causes on Wednesday, 1st October 2025, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 91. She had been in the United States on a speaking tour at the time of her death.
“Jane Goodall was fearless in all things. She deeply loved humanity and the natural world. It was clear to me in our conversation that she was approaching her final adventure with the same fearlessness, hope, humor, and joy that she approached everything else in life. She was one of the world’s greatest and most beloved champions of good,” Falchuk said.
The format, based on the acclaimed Danish series Det Sidste Ord (The Last Word), is unlike any traditional documentary. Each conversation is conducted in complete privacy, with only Falchuk and the subject present in the room, filmed by remotely operated cameras. This approach ensures honesty, intimacy, and a true sense of reflection from the participants.
Falchuk describes the experience as “moving, odd, and transcendent,” adding: “It’s not like any other interview show that has ever been made. It’s a true celebration of life and the opportunity to have the last word.”
‘Famous Last Words’ is executive produced by Falchuk through his Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision banner, alongside BSNA (a Banijay company), Mikkel Bondesen, David Goldberg, and showrunner David Friedman.
Netflix has confirmed that while this is a continuing series, there will not be “seasons” in the traditional sense. Instead, new episodes will be released over time as the participants’ lives come to a close, making the project both unusual and profoundly poignant.
The first episode of ‘Famous Last Words’, featuring Dr. Jane Goodall, is available to stream now on Netflix.
3 comments
I wonder how they choose their subjects?
Gee. Her body isn’t even cold yet!!
Well, yes, but that is sort of the point in this case. I know what you mean, generally, when broadcasters jump on a celebrity death and cobble together a tribute show for ratings, but this isn’t that. Jane Goodall recorded the interview on the clear understanding that it would be released straight after her death. So, in this case, Netflix are just honouring the agreement they made with her.
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