Imagine bidding farewell to a true icon through her own words, captured just before she passed – that's the emotional core of Netflix's groundbreaking series, 'Famous Last Words: Dr. Jane Goodall,' the inaugural episode in a posthumous interview format that lets public figures share their unfiltered wisdom from beyond the grave. It's not just a show; it's a poignant reminder of how fleeting life can be, and it pulls you in right from the start, making you eager to hear what Dr. Goodall has to say. But here's where it gets controversial: this setup allows for raw honesty that might ruffle feathers, sparking debates about legacy and truth-telling. And this is the part most people miss – the way it blends science, spirituality, and personal confessions into something deeply human.
In this Netflix special, the late anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall sits down with producer and host Brad Falchuk for a heartfelt conversation recorded before her passing. The episode kicks off a fresh series concept where notable individuals can express themselves openly, secure in the knowledge that their words will only be broadcast after they've departed. Far from being morbid, it's actually inspiring – a celebration of a life richly lived. As Goodall sips whiskey with poise, she opens up with remarkable candor about her relationships, her role as a mother, and her candid views on some of the world's most influential men, offering insights that feel both intimate and profound.
'FAMOUS LAST WORDS' (https://decider.com/show/famous-last-words/) – DR. JANE GOODALL: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
Opening Scene: A title card appears, stating, 'When someone important passes away, all you crave is just a bit more time with them.' This immediately draws you into the essence of Netflix's innovative series, which releases episodes only after the featured cultural legends have died. Take this first installment featuring Dr. Jane Goodall – it gives us that extra, cherished moment with her, even posthumously.
The Essence: 'Famous Last Words' is a brilliant idea: a Netflix series hosted by Brad Falchuk (you might know him from his connection to Gwyneth Paltrow's husband), where he interviews extraordinary, adored personalities before they die. These figures know their discussions won't be aired until after their passing – whether that's soon or years later. According to The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/arts/television/jane-goodall-netflix-famous-last-words.html/), Goodall's session was taped in March, and Netflix has at least three more in the vault, though they're keeping the identities under wraps.
Following Goodall's death last week at 91, Netflix unveiled this episode spotlighting the renowned anthropologist and primatologist. Her pioneering work with chimpanzees revolutionized our understanding of these animals and even shed light on our own human connections to the animal kingdom – think of it as a bridge between species that helps beginners grasp evolutionary biology in a relatable way.
Early in the chat, Goodall attributes much of her success to her mother's unwavering encouragement. As a young girl, she recounts how her mom never scolded her for playing with worms or vanishing for hours to commune with wildlife. This nurturing, curious attitude from her mother instilled in Goodall the belief that her passions were valid and worth chasing – a simple yet powerful lesson in supportive parenting that many can relate to.
Goodall embodies humility, often expressing surprise at her global fame and 'icon' status. Her gentle nature makes her responses all the more engaging, especially when she lists political and business titans she dislikes, such as Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Benjamin Netanyahu. She jokingly suggests they should hitch a ride on one of Musk's SpaceX rockets to another planet. Drawing from her chimp studies, she likens these men to dominant alpha males whose aggression drives their power struggles. While she steers clear of deep politics, it's evident her dedication to conservation and science clashes with what these leaders stand for – a point that could ignite heated discussions about leadership and environmental priorities.
Of course, it's entertaining to hear someone call out grievances and drop names, but the truly captivating elements of Goodall's interview lie in her mystical, almost magical aura. She talks about her knack for connecting with animals and nature itself, sharing a story where she simply asked the rain to stop, and it did – an anecdote that might sound whimsical but illustrates her profound bond with the natural world. In another spiritual moment, she describes encountering her late husband's spirit after his death, strengthening her conviction in an afterlife. For beginners exploring spirituality or science, this blends empirical observation with personal belief, showing how one can hold both without contradiction.
The interview runs just under an hour, delving into deeply personal topics like her two marriages, her experiences as a mother, and her profound bonds with the animals she's studied. She keeps one secret – the identity of a past love – but otherwise speaks with the serene confidence that has made her a trusted voice for generations.
What Other Shows Does It Resemble? 'Famous Last Words' draws inspiration from the Danish series 'The Last Word.' What distinguishes it from typical interview programs is the ever-present shadow of mortality, not in a spooky sense, but as a catalyst for deep reflection on one's life and impact. While the subject's passing shields them from backlash on bold opinions, Goodall's episode avoids anything overly divisive – though her critiques of powerful figures might still stir debate.
Our Opinion: The setup of 'Famous Last Words' resembles the intimate stages of shows like 'Inside The Actor’s Studio' (https://decider.com/show/inside-the-actors-studio/) or 'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction' (https://decider.com/show/my-next-guest-needs-no-introduction-with-david-letterman/), with just two chairs on a small platform. But there's no live audience or crew; cameras are remote-operated to ensure comfort and candor. Brad Falchuk proves a solid interviewer, guiding the flow with genuine warmth and respect for Goodall, though his behind-the-scenes background makes him feel like an unassuming choice – not a flashy personality, but reverent and straightforward. Goodall, however, needs no prompting to deliver insightful gems.
What truly touched us was how seamlessly Goodall wove between subjects, articulating the significance of life's pivotal moments. Reflecting on her mother, who embraced Jane's childhood fascination with bugs and beasts, it highlights the value of unconditional, judgment-free parenting – imagine a world where every kid's quirky interests are nurtured like that. Her love for nature shines through in tales like watching dung beetles spar, a delightfully amusing story that rivals viral social media clips. Goodall spans generations: born in 1934, she witnessed World War II, battled for recognition as a female scientist in a male-dominated field, and observed the planet's environmental crises firsthand. Yet, amid all that, she stays hopeful, progressive, and visionary. Beyond a few personal stories, nothing here is groundbreakingly new from what she'd share publicly, but the comfort comes from this final interaction – a lasting message to cherish.
Closing Scene: As the interview wraps, Falchuk steps aside, letting Goodall have the stage for her final remarks. She delivers a three-minute address on how every life counts and impacts the world, ending with, 'Do your best while you’re still on this beautiful planet Earth that I look down upon from where I am now. God bless you all.'
Notable Quote: 'I’m dead so I won’t have repercussions,' Goodall chuckles when informed she can speak freely on any subject.
Our Recommendation: The format of 'Famous Last Words' elevates interviews to a more emotional and honest level than usual, and Goodall embraces it fully, sharing triumphs, frustrations, and her public persona with wit and modesty that underscores the depth of our loss. STREAM IT.
Liz Kocan is a pop culture writer based in Massachusetts. Her biggest claim to fame is the time she won on the game show Chain Reaction.
What do you think – does this posthumous interview format change how we view legacies, or is it just a clever gimmick? Do you agree with Goodall's takes on those world leaders, or do they challenge your own views? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear differing opinions and spark a conversation!
