BBC’s "Twitter: Breaking the Bird" Unpacks the Rise and Fall of a Social Media Giant

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A compelling new 75-minute documentary titled Twitter: Breaking the Bird is set to premiere on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on March 31. The film dives deep into the origins, explosive growth, and behind-the-scenes drama of one of the world’s most influential social platforms – Twitter.

Produced by Candle True Stories and Bitachon365, in collaboration with CNN Original Series, the documentary gives viewers a rare inside look at how a small group of tech pioneers transformed communication forever. Featuring in-depth interviews with Twitter co-founders Evan Williams and Biz Stone, the film charts the platform’s evolution from an ambitious experiment to a cultural behemoth, and eventually, a controversial battleground under Elon Musk’s ownership.

The story begins in 2006 when a team of hopeful entrepreneurs launched Twitter—a service that quickly captured the world’s attention. From celebrities and politicians to everyday users, the platform became a global newswire, entertainment hub, and conversation starter.

Through personal accounts from founding members, early employees, and longtime tech journalists like Kara Swisher, Breaking the Bird explores the utopian dream that inspired Twitter and how it unraveled into something far more complicated.

The documentary doesn’t shy away from the dark side either, touching on online hate, misinformation, and internal power struggles that have plagued the company. Viewers will gain insight into the decisions and turning points that shaped Twitter’s legacy—for better or worse.

“It’s a joy to hear from Twitter’s original creators and shocking to realize how their early decisions still influence today’s online discourse,” said Tom Coveney, BBC’s Commissioning Editor.

James Goldston, President of Candle True Stories, added, “This documentary captures the creativity, chaos, and growing pains of building the internet’s digital town square.”

Sheldon Lazarus of Bitachon365 emphasized the human story: “This is about ambition, conflict, and the drive to shape global conversations—no matter the cost.”

Directed by Kate Quine, with executive producers from BBC, Candle True Stories, Bitachon365, and CNN Original Series, this documentary aims to deliver both entertainment and thoughtful reflection. Watch it on BBC channel from Monday 31 March.