Caitlyn Jenner's documentary series charting her transition from reality star and Olympic hero to transgender advocate has been hailed as "educational and inspiring".

The eight-part television series I Am Cait follows Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, as she begins her life as a woman.

In the first episode, which aired in the United States on Sunday, Jenner first revealed herself to her daughter Kylie using FaceTime video chat on her phone.

After expressing concern to her teenage daughter that she was scared of her appearance, Kylie replied: "You're not scaring me, you look pretty."

Kevin Washington wrote on Twitter: "I Am Cait is informational, educational AND inspirational ... I can't wait to watch this journey."

The show also received support from fellow reality star Lisa Vanderpump, who features in The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills and spin-off show Vanderpump Rules.

She tweeted that Jenner was "is eloquent, powerful and wants to make a difference. Looking forward to seeing her journey."

The episode began with a clip of Jenner filming herself in the early hours of the morning as she worried about her responsibility as a role model.

She said: "I feel bad that these young people are going through such a difficult time in their life, we don't want people dying over this, we don't want people murdered over this stuff.

"What a responsibility I have towards this community. Am I going to do everything right? Am I going to say the right things? Do I project the right image? My mind is just spinning with thoughts. I just hope I get it right."

The episode also showed Jenner revealing herself to her mother Esther and giving a tour of her extensive designer wardrobe to her stepdaughter Kim Kardashian West.

:: I Am Cait will air on Sunday on E! in the UK.

During the show Jenner, 65, admitted she had contemplated suicide before coming out as Caitlyn, saying: "I've had some very dark moments in my life, I've been in my house with a gun and said: "Let's just end it right here, no more pain, no more suffering. That struggle is real and I've been there."

She later travelled to San Diego to meet the family of a trans teenager who had committed suicide.

Rapper Kanye West, who is married to Kardashian, told Jenner how important he thinks her transition is, saying: "I think it's one of the strongest things that has happened in our existence as human beings that are so controlled by perception.

"You couldn't have been up against more, your daughter is a supermodel, you're a celebrity and it was still like, this is who I am."