Watch The Human Spark

2010
1 Season
7.3 (46)

The Human Spark is a three part miniseries that primarily airs on the PBS channel, and it falls into the genre of documentary. This documentary has an approximate running time of about 53 minutes long per episode, and it was directed by Larry Engel. Also, this television series was produced by Graham Chedd, Maggie Dillinger, and Jared Lipworth, and it was written by Graham Chedd. Furthermore, this series is hosted by known author and host of PBS, Alan Alda. A series about how the human race suddenly gained possession over everything. This three part miniseries is mainly focused on what is called the human spark. This is a point in time where humans developed something unique about them that caused them to be able to take control of the environment and dominate over other species. In this series, Alan Alda, sets out on his journey to try and answer some of the big questions about the human spark. He visits a 30,000 year old cave that is carved with artwork that is said to be when the human spark began. Then Alan Alda visits Europe, where he explores the past lives of Neanderthals. His exploration of them includes looking at their genes, teeth, and the way they would communicate. Looking to see what uniqueness we have, that the Neanderthals did not have. Furthermore, Alan Alda also teams up with various researchers as they study Apes and Chimpanzees. Trying to find out what we have in common with them, our similarities, our differences, and why we developed something unique, yet these primates did not. Alan Alda watches how these Apes and Chimpanzees use tools, show emotions, and their cultural skills. Also, Alan takes an even greater journey, by trying to find out his own human spark. He does this by having his brain thoroughly examined through various imaging technology. He also partakes on many other journeys as he searches for more answer on the human spark.

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Seasons

3. Brain Matters

January 20, 2010

Take a look into Alan Alda's mind and discover some of the mind's capabilities.

2. So Human, So Chimp

January 13, 2010

The Human Spark uncovers what makes us human. Alan Alda joins researchers studying our fellow simians to discover both what we share with them and what new skills humans evolved since we went our separate ways. Where and when did the Human Spark first ignite?

1. Becoming Us

January 6, 2010

In "The Human Spark," Alan Alda visits dozens of scientists on three continents -- and even undergoes an examination of his own brain -- to find the answer to one question: What makes us human?

Description

This three part miniseries is mainly focused on what is called the human spark. This is a point in time where humans developed something unique about them that caused them to be able to take control of the environment and dominate over other species. In this series, Alan Alda, sets out on his journey to try and answer some of the big questions about the human spark. He visits a 30,000 year old cave that is carved with artwork that is said to be when the human spark began. Then Alan Alda visits Europe, where he explores the past lives of Neanderthals. His exploration of them includes looking at their genes, teeth, and the way they would communicate. Looking to see what uniqueness we have, that the Neanderthals did not have.

Furthermore, Alan Alda also teams up with various researchers as they study Apes and Chimpanzees. Trying to find out what we have in common with them, our similarities, our differences, and why we developed something unique, yet these primates did not. Alan Alda watches how these Apes and Chimpanzees use tools, show emotions, and their cultural skills. Also, Alan takes an even greater journey, by trying to find out his own human spark. He does this by having his brain thoroughly examined through various imaging technology. He also partakes on many other journeys as he searches for more answer on the human spark.

The Human Spark is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on January 6, 2010.

Where to Watch The Human Spark

The Human Spark is available for streaming on the PBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Human Spark on demand at Amazon and Apple TV.