Physicist Jim Al-Khalili embarks on an extraordinary quest through 600 million years of evolution to reveal how the human brain — the most complex structure known in the universe — came to exist. With more than 100 billion neurons and 100 trillion connections, it surpasses even the stars of the Milky Way. Through breathtaking science and striking visuals, this documentary uncovers how nature transformed simple nerve cells into the ultimate thinking machine. From the first survival instincts of primates to the dawn of social intelligence, Jim explores how cooperation, relationships and empathy reshaped the brain and made us who we are. Working alongside his wife and leading researchers, he dives into fossil evidence, brain scans and the rise of artificial intelligence to answer one profound question: what makes the biological brain so unique — and can anything ever match it?
Embark on an extraordinary journey across our cosmic neighborhood to witness the hidden wonders of planets, moons, and asteroids—each world more astonishing than the last. Cutting-edge imaging and breathtaking visuals unveil the solar system in ways never imagined, revealing alien landscapes, colossal storms, and secrets that challenge everything we know about our place in the universe. In the first episode, you can explore volcanic realms where otherworldly landscapes are sculpted by fire and ice. Discover planets and moons blanketed with enormous volcanoes, some erupting so violently that plumes rise into the darkness of space. From oceans of molten rock to frozen geysers launching towering jets of vapor, these spectacular worlds showcase the raw power and beauty of nature beyond Earth.
A chillingly realistic scenario unfolds: what would happen if a massive asteroid were hurtling toward Earth—and we only had months to prepare? This gripping special plunges viewers into the very real threat of cosmic collisions, combining cutting-edge science, expert analysis, and stunning visualizations. Follow the urgent efforts of scientists racing to detect and deflect potential impacts, with exclusive access to astronomers monitoring the skies. More than just a documentary, it's a wake-up call from the cosmos—a thrilling journey into one of the most dramatic `what if’ scenarios humanity could face.
In the captivating second part of “Our Universe”, chapters 4 to 6 are presented together in an unmissable journey through the cosmos and life on Earth. These episodes delve deep into the elements that formed our world, the essential role of water, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. They offer an enthralling exploration of our place in the Universe. Dive in to experience this profound story of existence, from stardust to soulmates. In the fourth chapter, we uncover how the elements essential to life were forged in the hearts of stars. Following a green sea turtle’s quest across the ocean for these elements, this episode reminds us that life is built from the remnants of ancient stars. The fifth chapter takes us back to the miraculous arrival of water on Earth, exploring how this vital substance transformed a barren landscape into a thriving blue planet. In the final chapter we witness gravity’s grand influence on life, following two king penguins as their journey of attraction and survival unfolds against the cosmic force that binds us all.
Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this ambitious documentary series unfolds the extraordinary story of the universe across millions of years, weaving together its deep connection to life on Earth. In the first part of the series, we offer the first three episodes, beginning with an intense exploration of the sun as a life-giving force, following one cheetah’s hunt for survival across the vast plains of the Serengeti. From there, we witness the steady pulse of the universe through the eyes of a chimpanzee, tracing life’s path from birth to a final moment of calm. Finally, we immerse ourselves in the challenging year of an Alaskan brown bear as it endures the harsh winter, emerging into the warmth and renewal of summer. Each scene offers a breathtaking glimpse into the delicate and awe-inspiring rhythms of life, nature, and the cosmos.
In July 2022, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) unveiled its first breathtaking images, offering an unprecedented level of detail of stars, galaxies, and planets. But for scientists, these images were just the start of an exciting journey to uncover the universe's secrets. This documentary follows Chris Lintott as he embarks on a road trip to meet the researchers who have been eagerly analyzing JWST's data, revealing groundbreaking discoveries about exoplanet atmospheres, the outer planets of our solar system, and the earliest galaxies in the cosmos. To mark the second anniversary of JWST's first images, Chris, along with presenters Maggie Aderin-Pocock and George Dransfield, revisits these scientists to explore the telescope's successes and challenges. From new jet streams on Jupiter to quirks on Uranus and Neptune, and insights into the ancient universe, the documentary showcases the remarkable findings made possible by JWST. Additionally, resident astronomer Pete Lawrence guides viewers on how to observe the night sky's wonders, aligning their stargazing with the telescope's targets. This captivating journey into space science promises to inspire and intrigue.
From the first survival instincts of primates to the dawn of social intelligence, Jim explores how cooperation, relationships and empathy reshaped the brain and made us who we are. Working alongside his wife and leading researchers, he dives into fossil evidence, brain scans and the rise of artificial intelligence to answer one profound question: what makes the biological brain so unique — and can anything ever match it?