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Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors poster
First Aired: 20091 Season

Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors

Series Overview

Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors is a three-part NOVA's documentary series investigating the recent discoveries transforming our understanding of our human origins. In the first episode, it explores the fossil of "Selam," also known as "Lucy's Child" and examines the factors that caused us to split from the other great apes. In the second episode, it investigates the first skeleton that really looks like us - "Turkana Boy" - a complete specimen of Homo erectus, examines the key innovations that helped early humans thrive, and tells these early humans' migration out of Africa. And in the third episode, it examines why modern humans (Homo sapiens) survived while our other ancestral cousins like the Neanderthals died out. The final episode also examines whether modern humans interbred with Neanderthals by decoding of the Neanderthals genome.

Broadcast Schedule & Network Information

Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.

Returning SeriesIn ProductionScripted
Original Network

Broadcast Syndication

Episodes & Seasons

1 Season • 3 Episodes

Air Date Window

2009 – Present

Premiered: Tue, Nov 3, 2009

Created By

Creative Production Team

Latest Aired Episode

Aired: Tue, Nov 17, 2009

Season 1, Episode 3: “Last Human Standing”

This episode examines why modern humans (Homo sapiens) survived while our other ancestral cousins like the Neanderthals died out.

Seasons & Episodes Breakdown

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Original Score & Music

Joe Delia

Producers

Graham Townsley

Department Leadership Roster

Graham Townsley

Producer

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors

Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.

What is Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors about?

Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors is a three-part NOVA's documentary series investigating the recent discoveries transforming our understanding of our human origins. In the first episode, it explores the fossil of "Selam," also known as "Lucy's Child" and examines the factors that caused us to split from the other great apes. In the second episode, it investigates the first skeleton that really looks like us - "Turkana Boy" - a complete specimen of Homo erectus, examines the key innovations that helped early humans thrive, and tells these early humans' migration out of Africa. And in the third episode, it examines why modern humans (Homo sapiens) survived while our other ancestral cousins like the Neanderthals died out. The final episode also examines whether modern humans interbred with Neanderthals by decoding of the Neanderthals genome.

How many seasons does Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors have?

Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors comprises 1 season available to explore.

Who stars in Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors?

Key cast members in Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors include Lance Lewman.

Who created or directed Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors?

Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors was developed and directed by Not specified.