Origins of Us

Origins of Us (2011)

EndedDocumentary showNature

Science series telling the story of human evolution through changes in human anatomy.

Network
Scheduleevery Monday at 21:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

Brains
Season 1Episode 360 min

Brains

Dr Alice Roberts explores how our species, Homo sapiens, developed its large brain and asks why humans are the only ape of its kind left on the planet today.

The evolution of the human mind is one of the greatest mysteries. It is the basis of religion, philosophy and science. We are special because of our extraordinary brain, and to understand why we think and act the way we do, we need to look at where and why our brains evolved.

The Rift Valley in Kenya is thought to be the crucible of human evolution, and here Alice examines the fossils in our family tree which reveal our brains have more than quadrupled in size since our ancestors split from chimpanzees. Research investigating sediments and rocks laid down during the period of greatest brain growth suggests a fluctuating environment may have played a part. Drawing on research on social politics in chimpanzees, the cognitive development of children and the tools that have been found littered across the Rift Valley, Alice explores how and why our ancestors brains became so big.

Successive species of increasingly large-brained humans migrated around the world - from Homo erectus to heidelbergensis, the Neanderthals to us. It has always been assumed the reason that Homo sapiens succeeded where others failed is to do with our large brains. Comparing skulls it's clear Neanderthals had just as big a brain as us, so why is there only us left? Alice goes to meet Svante Paabo, who is decoding the Neanderthal and human genome, and Clive Finlayson, who is unearthing the Neanderthals' final settlement, to try to find out.

Oct 31, 2011

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E03BrainsOct 31, 2011
S01E02GutsOct 24, 2011
S01E01BonesOct 17, 2011
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'Origins of Us' premiere?

'Origins of Us' premiered on September 25, 2011.

What is the genre of 'Origins of Us'?

'Origins of Us' is a documentary series.

Who is the host of 'Origins of Us'?

'Origins of Us' is hosted by Dr. Alice Roberts.

What is the main focus of 'Origins of Us'?

'Origins of Us' explores the evolution of humans and the origins of human behavior.

How many episodes are there in 'Origins of Us'?

'Origins of Us' consists of three episodes.

Where was 'Origins of Us' filmed?

The series 'Origins of Us' was filmed in various locations, including Africa and the United Kingdom.

What is the educational background of Dr. Alice Roberts, the host of 'Origins of Us'?

Dr. Alice Roberts is an anatomist, osteoarchaeologist, anthropologist, television presenter, and author.

What are some of the topics covered in 'Origins of Us'?

'Origins of Us' delves into topics such as the development of bipedalism, tool use, and social behavior in early humans.

Who produced 'Origins of Us'?

'Origins of Us' was produced by the BBC.

What was the critical reception of 'Origins of Us'?

'Origins of Us' was well-received by audiences and critics for its engaging exploration of human evolution.

What was the inspiration behind creating 'Origins of Us'?

The series 'Origins of Us' was inspired by the desire to understand the evolutionary journey of mankind.

How did 'Origins of Us' contribute to the field of anthropology?

'Origins of Us' contributed to the field of anthropology by presenting complex scientific concepts in a compelling and accessible manner.

What is the significance of the title 'Origins of Us'?

The title 'Origins of Us' reflects the show's focus on exploring the fundamental origins of the human species.

How did 'Origins of Us' use scientific evidence to support its narrative?

'Origins of Us' utilized archaeological findings, DNA analysis, and expert interviews to substantiate its exploration of human evolution.

What impact did 'Origins of Us' have on viewers?

'Origins of Us' left a lasting impact on viewers by providing them with a deeper understanding of their evolutionary history and the traits that make humans unique.

Cast

Alice Roberts

Alice Roberts

plays herself
View all cast

Characters

Presenter

Presenter

played by Alice Roberts
View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
WWE Premium Live Events
Running

WWE Premium Live Events

Beginning with the 2014 Extreme Rules Pay-Per-View on 4 May 2014 the WWE began airing all of their Wrestling Pay-Per-Views exclusively on the WWE Network. Subscribers who pay the $9.95 monthly fee will be able to view any Pay-Per-Views past, present and in the future exclusively on the WWE Network at no additional charge as long as their monthly fees are paid up-to-date.

Days of Our Lives
Running

Days of Our Lives

Days of our Lives is set in the fictitious Midwestern town of Salem. The core families are the Bradys, the Hortons and the DiMeras, and the multi-layered storylines involve elements of romance, adventure, mystery, comedy and drama.

Beginning on September 12, 2022, DAYS became exclusive to streaming on Peacock.

GenreDrama, Family, Romance
The Amazing Race Canada
Running

The Amazing Race Canada

The Amazing Race Canada will provide a uniquely Canadian take on the original series, with competitors discovering the world within the borders of Canada.

GenreTravel
EastEnders
Running

EastEnders

Set in the East End of London, the show focuses on the tensions between love and family with stories ranging from hard-hitting social issues, to personal, human tragedies. And there's plenty of funny moments too. 

Classic characters old and new across thousands of episodes have shared a drink in The Queen Vic, shed tears of despair or joy, sat on Arthur's bench in the Square... and at some point or other they probably crossed paths with Ian Beale.

GenreDrama
Hidden Assets
Running

Hidden Assets

Hidden Assets is about family, power and the corrosive effects of boundless greed - a story set in Co Clare, small town Ireland and the world's diamond capital, Antwerp.

A routine raid led by Emer Berry, a detective in the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau, reveals that a small-time drug dealer has been receiving substantial funding from a seemingly untraceable source – not in cash, but in rough diamonds. When these diamonds are linked to a series of bombings in Belgium, Emer is forced to work with Police Commissioner Christian De Jong. Eventually, reluctantly banding together, they unravel a political conspiracy fuelling domestic unrest for financial gain; caught up in this web of greed are the Brannigans, a wealthy Irish dynasty with ties to Antwerp. Drawn into a battle of wits with the family, Emer, Christian, and the CAB team must follow the money to stop another terrorist attack – before it's too late.

GenreDrama, Crime
* This is an affiliate link. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission from the provider. This will not incur any additional costs for you and you will support our project. We thank you for your support!