Origins: The Journey of Humankind

Origins: The Journey of Humankind season 1
Watch Origins: The Journey of Humankind on National Geographic
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Season 1:
Ended on May 01, 2017
Watched: 0%
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Why Watch
"Discover how seminal innovations sparked modern civilization through vivid reenactments and expert insights hosted by Jason Silva."
Tone: Visionary, Investigative, Historical, Cerebral
Where to Watch
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Series Deep Dive:

National Geographic delivers a grand historical inquiry with Origins: The Journey of Humankind. Hosted by Jason Silva, this sweeping docuseries dissects pivotal technological turning points—from fire and warfare to communication and medicine—that altered the trajectory of modern society. Blending cinematic recreations with astute commentary, Origins examines survival instincts and creative breakthroughs, offering viewers an intellectual survey of humanity's transformative evolution.

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Scheduled next refinement: in 488 days
Season: 1
Watched? # Air Date Episode Name
E1 Mar 06, 2017 Spark of Civilization
E2 Mar 13, 2017 Cheating Death
E3 Mar 20, 2017 Power of Money
E4 Mar 27, 2017 The Writing On the Wall
E5 Apr 10, 2017 Progress of War
E6 Apr 17, 2017 Building the Future
E7 Apr 24, 2017 Into the Unknown
E8 May 01, 2017 The Road Ahead
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Production Note - Limited Series

Production Type: Miniseries

Origins: The Journey of Humankind is a standalone Miniseries designed as a completed, finite historical narrative. The production utilizes a high-concept blend of documentary filmmaking and cinematic dramatization to trace the pivotal innovations that defined the human species. By focusing on specific catalysts such as fire, medicine, and communication, the series was structured to provide a comprehensive overview of civilization rather than an ongoing seasonal story.

This definitive approach allowed the creators to synthesize millions of years of evolutionary history into a curated eight-episode arc. As a result, the project was intended from the start to reach a natural conclusion once the foundational elements of modern society were explored. The series remains a complete work that fulfills its educational and narrative mission without the requirement for further installments.

Production Trivia: Produced by National Geographic and Nutopia, this eight-part documentary series is hosted by Jason Silva and features expert commentary and scripted reenactments.
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Technical Details
Network: National Geographic
Seasons: 1
Years: 2017 - 2017
Genre: Documentary, History
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Frequently Asked Questions

As a National Geographic limited series, the show was designed to cover the breadth of human history within a single season. There are currently no official plans or announcements for a second season, as the narrative concluded its intended historical arc.

The series is an original documentary project that utilizes historical facts and scientific research to trace the evolution of civilization. While it is not based on a specific book, it features expert commentary from historians and scientists to ground its storytelling in real-world history.

The production utilized various global locations to recreate historical eras, with significant portions of the dramatic reenactments filmed in South Africa. This region provided the diverse landscapes and infrastructure necessary to portray different stages of human development across millennia.

The complete limited series consists of eight episodes, each focusing on a pivotal innovation or turning point in human history. These episodes cover themes such as fire, medicine, money, and communication to show how they shaped the modern world.

The series is hosted by Jason Silva, a well-known futurist and philosopher who guides viewers through the timeline of human progress. His energetic narration connects the ancient past with modern technological advancements throughout the eight-part journey.

The show explores the 'spark' moments of human history, including the discovery of fire, the agricultural revolution, and the development of writing. Each episode examines how these specific breakthroughs fundamentally changed the trajectory of the human species.
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