How Human Are You

How Human Are You? is a fascinating documentary series presented by National Geographic Wild, released in 2014. The show takes viewers on a remarkable journey into the fascinating world of human behavior and evolution, comparing them with those of the animal kingdom. The program dives into heated debates and scientific queries about genetics, behavior, and what, at the core, makes humans the unique species that we are in the world's ecosystem.

The central theme of How Human Are You? is the exploration of what exactly distinguishes Homo Sapiens from the rest of the animal kingdom, and how blurred this line actually is. It raises questions about whether the attributes we associate with humanity, such as love, language, power, and intelligence, are uniquely human or if they can be found elsewhere in the animal world. The series uses groundbreaking and sophisticated scientific research and experimentation alongside vivid narration to convey its dense themes in a digestible, engaging manner, keeping viewers hooked from episode to episode.

Over its season run, the show focuses on different aspects of human nature and finds relevance in the lives and behaviors of various animals. Each episode presents a different theme or question that perturbs our understanding of what makes us human, even using other primates as analogs for our forebears. The series challenges conventional wisdom and unsettles comfortable assumptions about human exceptionalism, forcing us to examine our place in the creaturely world from new angles.

The series features an enigmatic host who guides viewers through mind-boggling, frequently amusing, and always informative experiments. The host visits animal behavior experts, evolutionary biologists, anthropologists, and primatologists to delve into each episode's theme, bringing together global experts to complete the narrative. Interviews with these experts form the backbone of the show, interspersed with living examples from both the human world and the animal kingdom that further illustrate each episode's content.

One of the strong points of How Human Are You? is its ability to appeal to a wide audience spectrum. Its stunning natural history, coupled with state-of-the-art cinematography, researchers, anthropologists, and a creative narrative make the series enjoyable for nature enthusiasts, families, and young scientists. Through accessible discussions of complex scientific ideas and theories and an exploration into the life of animals, it doubles as an educational tool for students, offering a deepened understanding of human evolution and behavior.

How Human Are You? invites viewers to rethink what they know about being human. The series creates an exciting mix of captivating visual storytelling, interesting characters – both human and animal – and groundbreaking science that combines to construct a refreshing take on the documentary genre. It takes complex concepts and presents them in an engaging manner, resulting in a series that is both intellectually stimulating and accessible.

While exploring the intricate behaviors of the animal world, the series never loses sight of the primary question: how similar are we to the creatures we share this planet with, and what does that tell us about ourselves? It is a show that puts a mirror in front of the audience, forcing us to recognize ourselves in surprising places. It challenges our preconceived ideas, offering a fresh perspective on our place in the natural world.

The series is a compelling blend of education and entertainment, incorporating a mixture of stunning visuals, intriguing experiments, and enlightening interviews. The pace of the show keeps viewers engaged, eager to learn more about human nature and our connection to other species. As the show makes evident, the answers to these questions are often more surprising and profound than we might expect.

With each episode loaded with engaging content, How Human Are You? does not leave its viewers disappointed. For those interested in exploring the boundaries between Homo Sapiens and the rest of the animal kingdom, this show is an invaluable resource. By poking at the complexities of human behavior and tracing elements of this behavior back to diverse species, the show ultimately encourages a thoughtful, nuanced understanding of what it means to be human.