Origins: The Journey of Humankind

TV review by Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
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Common Sense says

age 13+

Graphic history of humanity will intrigue curious teens.

National Geographic Channel Educational 2017
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 3 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Origins: The Journey of Humankind is a miniseries that shares stories of human history, focusing on momentous milestones like the harnessing of fire and the evolution of language. Its often graphic historical re-enactments aren't for kids, but its intriguing claims about significant events driving the course of human history will interest some teens and adults. The series chronicles human progress as it was influenced by eight different factors, each of which provides the theme for one episode of this eight-part show. It's a thought-provoking way to view history, but it requires some familiarity with notable events and people to put into full context the show's assertions about their significance to the overall human experience.

Community Reviews

PinkMama2
PinkMama2 Adult
November 19, 2020
age 8+

Great show about history (and a little science)

This is a very educational and captivating show. A little too captivating maybe, moving a bit too fast and with too much flashy stuff for me. It’s well done and the content is good and my kid likes it. Each episode covers a different topic: fire, money, medicine/disease/pandemics. What’s great is that it doesn’t show just one particular historical moment or one view, but tries to tie in a few concepts to show a more complete picture and how one change can impact another. There are tons of opportunities for further discussion and also for kids to be able to tie concepts to others they already know. It talks about Eg the origin of money, but begins with discussing early trade, the creation of money, slavery, probably more stuff - we are in the middle of watching it. I highly recommend this show. It does have some scary depictions. My kids are pretty sensitive but I think it should be fine by age 8 or so.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
lpetlock
lpetlock Adult
August 24, 2020
age 10+

Family focused - informative & energetic (great for kids, teens)

This is actually a deep, super engaging and informative series. Really well done in terms of the state of the art cinematography and pacing. It is definitely eye-candy rich but it all adds to the effectiveness and the information conveyance (a LOT of incredible facts & insights). Sometimes a bit 'over-done' but generally its actually fun to watch. Don't expect Richard Attenborough or "Nature". Definitely think more like a 2020s 'new' COSMOS (with Neil deGrasse Tyson) squared stylistically -- with a focus on human evolution & society, urban development. On balance, I highly recommend especially if the audience includes kids, families. Each of the 8 episodes is well worth watching. You will learn a great deal that you likely did not know before.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In ORIGINS: THE JOURNEY OF HUMANKIND, philosopher and host Jason Silva leads viewers through a retrospective of human history, focusing on momentous milestones like the harnessing of fire and the evolution of language. Each episode of the eight-part series focuses on a single element -- like the creation of language and advances in life-saving medical practices -- in homo sapiens' journey from earliest origins to the modern era. Live-action recreations illustrate Silva's assertions about the significant role these particular factors played in getting us where we are today.

Is It Any Good?

This intense educational series is a fascinating journey through human history that backs its assertions regarding the significance of innovations with solid evidence. Each episode plays out like a dissertation adapted to the screen, as Silva outlines the overriding theme and re-enactments put the concepts into action. By focusing on one dominant influence in each episode, the show makes connections between seemingly unrelated advances to trace the path to the modern human experience.

Despite its hefty learning potential, though, families should consider the graphic nature of Origins' content before watching as a family. Because the show strives for (and, for the most part, manages impressively) realistic interpretations of historical events, scenes of war, tragedy, illness, injury, and death are only minimally amended, so the full range of emotion and physical catastrophe is on display. For curious families with teens and mature tweens, though, this unique series is a revealing journey into human history.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the educational quality of shows like Origins: The Journey of Humankind. How can a TV show or movie teach in a way books can't? How can we be certain of their validity?

  • To what degree is our impression of history shaped by our individual experience? Is it always true that history is written by the winners of conflict? Is this necessarily a bad thing?

  • Was perseverance an active motivation for people throughout history, or was personal survival the lone impulse? What evidence do you see for either argument in this series? What other character strengths have helped humanity over the years?

TV Details

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