NHK & ZDF Studios Team for More of The Body

NHK has partnered again with ZDF Studios for a third installment of the science docuseries The Body, titled The Body: What is Life?

“It is a great honor to present the latest chapter of The Body series to the global audience through our creative partnership with ZDF Studios,” said Hiroyuki Shirakawa, executive producer of the series for NHK. “The new installment, The Body: What is Life?, is an ambitious production that takes on an unprecedented challenge: visualizing the ultra-microscopic world inside cells using high-definition CGI—something no one has ever seen before. This is not merely a scientific documentary; it is also a philosophical journey that explores the very essence of life.”

He continued, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful co-producers at ZDF Studios for embracing the significance of this meaningful endeavor. The immersive experience of entering this hidden microcosm will offer viewers a fresh perspective on what life truly means. We are truly delighted to bring this thought-provoking series to audiences around the world.”

The Body debuted in 2017, with the first season unveiling the intricate, self-sustaining information network in the human body. The second season, released in 2019, delved into the genes that shape identity.

The new third season explores the “mystery of life” from three perspectives. Episode one dives deep into the basic life unit of the cell. The second episode shows how 40 trillion cells create human intelligence and abilities. The third episode explores how all life on Earth originated from a single common ancestor born nearly 4 billion years ago.

ZDF Studios and NHK Enterprises are handling international distribution of the new season.