Prepare for a breathtaking journey to the very origins of our species when the groundbreaking documentary “Human” premieres on PBS on September 17, 2025. This sweeping film examines the profound and complex story of human evolution over the last 300,000 years, bringing to life the latest scientific discoveries that are reshaping our understanding of our own past. The narrative highlights the critical period when Homo sapiens first emerged in Africa, telling the remarkable story of how we became the dominant human species on a planet where, for a significant part of our history, we were not alone. The documentary emphasizes that at least six other human species were alive at the same time, creating a world of diversity, competition, and interaction that is only now being fully understood.

Guiding viewers through this epic saga is a team of experts and filmmakers dedicated to scientific accuracy and compelling storytelling. The project is co-directed by Naomi Austin and Stuart Elliott, who bring their visionary skills to this vast narrative. They are joined by presenter Ella Al-Shamahi, a paleoanthropologist and explorer who lends her expertise and infectious curiosity to the investigation. The documentary also features a dramatic component, with performers like Melissa Massyn and Angelo Chen portraying our ancient ancestors, physically embodying the science to create a powerful and immersive viewing experience.

Human full cast & crew

1. Ella Al-Shamahi as Presenter

Paleoanthropologist, explorer, and science communicator Ella Al-Shamahi serves as the charismatic guide and presenter for “Human.” Al-Shamahi, known for her work on BBC’s Neanderthals: Meet Your Ancestors and National Geographic documentaries, brings a unique blend of rigorous scientific knowledge, adventurous spirit, and relatable enthusiasm to the screen. Her role is to act as the audience’s surrogate, traveling to key archaeological sites, interviewing leading experts, and breaking down complex evolutionary concepts into engaging and understandable stories. Her passion for the subject is palpable, making the ancient past feel immediate and thrilling.

Al-Shamahi’s expertise is particularly valuable when discussing the interactions between Homo sapiens and other hominins like the Neanderthals and Denisovans. She excels at translating cutting-edge research from genetics and archaeology into a compelling narrative about our shared past. Her presence ensures that the documentary is not just a dry recitation of facts, but a dynamic exploration filled with wonder, mystery, and the thrill of discovery, connecting viewers directly to the scientific process and the profound questions about what it means to be human.

2. Naomi Austin and Stuart Elliott as Directors

The documentary is helmed by the directorial team of Naomi Austin and Stuart Elliott, who bring their combined expertise in visual storytelling and scientific documentary filmmaking to this ambitious project. Their task is to weave together multiple narrative threads—dramatic reconstructions, expert interviews, stunning location photography, and detailed visual effects—into a cohesive and captivating whole. They are responsible for setting the film’s tone, balancing awe-inspiring spectacle with intimate human stories and ensuring that the scientific material is presented with both clarity and a sense of grandeur.

Austin and Elliott’s collaborative vision will define the cinematic quality of “Human.” They must create a visual language that can span hundreds of thousands of years, from the grasslands of prehistoric Africa to the state-of-the-art labs where ancient DNA is sequenced. Their direction will give emotional weight to the story of our species’ resilience, adaptability, and incredible journey across the globe, transforming abstract scientific concepts into a powerful and personal epic for every viewer.

3. Angelo Chen as MA01-M Sapien

Actor and movement artist Angelo Chen takes on the critically important role of physically embodying an early Homo sapiens in the dramatic reconstructions. Designated as “MA01-M Sapien,” Chen’s performance is based on the latest scientific understanding of our ancestors’ physiology, gait, and behavior. His work is not about dialogue, but about using his body to tell a story—to show how these individuals might have moved, hunted, interacted with their environment, and related to one another. This physical storytelling is a vital tool for making the distant past feel tangible and real.

Chen’s portrayal is grounded in meticulous research and collaboration with the film’s scientific advisors. His performance helps to dismantle outdated caricatures of “cavemen” and instead presents a respectful, evidence-based interpretation of a resilient and highly adaptable human being. Through his nuanced physicality, viewers gain an empathetic connection to our ancestors, appreciating their intelligence, their struggles for survival, and their humanity, which is the same humanity we carry today.

4. Melissa Massyn as [Ancestor Portrayal]

Actor Melissa Massyn contributes her talents to the dramatic reconstructions, likely portraying a female ancestor or a member of another hominin species. Her role is essential for presenting a complete picture of the prehistoric world, showcasing the diversity of human experience and the vital roles women played in these ancient societies. Her performance will help illustrate aspects of social structure, childcare, foraging, and tool use that are central to the story of human evolution.

Massyn’s work, alongside Angelo Chen’s, adds depth and emotional resonance to the scientific narrative. By giving a human face and form to the fossils and artifacts, she helps bridge the vast gap of time that separates us from our ancestors. Her portrayal is a powerful reminder that these were thinking, feeling people who loved, grieved, innovated, and ultimately paved the way for the world we live in now. This dramatic element transforms the documentary from an academic lecture into a deeply moving human story.