Once Upon a Time... Life

Season 1 1987 - 1988
TV-Y7

  • 1987-09-12T22:00:00Z on France 4
  • 26m
  • 11h 16m (26 episodes)
  • Belgium
  • French
  • Family, Animation, Documentary
Buckle up for a head-to-toe adventure through the human body as this animated series explores the workings of our cells, hearts, brains and more.

26 episodes

Series Premiere

1987-09-12T22:00:00Z

1x01 The Planet Cell

Series Premiere

1x01 The Planet Cell

  • 1987-09-12T22:00:00Z26m

The world of cells is incredible! Activating enzymes, stopping viruses, and managing the body’s police force: it’s all in a day’s work for Teacher.

1987-09-19T22:00:00Z

1x02 Birth

1x02 Birth

  • 1987-09-19T22:00:00Z26m

After the first cell is fertilized, division and diversification take place to create the 60 trillion cells of the human body.

1987-09-26T22:00:00Z

1x03 The Body Sentinels

1x03 The Body Sentinels

  • 1987-09-26T22:00:00Z26m

The body’s police force is taught to neutralize its enemies (microbes and viruses), which reproduce at an alarming rate! It’s a very complex task.

1987-10-03T23:00:00Z

1x04 The Bone Marrow

1x04 The Bone Marrow

  • 1987-10-03T23:00:00Z26m

Red blood cells, the body’s police force, are created in the bone marrow but sometimes, the factory breaks down and wayward policemen come out. Uh oh!

1987-10-10T23:00:00Z

1x05 The Blood

1x05 The Blood

  • 1987-10-10T23:00:00Z26m

The steadfast red blood cells have come down with the flu! Pedrito and Psi get some help from the Teacher’s antibodies to beat the enemy.

1987-10-17T23:00:00Z

1x06 The Tiny Platelets

1x06 The Tiny Platelets

  • 1987-10-17T23:00:00Z26m

Pedrito cuts his finger with a dirty knife. While the platelets try to cure the wound, the white blood cells fight off the filthy invaders.

1987-10-24T23:00:00Z

1x07 The Heart

1x07 The Heart

  • 1987-10-24T23:00:00Z26m

Globus takes Hemo and Globina on a tour through the human body’s cathedral: the heart and circulatory system. It’s an impressive adventure.

1987-10-31T23:00:00Z

1x08 Breathing

1x08 Breathing

  • 1987-10-31T23:00:00Z26m

Air bubbles travel from the nose to the lungs. In the swampy, mucus-filled areas, they meet the red blood cells that transport them around the body.

1987-11-07T23:00:00Z

1x09 The Brain

1x09 The Brain

  • 1987-11-07T23:00:00Z26m

Teacher introduces Hemo and Globina to the most mysterious organ: the brain. They learn about behavior, the senses, and much more.

1987-11-14T23:00:00Z

1x10 The Neurones

1x10 The Neurones

  • 1987-11-14T23:00:00Z26m

The body’s messengers run around sending and receiving information about feelings like hunger and cold. They work day and night and never take breaks.

1987-11-21T23:00:00Z

1x11 The Eye

1x11 The Eye

  • 1987-11-21T23:00:00Z26m

Eyes are magical! They break down and transmit images to the brain. What happens if a speck of dust gets into one? It’s tear enzymes to the rescue.

1987-11-28T23:00:00Z

1x12 The Ear

1x12 The Ear

  • 1987-11-28T23:00:00Z26m

The ear is composed of cells that sense vibrations and transmit them to the brain. Then, the brain transforms them into words and sounds.

1987-12-05T23:00:00Z

1x13 The Skin

1x13 The Skin

  • 1987-12-05T23:00:00Z26m

Skin is the first barrier against external aggression and helps eliminate waste. From cuts and scrapes to bug bites, it stays pretty busy.

1987-12-12T23:00:00Z

1x14 The Mouth and the Teeth

1x14 The Mouth and the Teeth

  • 1987-12-12T23:00:00Z26m

Yum! Candy! But sugar strengthens the bacteria around the gums and attacks the tooth enamel, which can cause cavities.

1987-12-19T23:00:00Z

1x15 The Digestion

1x15 The Digestion

  • 1987-12-19T23:00:00Z26m

After a tasty meal the food starts its journey to the stomach where it will be broken down depending on what properties it has. But don’t overdo it!

1987-12-26T23:00:00Z

1x16 The Liver Factory

1x16 The Liver Factory

  • 1987-12-26T23:00:00Z26m

The liver is fundamental. It doesn’t weigh a lot but it uses almost as much oxygen as the heart! It makes proteins, corpuscles, and helps heal cuts.

1988-01-02T23:00:00Z

1x17 The Kidneys

1x17 The Kidneys

  • 1988-01-02T23:00:00Z26m

Toxic elements head to the kidneys where they are categorized. The good ones are salvaged but the bad ones are sent to the bladder. Have a good trip!

1988-01-09T23:00:00Z

1x18 The Lymphatic System

1x18 The Lymphatic System

  • 1988-01-09T23:00:00Z26m

The huge lymph network transports everything to the body’s factories. Infectious intruders beware! This place is well protected.

The architecture that protects the body’s organs is magnificent! However, even the slightest fracture can cause significant damage.

1988-01-23T23:00:00Z

1x20 The Muscles and the Fat

1x20 The Muscles and the Fat

  • 1988-01-23T23:00:00Z26m

Muscles account for almost half the weight of the human body. They also need a ton of energy to do their jobs correctly.

1988-01-30T23:00:00Z

1x21 Toxin Wars

1x21 Toxin Wars

  • 1988-01-30T23:00:00Z26m

Combat teams act as preventative barriers and are prepared to defend the cell’s nucleus against toxic gases and contaminants.

1988-02-06T23:00:00Z

1x22 The Vaccination

1x22 The Vaccination

  • 1988-02-06T23:00:00Z26m

Vaccines bring us so many benefits! People who don’t get vaccinated run the risk of contracting a disease that is stronger than our natural defenses.

1988-02-13T23:00:00Z

1x23 The Hormones

1x23 The Hormones

  • 1988-02-13T23:00:00Z26m

At the heart of the hypothalamus, Teacher shows us how this region sends out orders to satisfy all the body’s needs.

1988-02-20T23:00:00Z

1x24 The Chain Of Life

1x24 The Chain Of Life

  • 1988-02-20T23:00:00Z26m

A walk in the forest is the perfect way to learn about the extraordinary food chain that exists between the sun, vegetation, animals, and man.

1988-02-27T23:00:00Z

1x25 Repairs and Changes

1x25 Repairs and Changes

  • 1988-02-27T23:00:00Z26m

Pedrito is 8 years old and is tired after a long day. When he goes to bed, Teacher and his helpers observe the activity that continues during sleep.

Season Finale

1988-03-12T23:00:00Z

1x26 And life goes on...

Season Finale

1x26 And life goes on...

  • 1988-03-12T23:00:00Z26m

Pedrito wants to know why his grandpa can’t play ball anymore, so he tells Pedrito an old story about a sphinx.

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