Ahead of its 49th annual BBC Studios Showcase (24th-25th February 2025), BBC Studios has announced the pre-sale of Human—a pioneering science series co-produced by the BBC Studios Science Unit and NOVA—to Germany’s ZDFinfo.
Commissioned for BBC and PBS, Human (5x60’) explores how humanity evolved from being just one of many hominin species to becoming the dominant force on Earth. Hosted by paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi, the series blends archaeology, travelogue, and reconstruction to uncover the secrets of our deep past. From groundbreaking DNA research to extraordinary fossil discoveries, Human takes viewers on an immersive journey across key archaeological sites, meeting experts who reveal the untold story of how we became us.
Human is part of a dynamic content lineup set to be unveiled at BBC Studios Showcase, the UK’s largest single-studio content event, drawing buyers from over 45 countries.Janet Brown, President of Global Content Sales, commented:"Showcase is our favorite time of year—bringing our customers and partners together to celebrate and champion the best of British creativity on a global stage. Our 2025 slate offers an incredible range of compelling stories across all genres, designed to spark conversations and challenge perceptions. With exclusive access to fresh content and curated panels featuring top talent, this year’s event is set to be an unmissable experience."
Showcase Highlights: Factual and Science
Walking with Dinosaurs (6x50’) – A thrilling reimagining of the iconic BBC series, co-produced with ZDF and France Télévisions, marking 25 years since the original. Each episode follows a different dinosaur species, using cutting-edge science to uncover new insights into how they lived, hunted, and died.
Kingdom (6x60’) – A spectacular wildlife series from BBC Studios Natural History Unit and BBC AMERICA, chronicling the real-life sagas of four African animal families—leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, and lions—set against the dramatic backdrop of Zambia’s lush river valleys.
Civilisations: Rise and Fall (w/t) (4x50’) – A gripping series from BBC Studios Specialist Factual Unit that blends expert testimony, dramatic reconstruction, and CGI to explore the final days of four great ancient civilizations—revealing the forces that led to their downfall and the eerie parallels with today’s world.
Scripted Highlights
Wild Cherry (6x60’) – Created by Nicole Lecky (Mood), this provocative drama explores mother-daughter relationships in the age of social media, hidden apps, and peer pressure. How far will parents go to protect their children—and how much do teenagers really know about their mothers?
Lynley (4x90’) – A fresh take on Elizabeth George’s bestselling mystery series, produced by Playground for BritBox and the BBC. Leo Suter (Vikings: Valhalla) and Sofia Barclay (Ted Lasso) star as the unconventional detective duo DI Tommy Lynley and DS Barbara Havers.
Mammoth (7x30’) – A quirky comedy from BBC Studios Comedy Productions, following Tony Mammoth, a PE teacher from 1979 who is miraculously revived in 2024 after being buried in an avalanche. Adjusting to modern life proves… challenging.
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Big Zuu & AJ Tracey’s Rich Flavours (3x45’) – The BAFTA-winning chef and his cousin, rapper AJ Tracey, embark on a luxury food safari across East Asia, North America, and Europe, tasting the world’s most expensive dishes and diving into the extravagant lifestyles of the ultra-rich.
Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend (6x30’) – The beloved TV host takes celebrity interviews to a new level, spending an entire weekend with A-list stars to give audiences an intimate look into their lives.
Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Job (8x30’) – The fan-favorite duo reunite for their latest renovation adventure, transforming a rundown property in Andalusia, Spain, while navigating DIY challenges and local culture.
Innovative Formats
The Honesty Box – A radical new dating experiment where singles must answer deeply personal questions to find true love—and potentially win a major cash prize. But is honesty really the best policy?
Blackshore (6x60’) – A gripping crime drama from Kate O’Riordan (Smother), following Detective Inspector Fia Lucey as she investigates a missing woman’s case that unearths dark secrets from her own past.
Homebound 3.0 (8x30’) – A sharp, modern sitcom where two 30-something singletons fake a relationship to appease their Chinese parents—only to realize their pretend romance might not be so fake after all.
Kids & Family Titles
Bluey Minisodes (20x1-2’) – New bite-sized adventures featuring the beloved Bluey and her little sister Bingo, packed with fresh characters and fun-filled moments.
Horrible Science (15x30’) – From the team behind Horrible Histories, this hilarious and educational new series dives into the wacky world of science with sketches, songs, and interactive experiments covering everything from dinosaurs to human biology.