Humans

Question 1

What is the main episode studied?

Answer 1

Series 1, Episode 1 (2015)

Question 2

Which UK broadcaster commissioned the series ‘Humans’?

Answer 2

Channel 4

Question 3

What series is Channel 4 Humans based on?

Answer 3

It is based on the swedish series “Real Humans” which ran for 20 episodes across 2 seasons. It was sold to 50+ countries

Question 4

Was Humans a success?

Answer 4

It became Channel 4’s highest rated drama since 1992

Question 5

How many series and episodes?

Answer 5

2 series

8 episodes each

Question 6

What were the UK release dates?

Answer 6

Series 1 - 14/06/15

Series 2 - 30/10/16

Question 7

What genre is Humans?

Answer 7

Sci-fi and dystopian fiction

Question 8

What is the aim of science fiction?

Answer 8

Science fiction tends to change over the as it typically usually reflects contemporary societal fears. Humans reflects our fears of over dependence on technology and artificial intelligence

Question 9

How does Humans reflect the social context of the contemporary audience?

Answer 9

Humans seems to reflect relevant social issues such as chaotic family life, struggles with life and childcare. The general ideologies and lifestyle represented by the family in Humans provides a relatable and realistic feel for an audience.

Question 10

Does Channel 4 have production studios?

Answer 10

Channel 4 does not have its own production studios - it outsources production to other companies

Question 11

Who did Channel 4 outsource Humans to?

Answer 11

Humans was outsourced to a company called Kudos who worked in collaboration with American company and TV channel AMC. It was an international co production

Question 12

What is significant about Humans being an international co-production?

Answer 12

Higher budgets, more resources and easier global distribution

Question 13

How is Channel 4 funded?

Answer 13

Channel 4 is commercially funded through advertising but is not for profit. They reinvest any profits that are made into making more programmes

Question 14

What type of shows does Channel 4 need to produce?

Answer 14

They are under pressure to attract large audiences to suit advertisers whilst still providing alternative and niche content to fulfil PSB

Question 15

What is the background of Kudos production company?

Answer 15

Subsidiary company of a larger conglomerate called Endemol Shine Group. Endemol Shine itself is a subsidiary company jointly owned by Walt Disney and Apollo Management, which are 2 of the biggest global conglomerates

Question 16

What is the background of Endemol Shine Group?

Answer 16

• Horizontally and vertically integrated

- Comprised of over 120 subsidiary companies, operating in over 22 countries

Question 17

What is the significance of Humans having large conglomerates behind it?

Answer 17

This is especially significant because it means higher budgets, more resources and wider distribution for Humans. May also help in terms of reputation and expectations

Question 18

What was the overall budget for Humans?

Answer 18

£12 million

Question 19

In relation to Todorov, what are some story arcs/narrative strands in Humans?

Answer 19

• Conflict within the family (Joe and Laura)
• Niska (damsel in distress) - stuck in brothel
• Laura (woman challenging stereotypes)
• Leo (leader of the sentient synths) - where are they going?
• Mattie (challenges typical teen girl stereotypes)
• Anita and Sophie; why does she take her, and where?
• George and Odi (NHS Synth)
• Hobb tracking down Fred

Question 20

How use is Todorov’s narrative theory when considering Series 1 Episode 1 of Humans?

Answer 20

• Useful as an alternative way of introducing characters
• Leaves an open narrative to add on for future episodes
• Very enigmatic for engaging audiences
• A new equilibrium is not yet established in this episode, however this could be typical for a dystopian narrative
• Lots of cliff hangers, disruption to equilibrium but lack of solutions in the first episode - audience has lots of questions about the different narrative strands