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{{short description|2015 British-American science fiction television series}} {{Short description|2015 science fiction TV series}}
{{about|the English-language TV series|its Chinese remake|Humans (2021 TV series){{!}}''Humans'' (2021 TV series)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox television {{Infobox television
| name = Humans | image = Humans Series Intertitle.png
| image = Humans Series Intertitle.png | image_upright = 1.2
| image_upright = 1.2 | caption = Title card for the second series
| caption = Title card for the second series | genre = ]
| genre = ] | creator = ]
| creator = {{Plainlist| | based_on = {{based on|'']''|Lars Lundström}}
| developer =
* Sam Vincent
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* Jonathan Brackley
}}
| based_on = '']''
| developer =
| starring = {{Plainlist|
<!-- NOTE; READ THIS NOTE: Per Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Television/Style guidelines#Cast information, "The cast should be organized according to the series original broadcast credits, with new cast members being added to the end of the list. Please keep in mind that 'main' cast status is determined by the series producers, not by popularity or screen time. Furthermore, articles should reflect the entire history of a series, and as such actors remain on the list even after their departure from the ." --> <!-- NOTE; READ THIS NOTE: Per Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Television/Style guidelines#Cast information, "The cast should be organized according to the series original broadcast credits, with new cast members being added to the end of the list. Please keep in mind that 'main' cast status is determined by the series producers, not by popularity or screen time. Furthermore, articles should reflect the entire history of a series, and as such actors remain on the list even after their departure from the ." -->
* Manpreet Bachu
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
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* ] * ]
}} }}
| theme_music_composer = ] | theme_music_composer = ]
| composer = {{Plainlist| | composer = {{Plainlist|
* Cristobal Tapia de Veer * Cristobal Tapia de Veer
* Sarah Warne * Sarah Warne
}} }}
| opentheme = | opentheme =
| endtheme = | endtheme =
| country = {{Plainlist| | country = {{Plainlist|
* United Kingdom * United Kingdom
* United States * United States
}} }}
| language = English | language = English
| num_series = 3<!-- Please do not update this tally until seasons have premiered --> | num_series = 3<!-- Please do not update this tally until seasons have premiered -->
| num_episodes = 24<!-- Please do not update this tally until episodes have been aired --> | num_episodes = 24<!-- Please do not update this tally until episodes have been aired -->
| list_episodes = List of Humans episodes | list_episodes = List of Humans episodes
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist| | executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
* Jonathan Brackley * Jonathan Brackley
* Jane Featherstone * Jane Featherstone
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* Henrik Widman * Henrik Widman
}} }}
| producer = Chris Fry | producer = Chris Fry
| location = ], England, UK | location = ], England, UK
| cinematography = {{Plainlist| | cinematography = {{Plainlist|
* Stuart Bentley * Stuart Bentley
* David Rom * David Rom
}} }}
| camera = | camera =
| runtime = 46 minutes | runtime = 46 minutes
| company = {{Plainlist| | company = {{Plainlist|
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
}} }}
| distributor = ] | network = {{Plainlist|
| network = {{Plainlist|
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
}} }}
| first_aired = {{Start date|df=y|2015|6|14}}
| picture_format = ] ]<br>] ]
| audio_format = ] | last_aired = {{End date|df=y|2018|7|5}}
| first_run =
| first_aired = {{Start date|df=y|2015|6|14}}
| last_aired = {{End date|df=y|2018|7|5}}
| related =
| website = http://www.channel4.com/programmes/humans
| website_title = Channel 4 official website
| production_website = http://www.amc.com/shows/humans
| production_website_title = AMC official website
}} }}


'''''Humans''''' is a ] television series that debuted on ]. Written by the British team Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley, based on the Swedish science fiction drama '']'', the series explores the themes of ] and ], focusing on the social, cultural, and psychological impact of the invention of anthropomorphic ]s called "synths". The series is produced jointly by ] in the United States, and Channel 4 and ] in the United Kingdom. '''''Humans''''' (styled as HUM∀NS) is a ] television series that debuted in June 2015 on ] and on ]. Written by ], based on the Swedish science fiction drama '']'', the series explores the themes of ], ], and their effects on the future of humanity, focusing on the social, cultural, and psychological impact of the invention and marketing of anthropomorphic ]s called "synths". The series is produced jointly by Channel 4 and ] in the United Kingdom, and ] in the United States.


Eight episodes were produced for the first series which aired between 14 June and 2 August 2015. The second eight-episode series was broadcast in the UK between 30 October and 18 December 2016. A third series was commissioned in March 2017 and aired eight episodes between 17 May and 5 July 2018. In May 2019, Channel 4 announced that the series had been cancelled.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Channel 4 sci-fi Humans has been cancelled|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/humans-cancelled-channel-4-sci-fi-tv-series-wont-be-back-for-series-4/|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Radio Times|language=en}}</ref> Eight episodes were produced for the first series which aired between 14 June and 2 August 2015. The second eight-episode series was broadcast in the UK between 30 October and 18 December 2016. A third series was commissioned in March 2017 and aired eight episodes between 17 May and 5 July 2018. In May 2019, Channel 4 announced that the series had been cancelled.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Channel 4 sci-fi Humans has been cancelled|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/humans-cancelled-channel-4-sci-fi-tv-series-wont-be-back-for-series-4/|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Radio Times|language=en}}</ref>
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==Premise== ==Premise==
{{Expand section|date=November 2020}} {{Expand section|date=November 2020}}
The series focuses on the social, cultural, and psychological impact of the invention of anthropomorphic robots called "synths". It explores a number of ] themes, including ], ], ], ], ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=AMC's 'Humans' Is Closer To Reality Than You Think |url=http://www.popsci.com/amcs-humans-and-parallel-worlds-robotics-research-and-science-fiction |website=Popular Science |access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Review: AMC's 'Humans' explores the laws of robotics yet again |url=https://uproxx.com/sepinwall/review-amcs-humans-explores-the-laws-of-robotics-yet-again/ |website=HitFix |access-date=3 June 2018}}</ref> The series focuses on the social, cultural, and psychological impact of the invention of anthropomorphic robots called "synths". It explores a number of ] themes, including ], ], ], ], ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=AMC's 'Humans' Is Closer To Reality Than You Think |url=http://www.popsci.com/amcs-humans-and-parallel-worlds-robotics-research-and-science-fiction |website=Popular Science |date=29 June 2015 |access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Review: AMC's 'Humans' explores the laws of robotics yet again |url=https://uproxx.com/sepinwall/review-amcs-humans-explores-the-laws-of-robotics-yet-again/ |newspaper=Uproxx |date=25 June 2015 |access-date=3 June 2018}}</ref>


==Cast== ==Cast==
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==== Introduced in series 1 ==== ==== Introduced in series 1 ====

* Manpreet Bachu<ref name="radiotimes" /> as Harun Khan (series 1), a friend of Mattie, who helps her hack the synths.
* ]<ref name="cast" /> as Niska, a conscious synth built by David Elster to be Leo's sister, assigned to work as a prostitute when they were separated. She is violent and resentful of humans and wishes to live her own life, but later starts to care about humans. In the second series, she uploads the consciousness program to the synth network, but only a few synths are successfully upgraded. After a whirlwind relationship with Astrid, Niska returns to the Hawkins and asks to be tried as a human for her crimes. In the third series, after Astrid is injured in a terrorist attack, Niska spends the series looking for revenge for her girlfriend. At the end of the third season, Niska meets V, originally Odi, who tells her she is unique and has great power. * ]<ref name="cast" /> as Niska Elster, a conscious synth built by David Elster to be Leo's sister, assigned to work as a prostitute when they were separated. She is violent and resentful of humans and wishes to live her own life, but later starts to care about humans.
* ]<ref name="radiotimes" /> as Karen Voss (series 1–3), a detective inspector and the partner of Detective Sergeant Pete Drummond. Those around her have not discovered that she is a conscious synth and was created by David Elster to replace his deceased wife, Beatrice. Karen wants to end her life but her programming forbids suicide. By the second season, she has become more accepting of her status and is in a relationship with Pete. * ]<ref name="radiotimes" /> as Karen Voss, a detective inspector and the partner of Detective Sergeant Pete Drummond. Those around her have not discovered that she is a conscious synth and was created by David Elster to replace his deceased wife, Beatrice.
* Lucy Carless<ref name="radiotimes">{{cite web |work=Radio Times |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/dnqz8r/humans--series-1---episode-1 |title=Humans – Series 1 Episode 1 |access-date=8 June 2015}}</ref> as Mattie Hawkins, Laura and Joe's teenage daughter, who is upset that her family is falling apart and angry at the emerging role of synths in society. Despite her own intelligence, she feels useless, claiming that synths will soon be able to do anything she can do. She is skilled in computer programming and hacking. * Lucy Carless<ref name="radiotimes">{{cite web |work=Radio Times |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/dnqz8r/humans--series-1---episode-1 |title=Humans – Series 1 Episode 1 |access-date=8 June 2015}}</ref> as Mattie Hawkins, Laura and Joe's teenage daughter, who is upset that her family is falling apart and angry at the emerging role of synths in society. Despite her own intelligence, she feels useless, claiming that synths will soon be able to do anything she can do. She is skilled in computer programming and hacking.
* ]<ref name="cast" /> as Anita/Mia, a servile synth belonging to the Hawkins family. She was sold as new, but is actually Mia, a conscious synth built by David Elster to be Leo's babysitter, kidnapped and hacked with new software. By the second series, she has begun working in a café, and is romantically interested in her employer. * ]<ref name="cast" /> as Anita Hawkins / Mia Elster, a servile synth belonging to the Hawkins family. She was sold as new, but is actually Mia, a conscious synth built by David Elster to be Leo's babysitter, kidnapped and hacked with new software.
* ] as Sophie Hawkins, Laura and Joe's younger daughter. She names the new family synth Anita after a friend of hers who has moved away, and develops a strong affection for the synth. * ] as Sophie Hawkins, Laura and Joe's younger daughter. She names the new family synth Anita after a friend of hers who has moved away, and develops a strong affection for the synth.
* ]<ref name="radiotimes" /> as Simon (series 1), Jill Drummond's attractive synth caregiver and physiotherapist. Pete is dissatisfied with Simon, thinking that he is his replacement. * ]<ref name="radiotimes" /> as Simon (series 1), Jill Drummond's attractive synth caregiver and physiotherapist. Pete is dissatisfied with Simon, thinking that he is his replacement.
* ]<ref name="tvseriesfinale" /> as Fred (series 1), a conscious synth built by David Elster to be a brother to Leo. Professor Hobb likens Fred to the '']'' in terms of the complexity of his design. He has gone missing between the first and second series, although Max believes that he is safe. * ]<ref name="tvseriesfinale" /> as Fred Elster (series 1), a conscious synth built by David Elster to be a brother to Leo. Professor Hobb likens Fred to the '']'' in terms of the complexity of his design.
* ]<ref name="cast" /> as Vera (series 1), a medical synth from the ] who is supposed to replace Odi as George Millican's caregiver. Millican is frustrated with her relentlessly officious and domineering manner, and generally refuses her help. * ]<ref name="cast" /> as Vera (series 1), a medical synth from the ] who is supposed to replace Odi as George Millican's caregiver. Millican is frustrated with her relentlessly officious and domineering manner, and generally refuses her help.
* ]<ref name="cast" /> as Joe Hawkins, Laura's husband. He bought Anita because he felt Laura's absence caused a void, and he needed help managing their family. * ]<ref name="cast" /> as Joe Hawkins, Laura's husband. He bought Anita because he felt Laura's absence caused a void, and he needed help managing their family.
* ]<ref name="radiotimes" /> as Jill Drummond (series 1), Pete's disabled wife. She is dissatisfied with Pete. * ]<ref name="radiotimes" /> as Jill Drummond (series 1), Pete's disabled wife. She is dissatisfied with Pete.
* ]<ref name="tvseriesfinale">{{cite web |title=''Humans'': New AMC TV Show to Debut |date=14 May 2015 |url=http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/humans-new-amc-tv-show-debuts-36749/ |work=TV Series Finale |access-date=14 May 2015}}</ref> as Max, Leo Elster's conscious synth and confidant, built by David Elster to be a brother to Leo. * ]<ref name="tvseriesfinale">{{cite web |title=''Humans'': New AMC TV Show to Debut |date=14 May 2015 |url=http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/humans-new-amc-tv-show-debuts-36749/ |work=TV Series Finale |access-date=14 May 2015}}</ref> as Max Elster, Leo Elster's conscious synth confidant, built by David Elster to be a brother to Leo.
* ]<ref name="tvseriesfinale" /> as Pete Drummond (series 1–2), an unhappy Special Technologies Task Force detective sergeant who has always been suspicious of synths. He is partnered with Karen Voss. By the second series, Pete and Jill have separated and Pete is shown to be involved with Karen despite his knowledge of her true nature. * ]<ref name="tvseriesfinale" /> as Pete Drummond (series 1–2), an unhappy Special Technologies Task Force detective sergeant who has always been suspicious of synths. He is partnered with Karen Voss. By the second series, Pete and Jill have separated and Pete is shown to be involved with Karen despite his knowledge of her true nature.
* ]<ref name="cast" /> as Leo Elster, son of David Elster, a part-synth fugitive believed by the rest of the world to have died in a car accident; he was in a fatal accident as a child and his father developed synth components to cope with the damage to his brain. He spent the first series trying to track down and reunite the conscious synths made by his father, while in the second series he is trying to help synths adjust to the spread of the consciousness program. * ]<ref name="cast" /> as Leo Elster, son of David Elster, a part-synth fugitive believed by the rest of the world to have died in a car accident; he was in a fatal accident as a child and his father developed synth components to cope with the damage to his brain.
* ]<ref name="cast" /> as Laura Hawkins, a lawyer and mother of three who feels uncomfortable around synths. She had concerns about Anita and sought to find out more about her. By the second season, she had become more accepting of the idea, agreeing to act as Niska's lawyer in her subsequent trial for murder while Niska underwent an assessment to determine if she was truly conscious. * ]<ref name="cast" /> as Laura Hawkins, a lawyer and mother of three who feels uncomfortable around synths. She had concerns about Anita and sought to find out more about her.
* ]<ref name="cast" /> as Toby Hawkins, Laura and Joe's teenage son, who is attracted to, and has become protective of, Anita. * ]<ref name="imdb-s1e1-cast">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4217412/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm |title=Humans Episode 1 (TV Episode 2015) - Full Cast & Crew |work=IMDb}}</ref> as Toby Hawkins, Laura and Joe's teenage son, who is attracted to, and becomes protective of, Anita.
* ]<ref name="cast">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a620653/humans-channel-4-and-amcs-sci-fi-drama-releases-its-first-image.html |title=Humans: Channel 4 and AMC's sci-fi drama releases its first image |work=Digital Spy |first=Tasha |last=Hegarty |date=10 January 2015}}</ref> as Odi (series 1–2), George Millican's malfunctioning synth caregiver. He is prone to system glitches, though Millican is unwilling to recycle him or return him to the NHS. He stays with the Hawkins briefly in the second series. * ]<ref name="cast">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a620653/humans-channel-4-and-amcs-sci-fi-drama-releases-its-first-image.html |title=Humans: Channel 4 and AMC's sci-fi drama releases its first image |work=Digital Spy |first=Tasha |last=Hegarty |date=10 January 2015}}</ref> as Odi (series 1–2), George Millican's malfunctioning synth caregiver. He is prone to system glitches, though Millican is unwilling to recycle him or return him to the NHS.
** Tudor also portrays V (series 3), an artificial intelligence developed by Athena Morrow based on her deceased daughter Virginia. Following Day Zero, V inhabits Odi's body, having erased his consciousness at his request, and becomes the mythic purple-eyed "Synth Who Sleeps". V leads Niska to her so as to grant her connectivity to the internet and persuade her to become the synths' leader. Chloe Wicks voices the disembodied V in the second series. ** Tudor also portrays V (series 3), an artificial intelligence developed by Athena Morrow based on her deceased daughter Virginia.
* ]<ref name="cast" /> as Edwin Hobb (series 1–2), an artificial intelligence researcher.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amc.com/shows/humans/cast-crew/professor-edwin-hobb |title=HUMANS – Professor Edwin Hobb – AMC |work=AMC}}</ref> He is simultaneously concerned about and intrigued by the possibility of conscious synthetics. Hobb is a key player in the quiet government investigation to find the four synths deemed a threat. * ]<ref name="cast" /> as Edwin Hobb (series 1–2), an artificial intelligence researcher.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amc.com/shows/humans/cast-crew/professor-edwin-hobb |title=HUMANS – Professor Edwin Hobb |work=AMC |access-date=16 June 2015 |archive-date=6 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106145306/https://www.amc.com/shows/humans/cast-crew/professor-edwin-hobb |url-status=dead }}</ref> He is simultaneously concerned about and intrigued by the possibility of conscious synthetics. Hobb is a key player in the quiet government investigation to find the four synths deemed a threat.
* ]<ref name="cast" /> as George Millican (series 1), a retired artificial intelligence researcher and widower who suffers memory loss and physical disabilities secondary to a stroke. He forms a special bond with his outdated caregiver synth named Odi.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amc.com/shows/humans/cast-crew/dr-george-millican |title=HUMANS – Dr. George Millican – AMC |work=AMC}}</ref> He previously worked with Leo's father. * ]<ref name="cast" /> as George Millican (series 1), a retired artificial intelligence researcher and widower who suffers memory loss and physical disabilities secondary to a stroke. He forms a special bond with his outdated caregiver synth named Odi.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amc.com/shows/humans/cast-crew/dr-george-millican |title=HUMANS – Dr. George Millican |work=AMC |access-date=16 June 2015 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612164528/https://www.amc.com/shows/humans/cast-crew/dr-george-millican |url-status=dead }}</ref> He previously worked with Leo's father.
* Manpreet Bachu<ref name="radiotimes" /> as Harun Khan (series 1), a friend of Mattie, who helps her hack the synths.


==== Introduced in series 2 ==== ==== Introduced in series 2 ====
* ] as Milo Khoury (series 2),<ref name="comingsoon.net" /> a techno-entrepreneur and owner of Qualia, a synth research corporation, who seeks to harness the sentient synthetics for himself. * ] as Milo Khoury (series 2),<ref name="comingsoon.net" /> a techno-entrepreneur and owner of Qualia, a synth research corporation, who seeks to harness the sentient synthetics for himself.
* ] as Hester (series 2),<ref name="comingsoon.net" /> a synth who becomes self-aware from the consciousness program unleashed across the world. She is rescued from a synth-laboured facility by Leo and co., but soon starts to exhibit disturbing behaviour. * ] as Hester (series 2),<ref name="comingsoon.net" /> a synth who becomes self-aware from the consciousness program unleashed across the world. She is rescued from a synth-laboured facility by Leo and Max, but soon starts to exhibit disturbing behaviour.
* ] as Athena Morrow (series 2),<ref name="comingsoon.net">{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/678779-production-begins-on-humans-season-2 |title=Production Begins on Humans Season 2 |work=ComingSoon.net}}</ref> an AI researcher based in San Francisco who has been invited to reverse engineer the consciousness program. She presents herself as unconcerned about the conscious synthetics, but in reality she has already independently developed her own sentient AI, who she refers to as "V" (for Virginia, her daughter), and is attempting to provide V with a new body. * ] as Athena Morrow (series 2),<ref name="comingsoon.net">{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/678779-production-begins-on-humans-season-2 |title=Production Begins on Humans Season 2 |work=ComingSoon.net|date=21 April 2016 }}</ref> an AI researcher based in San Francisco who has been invited to reverse engineer the consciousness program.
* ] as Neha Patel (series 2),<ref name="S02E02">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/ffntg9/humans--series-2-episode-2/ |title=Humans : Series 2 - Episode 2 : EPISODE GUIDE |access-date=11 November 2020}}</ref> a government lawyer whose initially hostile stance towards the synth cause will eventually prove to be more sympathetic. * ] as Neha Patel (series 2),<ref name="S02E02">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/ffntg9/humans--series-2-episode-2/ |title=Humans : Series 2 - Episode 2 : EPISODE GUIDE |work=Radio Times |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117120158/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/ffntg9/humans--series-2-episode-2/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> a government lawyer with initially a hostile stance towards the synth cause.
* Billy Jenkins as Seraph Sam (series 3; recurring series 2)<ref name="S03E01">{{cite web |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/gjjqkn/humans--series-3-episode-1/ |title=Humans Series 3 Episode 1 |access-date=6 May 2018}}</ref> * Billy Jenkins as Seraph Sam (series 3; recurring series 2)<ref name="S03E01">{{cite web |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/gjjqkn/humans--series-3-episode-1/ |title=Humans Series 3 Episode 1 |work=Radio Times |access-date=6 May 2018 |archive-date=14 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714153631/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/gjjqkn/humans--series-3-episode-1/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==== Introduced in series 3 ==== ==== Introduced in series 3 ====
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* ]<ref>{{cite web |title=Humans – Series 1 Episode 5 |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/dpmrs6/humans--series-1---episode-5 |work=Radio Times |access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref> as David Elster, Leo's father and the creator of the conscious synths * ]<ref>{{cite web |title=Humans – Series 1 Episode 5 |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/dpmrs6/humans--series-1---episode-5 |work=Radio Times |access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref> as David Elster, Leo's father and the creator of the conscious synths
* Spencer Norways<ref>{{cite web |title=Humans – Series 1 Episode 8 |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/dqjb6q/humans--series-1---episode-8 |work=Radio Times |access-date=23 July 2015}}</ref> as young Leo Elster * Spencer Norways<ref>{{cite web |title=Humans – Series 1 Episode 8 |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/dqjb6q/humans--series-1---episode-8 |work=Radio Times |access-date=23 July 2015}}</ref> as young Leo Elster
* ] as Renie (series 2), a human who lives as if she were a synth and whom Toby dates<ref name="comingsoon.net" /> * ] as Renie (series 2), a human who lives as if she were a synth<ref name="comingsoon.net" />
* ] as Astrid, a waitress who becomes romantically involved with Niska, helping Niska become more emotionally invested with humans<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.channel4.com/info/press/press-packs/humans-series-three-press-pack |title=Humans Series Three Press Pack – Channel 4 – Info – Press |website=www.channel4.com |access-date=16 May 2018}}</ref> * ] as Astrid, a waitress who becomes romantically involved with Niska<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.channel4.com/info/press/press-packs/humans-series-three-press-pack |title=Humans Series Three Press Pack – Channel 4 – Info – Press |publisher=Channel 4 |access-date=16 May 2018}}</ref>
* ] as Flash (series 2–3),<ref name="comingsoon.net" /> a house synth who, like Hester, becomes self-aware from the consciousness program. Flash is rescued by Max, and they find a new safe haven in an abandoned train. * ] as Flash (series 2–3),<ref name="comingsoon.net" /> a house synth who, like Hester, becomes self-aware from the consciousness program.
* ] as Ed (series 2–3),<ref name="comingsoon.net" /> Mia's employer, with whom she forms a special bond. He is the owner of a beachside cafe. * ] as Ed (series 2–3),<ref name="comingsoon.net" /> Mia's employer, with whom she forms a special bond. He is the owner of a beachside cafe.
* ] as Ji Dae-Sun * ] as Ji Dae-Sun
* ] as Lord Dryden


==Episodes== ==Episodes==
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==Production== ==Production==
===Development=== ===Development===
The series was announced in April 2014 as part of a partnership between ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |title=William Hurt and Colin Morgan to star in new sci-fi drama series |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-10-15/william-hurt-and-colin-morgan-to-star-in-new-sci-fi-drama-series |work=] |first=Huw |last=Fullerton |date=15 October 2014 |access-date=13 October 2014}}</ref> However, after ] closed ], ] came aboard as partners to Channel 4.<ref name="entshums">{{cite web |title=Channel 4 teams up with AMC for sci-fi series Humans |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/news/a598258/channel-4-partners-up-with-amc-for-sci-fi-series-humans.html |work=Digital Spy |first=Katy |last=Finbow |date=22 September 2014 |access-date=11 January 2015}}</ref> Filming commenced in the autumn of 2014, with the series premiering on 14 June 2015.<ref name="entshums" /> The series' budget was £12{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="guardian" /> The series was announced in April 2014 as part of a partnership between ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |title=William Hurt and Colin Morgan to star in new sci-fi drama series |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-10-15/william-hurt-and-colin-morgan-to-star-in-new-sci-fi-drama-series |work=] |first=Huw |last=Fullerton |date=15 October 2014 |access-date=13 October 2014 |archive-date=10 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710105047/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-10-15/william-hurt-and-colin-morgan-to-star-in-new-sci-fi-drama-series |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, after ] closed Xbox Entertainment Studios, ] came aboard as partners to Channel 4.<ref name="entshums">{{cite web |title=Channel 4 teams up with AMC for sci-fi series Humans |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/news/a598258/channel-4-partners-up-with-amc-for-sci-fi-series-humans.html |work=Digital Spy |first=Katy |last=Finbow |date=22 September 2014 |access-date=11 January 2015}}</ref> Filming commenced in the autumn of 2014, with the series premiering on 14 June 2015.<ref name="entshums" /> The series' budget was £12{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="guardian" />


The commissioning of a second, eight-episode series to air in 2016 was announced 31 July 2015.<ref name="Series2">{{cite web |last=Barraclough |first=Leo |date=31 July 2015 |title=AMC, Channel 4 Renew Sci-Fi Drama 'Humans' for Season 2 |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/global/amc-channel-4-renew-humans-for-season-2-1201554107/ |website=Variety |access-date=31 July 2015}}</ref> Gemma Chan had previously said, in an interview with ''Den of Geek'', that the first series is "not completely tied up at the end" and "there are definitely still areas to be explored for a second series."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/humans/35663/humans-colin-morgan-and-gemma-chan-interview |title=Humans: Colin Morgan and Gemma Chan interview |work=Den of Geek |last=Meller |first=Louisa |date=12 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> Similarly, C4's Head of International Drama, Simon Maxwell, told Broadcast's Talking TV podcast that: "We've got a story that is told over a great many episodes and is very much designed to come back and return. We'll be following those characters on a really epic journey."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.broadcastnow.co.uk/5090346.article |title=C4 in talks over second run of Humans |work=Broadcast |last=Kanter |first=Jane |date=10 July 2015 |access-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> Filming of the second series began on 11 April 2016, with a premiere date of 30 October 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/678779-production-begins-on-humans-season-2 |title=Production Begins on Humans Season 2 |work=ComingSoon |date=21 April 2016 |access-date=24 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="Series2Premiere">{{cite web |title=Gemma Chan reveals Humans series 2 air date – and it's not far off |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/humans/news/a810143/humans-series-2-air-date-gemma-chan/ |website=DigitalSpy |date=6 October 2016 |access-date=6 October 2016}}</ref> The commissioning of a second, eight-episode series to air in 2016 was announced 31 July 2015.<ref name="Series2">{{cite web |last=Barraclough |first=Leo |date=31 July 2015 |title=AMC, Channel 4 Renew Sci-Fi Drama 'Humans' for Season 2 |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/global/amc-channel-4-renew-humans-for-season-2-1201554107/ |website=Variety |access-date=31 July 2015}}</ref> Gemma Chan had previously said, in an interview with ''Den of Geek'', that the first series is "not completely tied up at the end" and "there are definitely still areas to be explored for a second series."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/humans/35663/humans-colin-morgan-and-gemma-chan-interview |title=Humans: Colin Morgan and Gemma Chan interview |work=Den of Geek |last=Meller |first=Louisa |date=12 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> Similarly, C4's Head of International Drama, Simon Maxwell, told Broadcast's Talking TV podcast that: "We've got a story that is told over a great many episodes and is very much designed to come back and return. We'll be following those characters on a really epic journey."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.broadcastnow.co.uk/5090346.article |title=C4 in talks over second run of Humans |work=Broadcast |last=Kanter |first=Jane |date=10 July 2015 |access-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> Filming of the second series began on 11 April 2016, with a premiere date of 30 October 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/678779-production-begins-on-humans-season-2 |title=Production Begins on Humans Season 2 |work=ComingSoon |date=21 April 2016 |access-date=24 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="Series2Premiere">{{cite web |title=Gemma Chan reveals Humans series 2 air date – and it's not far off |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/humans/news/a810143/humans-series-2-air-date-gemma-chan/ |website=Digital Spy |date=6 October 2016 |access-date=6 October 2016}}</ref>


A third series was commissioned in March 2017 and premiered in the UK on 17 May 2018,<ref name="Series3">{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/humans-renewed-season-3-amc-channel-4-1202053294/ |title='Humans' Renewed For Season 3 By AMC |website=Deadline Hollywood |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=28 March 2017 |access-date=28 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="Series3UK">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/humans/news/a856181/humans-series-3-uk-air-date-channel-4/ |title=Humans series 3 UK air date is confirmed by Channel 4 |work=DigitalSpy |first=Morgan |last=Jeffrey |date=2 May 2018 |access-date=3 May 2018}}</ref> and in the United States on 5 June 2018.<ref name="Series3US">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/humans/news/a853243/humans-series-3-air-date-may-channel-4-amc-june-5/ |title=Humans series 3 gets a confirmed air-date and it's coming to Channel 4 soon |work=DigitalSpy |first=Morgan |last=Jeffrey |date=26 March 2018 |access-date=26 March 2018}}</ref> By August 2018, discussions were ongoing about a possible fourth series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/humans/news/a865114/humans-season-4-renewal-possibility/ |title=Humans season 4 is still "a possibility" with talks "rumbling on" |work=Digital Spy |first=Morgan |last=Jeffery |date=30 August 2018}}</ref> Channel 4 announced in May 2019 that there would not be a fourth series.<ref name="Cancellation">{{Cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a27527241/humans-not-returning-season-4-channel-4-amc/ |title=Humans will not be returning for season 4 |last=Jeffery |first=Morgan |date=2019-05-20 |website=] |access-date=2019-05-20}}</ref> A third series was commissioned in March 2017 and premiered in the UK on 17 May 2018,<ref name="Series3">{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/humans-renewed-season-3-amc-channel-4-1202053294/ |title='Humans' Renewed For Season 3 By AMC |website=Deadline Hollywood |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=28 March 2017 |access-date=28 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="Series3UK">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/humans/news/a856181/humans-series-3-uk-air-date-channel-4/ |title=Humans series 3 UK air date is confirmed by Channel 4 |work=Digital Spy |first=Morgan |last=Jeffrey |date=2 May 2018 |access-date=3 May 2018}}</ref> and in the United States on 5 June 2018.<ref name="Series3US">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/humans/news/a853243/humans-series-3-air-date-may-channel-4-amc-june-5/ |title=Humans series 3 gets a confirmed air-date and it's coming to Channel 4 soon |work=Digital Spy |first=Morgan |last=Jeffrey |date=26 March 2018 |access-date=26 March 2018}}</ref> By August 2018, discussions were ongoing about a possible fourth series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/humans/news/a865114/humans-season-4-renewal-possibility/ |title=Humans season 4 is still 'a possibility' with talks 'rumbling on' |work=Digital Spy |first=Morgan |last=Jeffery |date=30 August 2018}}</ref> Channel 4 announced in May 2019 that there would not be a fourth series.<ref name="Cancellation">{{Cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a27527241/humans-not-returning-season-4-channel-4-amc/ |title=Humans will not be returning for season 4 |last=Jeffery |first=Morgan |date=2019-05-20 |website=] |access-date=2019-05-20}}</ref>


===Filming=== ===Filming===
During rehearsals, ] and her fellow robot actors were sent to a 'synth school' run by the show's choreographer, Dan O'Neill, in a bid to rid themselves of any human physical gestures and become convincing synths. "It was about stripping back any physical tics you naturally incorporate into performance", explains Chan, who adds that it was a "relief to go home and slouch" after a day on set.<ref>{{cite web |title=TV: Humans on Channel 4, all you need to know about the robot drama |url=http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/TV-Humans-Channel-4/story-26656706-detail/story.html |access-date=8 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619011156/http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/TV-Humans-Channel-4/story-26656706-detail/story.html |archive-date=19 June 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> During rehearsals, ] and her fellow robot actors were sent to a "synth school" run by the show's choreographer, Dan O'Neill, in a bid to rid themselves of any human physical gestures and become convincing synths. "It was about stripping back any physical tics you naturally incorporate into performance", explains Chan, who adds that it was a "relief to go home and slouch" after a day on set.<ref>{{cite web |title=TV: Humans on Channel 4, all you need to know about the robot drama |url=http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/TV-Humans-Channel-4/story-26656706-detail/story.html |work=Gloucestershire Echo |access-date=8 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619011156/http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/TV-Humans-Channel-4/story-26656706-detail/story.html |archive-date=19 June 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


] began filming six weeks after giving birth to her second child; her part in the series was filmed on 10 separate days, between 10 days' rest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/582497/Humans-Katherine-Parkinson-interview?_ga=1.45066404.1884730483.1434228907 |title=Humans' Katherine Parkinson: When I started the job I had a six-week-old baby |work=] |last=Francis |first=Pam |date=7 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> ] began filming six weeks after giving birth to her second child; her part in the series was filmed on 10 separate days, between 10 days' rest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/582497/Humans-Katherine-Parkinson-interview?_ga=1.45066404.1884730483.1434228907 |title=Humans' Katherine Parkinson: When I started the job I had a six-week-old baby |work=] |last=Francis |first=Pam |date=7 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref>


A number of scenes for the second series were filmed in ], ]. The production team used ] and West Bay as filming locations, while shots of the farm and fields overlooking the factory were filmed in ]. The scenes were predominantly centred on Anita at work.<ref>{{cite web |author=Kent Film Office |url=http://kentfilmoffice.co.uk/2016/10/humans-2016/ |title=Kent Film Office Humans Article}}</ref> A number of scenes for the second series were filmed in ], ]. The production team used ] and West Bay as filming locations, while shots of the farm and fields overlooking the factory were filmed in ]. The scenes were predominantly centred on Anita at work.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Kent Film Office |url=http://kentfilmoffice.co.uk/2016/10/humans-2016/ |title=Humans Series 2 (2016)}}</ref>


==Broadcast and release== ==Broadcast and release==
The first episode of the series was broadcast in the UK on Channel 4 on 14 June 2015 and premiered in the United States and Canada on AMC on 28 June 2015.<ref>{{cite web |work=] |title=New Drama ''Humans'' to Premiere Sunday, June 28 on AMC |first=Sara |last=Bibel |date=14 May 2015 |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/14/new-drama-humans-to-premiere-sunday-june-28-on-amc/404136/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516010437/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/14/new-drama-humans-to-premiere-sunday-june-28-on-amc/404136/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2015 |access-date=14 May 2015}}</ref> It started airing in Australia on ], on 3 August 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Humans: ABC TV |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/humans/ |access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> It was shown on ] in New Zealand from 11 August 2015.<ref>, '']'', 2 August 2015</ref> The first episode of the series was broadcast in the UK on Channel 4 on 14 June 2015 and premiered in the United States and Canada on AMC on 28 June 2015.<ref>{{cite web |work=] |title=New Drama ''Humans'' to Premiere Sunday, June 28 on AMC |first=Sara |last=Bibel |date=14 May 2015 |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/14/new-drama-humans-to-premiere-sunday-june-28-on-amc/404136/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516010437/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/14/new-drama-humans-to-premiere-sunday-june-28-on-amc/404136/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2015 |access-date=14 May 2015}}</ref> It started airing in Australia on ], on 3 August 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Humans: ABC TV |publisher=] |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/humans/ |access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> It was shown on ] in New Zealand from 11 August 2015.<ref>, '']'', 2 August 2015</ref>


The second series premiered in the United Kingdom on 30 October 2016,<ref name="Series2Premiere" /> in Australia the day after<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/humans/ |title=Humans: ABC TV |publisher=ABC |access-date=26 October 2016}}</ref> and premiered in the United States on 13 February 2017.<ref name="Season2US">{{cite web |title='Humans' Season 2 Gets Premiere Date On AMC |url=https://deadline.com/2016/12/humans-season-2-premiere-date-amc-1201864550/ |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=5 December 2016 |access-date=6 December 2016}}</ref> The second series premiered in the United Kingdom on 30 October 2016,<ref name="Series2Premiere" /> in Australia the day after<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/humans/ |title=Humans: ABC TV |publisher=ABC |access-date=26 October 2016}}</ref> and premiered in the United States on 13 February 2017.<ref name="Season2US">{{cite web |title='Humans' Season 2 Gets Premiere Date On AMC |url=https://deadline.com/2016/12/humans-season-2-premiere-date-amc-1201864550/ |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=5 December 2016 |access-date=6 December 2016}}</ref>


===Marketing=== ===Marketing===
For one week in May 2015, the series was marketed using a fake shopfront for ''Persona Synthetics'' on London's ], inviting passers-by to create their own synth using interactive screens,<ref>{{cite web |title=Channel 4 explains innovative Humans marketing campaign |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/british-tv/news/a647047/channel-4-explains-innovative-humans-marketing-campaign.html |work=Digital Spy |first=Ryan |last=Love |date=12 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Channel 4's Persona Synthetics ad for Humans could be the best TV promo we've ever seen |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/channel-4s-persona-synthetics-ad-5669676 |work=Mirror |date=9 May 2015 |first=Danny |last=Walker |access-date=9 May 2015}}</ref> and employing actors who pretended to be synths around central London.<ref name="ITV Marketing">{{cite web |title=Channel 4 dupes viewers into thinking robot servants for sale |url=http://www.itv.com/news/2015-05-13/channel-4-dupes-viewers-into-thinking-robot-servants-for-sale/ |work=ITV |date=13 May 2015 |access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref> An accompanying Channel 4 trailer for the series in the style of an advert for Persona featured "Sally," a robotic servant described as "your new best friend." In addition, website banner adverts appeared on the eBay UK website leading to an eBay "buy it now" listing for a Persona Synthetics Robot.<ref name="ITV Marketing" /> For one week in May 2015, the series was marketed using a fake shopfront for ''Persona Synthetics'' on London's ], inviting passers-by to create their own synth using interactive screens,<ref>{{cite web |title=Channel 4 explains innovative Humans marketing campaign |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/british-tv/news/a647047/channel-4-explains-innovative-humans-marketing-campaign.html |work=Digital Spy |first=Ryan |last=Love |date=12 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Channel 4's Persona Synthetics ad for Humans could be the best TV promo we've ever seen |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/channel-4s-persona-synthetics-ad-5669676 |work=Mirror |date=9 May 2015 |first=Danny |last=Walker |access-date=9 May 2015}}</ref> and employing actors who pretended to be synths around central London.<ref name="ITV Marketing">{{cite web |title=Channel 4 dupes viewers into thinking robot servants for sale |url=http://www.itv.com/news/2015-05-13/channel-4-dupes-viewers-into-thinking-robot-servants-for-sale/ |publisher=ITV |date=13 May 2015 |access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref> An accompanying Channel 4 trailer for the series in the style of an advertisement for Persona featured "Sally", a robotic servant described as "your new best friend". In addition, ] appeared on the eBay UK website leading to an eBay "buy it now" listing for a Persona Synthetics Robot.<ref name="ITV Marketing" />


===Home media=== ===Home media===
Channel 4 DVD released the first series on DVD in the UK on 17 August 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Humans-DVD-Colin-Morgan/dp/B00X7HEJM8 |title=Humans}}</ref> Spirit Entertainment released the second series on DVD in the UK on 16 January 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Humans-2-0-DVD-Gemma-Chan/dp/B01KYJD1GG |title=Humans 2.0 |date=16 January 2017 |via=Amazon}}</ref> Channel 4 DVD released the first series on DVD in the UK on 17 August 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Humans-DVD-Colin-Morgan/dp/B00X7HEJM8 |title=Humans|website=Amazon UK}}</ref> Spirit Entertainment released the second series on DVD in the UK on 16 January 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Humans-2-0-DVD-Gemma-Chan/dp/B01KYJD1GG |title=Humans 2.0 |website=Amazon UK |date=16 January 2017 }}</ref> Spirit Entertainment released the third series on DVD in the UK on 29 January 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.amazon.co.uk/Humans-Gemma-Chan-Colin-Morgan/dp/B07FDL6FLG/ref=tmm_dvd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1582554262&sr=8-3 |title=Humans|website=Amazon UK}}</ref>
Spirit Entertainment released the third series on DVD in the UK on 29 January 2019 <ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.amazon.co.uk/Humans-Gemma-Chan-Colin-Morgan/dp/B07FDL6FLG/ref=tmm_dvd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1582554262&sr=8-3 |title=Humans}}</ref>


In Region 1, Acorn Media has released both seasons on DVD & Blu-ray. ''Humans – Season 1: Uncut UK Edition'' was released on 29 March 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Humans-Season-1/21897 |title=Humans DVD news: Announcement for Season 1: Uncut UK Edition - TVShowsOnDVD.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417011522/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Humans-Season-1/21897 |archive-date=17 April 2016 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''Humans – Season 2: Uncut UK Edition'' was released on 31 October 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Humans-Season-2/23611 |title=Humans DVD news: Box Art for 2.0: Uncut UK Edition - TVShowsOnDVD.com |website=tvshowsondvd.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826112251/http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Humans-Season-2/23611 |archive-date=26 August 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> In Region 1, Acorn Media has released the first two seasons on DVD and Blu-ray. ''Humans – Season 1: Uncut UK Edition'' was released on 29 March 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Humans-Season-1/21897 |title=Humans DVD news: Announcement for Season 1: Uncut UK Edition |website=tvshowsondvd.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417011522/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Humans-Season-1/21897 |archive-date=17 April 2016 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''Humans – Season 2: Uncut UK Edition'' was released on 31 October 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Humans-Season-2/23611 |title=Humans DVD news: Box Art for 2.0: Uncut UK Edition |website=tvshowsondvd.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826112251/http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Humans-Season-2/23611 |archive-date=26 August 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> As of 2023, the first through third seasons are available in Region 1 for purchase on Apple TV.


==Reception== ==Reception==
The first season of ''Humans'' received positive reviews from critics. ] website ] gave the season an 89% based on 62 reviews, with an average rating of 7.3/10. The site's critical consensus reading: "''Humans'' is a mature, high-octane thriller offering emotional intrigue and thought-provoking suspense that should prove irresistible to sci-fi fans while remaining accessible enough to lure in genre agnostics."<ref>{{cite web |title=HUMANS: Season 1 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/humans/s01 |access-date=28 September 2022 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandago}}</ref> ] gave the season a rating of 76 out of 100, based on 33 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web |title=Humans Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/humans |access-date=28 September 2022 |work=Metacritic}}</ref>
===Critical response===
The first season of ''Humans'' received positive reviews from critics. ] website ] gave the season an 88% based on 60 reviews, with an average rating of 7.3/10. The site's critical consensus reading: "''Humans'' is a mature, high-octane thriller offering emotional intrigue and thought-provoking suspense that should prove irresistible to sci-fi fans while remaining accessible enough to lure in genre agnostics."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/humans/s01 |title=HUMANS: Season 1 – Rotten Tomatoes |website=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandago |access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref> ] gave the season a rating of 73 out of 100, based on 25 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/humans |title=Humans Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=18 May 2018}}</ref>


The second season received critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has a score of 94%, based on 17 reviews, with an average rating of 7.8/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "''Humans'' continues to quietly distinguish itself in the sci-fi drama category – and prove better than most of its flashier ] competition."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/humans/s02 |title=HUMANS: Season 2 Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandago |access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref> On Metacritic, the season has a rating of 82 out of 100, based on 8 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/humans/season-2 |title=Humans}}</ref> The second season received critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has a score of 94%, based on 17 reviews, with an average rating of 7.8/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "''Humans'' continues to quietly distinguish itself in the sci-fi drama category – and prove better than most of its flashier ] competition."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/humans/s02 |title=HUMANS: Season 2 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandago |access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref> On Metacritic, the season has a rating of 82 out of 100, based on 8 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/humans/season-2 |title=Humans: Season 2|work=]}}</ref>


The third season received critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has a score of 100%, based on 12 reviews, with an average rating of 6.0/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "''Humans'' gains new sociopolitical dimensions in its third season, mining deeper insight from its sci-fi premise without diluting the potency of its well-drawn characters."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/humans/s03 |title=HUMANS: Season 3 Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandago |access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref> The third season received critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has a score of 100%, based on 13 reviews, with an average rating of 6.0/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "''Humans'' gains new sociopolitical dimensions in its third season, mining deeper insight from its sci-fi premise without diluting the potency of its well-drawn characters."<ref>{{cite web |title=HUMANS: Season 3 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/humans/s03 |access-date=28 September 2022 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandago}}</ref>


The show is Channel 4's highest rated drama since the 1992 programme '']''.<ref name="guardian">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/22/humans-becomes-channel-4s-biggest-drama-hit-in-20-years |title=Humans becomes Channel 4's biggest drama hit in 20 years |work=] |last=Plunkett |first=John |date=22 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> It has been described as having "universal appeal" and as being "one of 2015's dramatic hits."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2015/jun/22/humans-bankable-british-tv-show-that-isnt-costume-drama |title=Humans: a bankable British TV show that isn't a costume drama |work=] |last=Lawson |first=Mike |date=22 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> The show has been described as "a bit dystopian and '']''-esque."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/humans-everything-we-know-so-far-about-the-new-channel-4-series--from-the-air-date-to-that-creepy-persona-synthetics-ad-10294847.html |title=Humans: Everything we know about Channel 4's new series so far from the cast to that creepy Persona Synthetics ad |work=] |last=Denham |first=Jess |date=14 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> A review in the ''Telegraph'' praised the show's performances but said that the story is "conceptually ... old hat" and "wasn't breaking any new ground philosophically."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11683287/Theres-something-slightly-robotic-about-Humans.html |title=There's something slightly robotic about Humans |work=] |last=Wilson |first=Benji |date=20 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> The show is Channel 4's highest rated drama since the 1992 programme '']''.<ref name="guardian">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/22/humans-becomes-channel-4s-biggest-drama-hit-in-20-years |title=Humans becomes Channel 4's biggest drama hit in 20 years |work=] |last=Plunkett |first=John |date=22 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> It has been described as having "universal appeal" and as being "one of 2015's dramatic hits".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2015/jun/22/humans-bankable-british-tv-show-that-isnt-costume-drama |title=Humans: a bankable British TV show that isn't a costume drama |work=] |last=Lawson |first=Mike |date=22 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> The show has been described as "a bit dystopian and '']''-esque".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/humans-everything-we-know-so-far-about-the-new-channel-4-series--from-the-air-date-to-that-creepy-persona-synthetics-ad-10294847.html |title=Humans: Everything we know about Channel 4's new series so far from the cast to that creepy Persona Synthetics ad |work=] |last=Denham |first=Jess |date=14 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> A review in the ''Telegraph'' praised the show's performances but said that the story is "conceptually{{nbsp}}... old hat" and "wasn't breaking any new ground philosophically".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11683287/Theres-something-slightly-robotic-about-Humans.html |title=There's something slightly robotic about Humans |work=] |last=Wilson |first=Benji |date=20 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref>


In December 2015, Humans was voted ]'s "Top Show of 2015," described as managing "to stand out as something totally different in a TV landscape awash with cop shows and crime thrillers... And its fearlessness, its creativity and its quality all deserve to be recognised."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/feature/a776788/digital-spys-best-tv-of-2015-our-top-5-and-number-1-show-of-the-year-revealed/ |title=Digital Spy's best TV of 2015: Our top 5 – and No.1 show of the year – revealed |work=] |date=18 December 2015 |access-date=19 December 2015}}</ref> In December 2015, ''Humans'' was voted ]'s "Top Show of 2015", described as managing "to stand out as something totally different in a TV landscape awash with cop shows and crime thrillers{{nbsp}}... And its fearlessness, its creativity and its quality all deserve to be recognised."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/feature/a776788/digital-spys-best-tv-of-2015-our-top-5-and-number-1-show-of-the-year-revealed/ |title=Digital Spy's best TV of 2015: Our top 5 – and No.1 show of the year – revealed |work=] |date=18 December 2015 |access-date=19 December 2015}}</ref>


==Accolades==
===Awards and nominations===
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; margin-right: 0;" {| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; margin-right: 0;"
|- |-
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| Momoco | Momoco
| {{won}} | {{won}}
| <ref name="Royal Television Society 2015">{{cite web |url=https://rts.org.uk/award/craft-design-awards-2014-2015 |title=The Royal Television Society Awards |access-date=21 November 2015}}</ref> | <ref name="Royal Television Society 2015">{{cite web |url=https://rts.org.uk/award/craft-design-awards-2014-2015 |title=The Royal Television Society Awards |date=14 August 2015 |access-date=21 November 2015}}</ref>
|- |-
| Trails & Packaging | Trails & Packaging
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|- |-
| rowspan="13" |2016 | rowspan="13" |2016
| rowspan="4" |] | rowspan="4" |]
|Audience Award |Audience Award
|''Humans'' |''Humans''
| {{nominated}} | {{nominated}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/press/press-releases/radio-times-audience-award-nominees|title=BAFTA Radio Times Audience Award|access-date=29 March 2016}}</ref> |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/press/press-releases/radio-times-audience-award-nominees|title=BAFTA Radio Times Audience Award|date=29 March 2016|access-date=29 March 2016}}</ref>
|- |-
|Television: Drama Series |Television: Drama Series
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|''Humans'' |''Humans''
| {{nominated}} | {{nominated}}
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://broadcastawards.co.uk/shortlist/ |title=Broadcast Awards |access-date=10 February 2016}}</ref> |<ref>{{cite web |url=http://broadcastawards.co.uk/shortlist/ |title=Broadcast Awards |access-date=10 February 2016 |archive-date=1 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201103840/http://broadcastawards.co.uk/shortlist/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- |-
| rowspan="3" |] | rowspan="3" |]
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|''Humans'' |''Humans''
| {{nominated}} | {{nominated}}
|<ref name="bpg">{{cite web|url=http://www.broadcastingpressguild.org/2016/02/11/bpg-awards-2016-television-nominations/|title=Broadcast Awards|access-date=11 February 2016}}</ref> |<ref name="bpg">{{cite web|url=http://www.broadcastingpressguild.org/2016/02/11/bpg-awards-2016-television-nominations/|title=Broadcast Awards|date=11 February 2016|access-date=11 February 2016}}</ref>
|- |-
|Breakthrough Award |Breakthrough Award
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|''Humans'' |''Humans''
| {{Nominated}} | {{Nominated}}
|<ref name="National Television Awards 2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationaltvawards.com|title=National Television Awards (2016)|work=]|publisher=]|at=nationaltvawards.com|access-date=6 October 2015}}</ref> |<ref name="National Television Awards 2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationaltvawards.com|title=National Television Awards (2016)|publisher=National Television Awards|website=nationaltvawards.com|access-date=6 October 2015}}</ref>
|- |-
| ] | ]
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|''Humans'' |''Humans''
| {{Nominated}} | {{Nominated}}
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rts.org.uk/award/rts-programme-awards-2016 |title=RTS PROGRAMME AWARDS 2016 |access-date=4 April 2016}}</ref> |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rts.org.uk/award/rts-programme-awards-2016 |title=RTS PROGRAMME AWARDS 2016 |date=19 October 2015 |access-date=4 April 2016}}</ref>
|- |-
|] |]
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|''Humans'' |''Humans''
| {{Nominated}} | {{Nominated}}
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pressacademy.com/award_cat/2015/ |work=] |at=pressacademy.com |title=Satellite Awards (2015) |publisher=] |access-date=2 December 2015 |date=2 December 2015}}</ref> |<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pressacademy.com/award_cat/2015/ |title=Satellite Awards (2015) |publisher=] |access-date=2 December 2015 |date=2 December 2015}}</ref>
|- |-
|] |]
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|''Humans'' |''Humans''
| {{nominated}} | {{nominated}}
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/06/05/doctor-foster-and-stormzy-win-at-south-bank-sky-arts-awards-plus/ |title=The Telegraph |access-date=8 June 2016}}</ref> |<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/06/05/doctor-foster-and-stormzy-win-at-south-bank-sky-arts-awards-plus/ |title=Doctor Foster and Stormzy win at South Bank Sky Arts Awards, plus full list of winners |work=The Telegraph |date=5 June 2016 |access-date=8 June 2016}}</ref>
|- |-
| Televisual Bulldog Awards | Televisual Bulldog Awards
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|''Humans'' |''Humans''
| {{won}} | {{won}}
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.televisual.com/bulldogs/119/DRAMA-SERIES.html |title=Televisual Bulldog Awards 2016 |access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref> |<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.televisual.com/bulldogs/119/DRAMA-SERIES.html |title=Televisual Bulldog Awards 2016 |access-date=6 May 2016 |archive-date=7 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207045036/http://www.televisual.com/bulldogs/119/DRAMA-SERIES.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|} |}


==Chinese adaptation== ==Chinese adaptation==
On 25 July 2018, it was announced ] would be head writer on a Chinese version of ''Humans'' in Mandarin,<ref>https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/cult/a862391/humans-remake-china/</ref> produced by Endemol Shine China and Croton Media.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/amc-c4-sci-fi-drama-humans-to-be-remade-in-china-via-endemol-shine-croton-media-1202433090/ |title=AMC & C4 Sci-Fi Drama 'Humans' To Be Remade In China Via Endemol Shine & Croton Media |first=Peter |last=White |date=25 July 2018 |work=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=6 January 2019}}</ref> The series began airing on Chinese broadcaster Tencent on February 19, 2021. On 25 July 2018, it was announced ] would be head writer on a Chinese version of ''Humans'' in Mandarin called ''你好,安怡'' / ''Nǐ hǎo, ān yí'' (''Hello An Yi''),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/cult/a862391/humans-remake-china/|title=Channel 4 and AMC's Humans is getting a remake in China|website=]|date=25 July 2018}}</ref> produced by Endemol Shine China and Croton Media.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/amc-c4-sci-fi-drama-humans-to-be-remade-in-china-via-endemol-shine-croton-media-1202433090/ |title=AMC & C4 Sci-Fi Drama 'Humans' To Be Remade In China Via Endemol Shine & Croton Media |first=Peter |last=White |date=25 July 2018 |work=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=6 January 2019}}</ref> The series began airing on Chinese broadcaster Tencent on 19 February 2021.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}. The Chinese version ran for 30 episodes in China in 2021.


== See also == == See also ==
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* {{Official website|http://www.amc.com/shows/humans|AMC official website}} * {{Official website|http://www.amc.com/shows/humans|AMC official website}}
* {{IMDb title}} * {{IMDb title}}
* {{Epguides|Humans}}

*
{{Humans (TV series)}} {{Humans (TV series)}}
{{AMC Shows}} {{AMC Shows}}
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Latest revision as of 17:30, 1 December 2024

2015 science fiction TV series This article is about the English-language TV series. For its Chinese remake, see Humans (2021 TV series).

Humans
Title card for the second series
GenreScience fiction
Created byJonathan Brackley and Sam Vincent
Based onReal Humans
by Lars Lundström
Starring
Theme music composerCristobal Tapia de Veer
Composers
  • Cristobal Tapia de Veer
  • Sarah Warne
Country of origin
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
Original languageEnglish
No. of series3
No. of episodes24 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Jonathan Brackley
  • Jane Featherstone
  • Lars Lundström
  • Sam Vincent
  • Derek Wax
  • Henrik Widman
ProducerChris Fry
Production locationsLondon, England, UK
Cinematography
  • Stuart Bentley
  • David Rom
Running time46 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network
Release14 June 2015 (2015-06-14) –
5 July 2018 (2018-07-05)

Humans (styled as HUM∀NS) is a science fiction television series that debuted in June 2015 on Channel 4 and on AMC. Written by Jonathan Brackley and Sam Vincent, based on the Swedish science fiction drama Real Humans, the series explores the themes of artificial intelligence, robotics, and their effects on the future of humanity, focusing on the social, cultural, and psychological impact of the invention and marketing of anthropomorphic robots called "synths". The series is produced jointly by Channel 4 and Kudos in the United Kingdom, and AMC in the United States.

Eight episodes were produced for the first series which aired between 14 June and 2 August 2015. The second eight-episode series was broadcast in the UK between 30 October and 18 December 2016. A third series was commissioned in March 2017 and aired eight episodes between 17 May and 5 July 2018. In May 2019, Channel 4 announced that the series had been cancelled.

Premise

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2020)

The series focuses on the social, cultural, and psychological impact of the invention of anthropomorphic robots called "synths". It explores a number of science fiction themes, including artificial intelligence, consciousness, human-robot interaction, superintelligence, mind uploading and the laws of robotics.

Cast

Main

Introduced in series 1

  • Emily Berrington as Niska Elster, a conscious synth built by David Elster to be Leo's sister, assigned to work as a prostitute when they were separated. She is violent and resentful of humans and wishes to live her own life, but later starts to care about humans.
  • Ruth Bradley as Karen Voss, a detective inspector and the partner of Detective Sergeant Pete Drummond. Those around her have not discovered that she is a conscious synth and was created by David Elster to replace his deceased wife, Beatrice.
  • Lucy Carless as Mattie Hawkins, Laura and Joe's teenage daughter, who is upset that her family is falling apart and angry at the emerging role of synths in society. Despite her own intelligence, she feels useless, claiming that synths will soon be able to do anything she can do. She is skilled in computer programming and hacking.
  • Gemma Chan as Anita Hawkins / Mia Elster, a servile synth belonging to the Hawkins family. She was sold as new, but is actually Mia, a conscious synth built by David Elster to be Leo's babysitter, kidnapped and hacked with new software.
  • Pixie Davies as Sophie Hawkins, Laura and Joe's younger daughter. She names the new family synth Anita after a friend of hers who has moved away, and develops a strong affection for the synth.
  • Jack Derges as Simon (series 1), Jill Drummond's attractive synth caregiver and physiotherapist. Pete is dissatisfied with Simon, thinking that he is his replacement.
  • Sope Dirisu as Fred Elster (series 1), a conscious synth built by David Elster to be a brother to Leo. Professor Hobb likens Fred to the Mona Lisa in terms of the complexity of his design.
  • Rebecca Front as Vera (series 1), a medical synth from the NHS who is supposed to replace Odi as George Millican's caregiver. Millican is frustrated with her relentlessly officious and domineering manner, and generally refuses her help.
  • Tom Goodman-Hill as Joe Hawkins, Laura's husband. He bought Anita because he felt Laura's absence caused a void, and he needed help managing their family.
  • Jill Halfpenny as Jill Drummond (series 1), Pete's disabled wife. She is dissatisfied with Pete.
  • Ivanno Jeremiah as Max Elster, Leo Elster's conscious synth confidant, built by David Elster to be a brother to Leo.
  • Neil Maskell as Pete Drummond (series 1–2), an unhappy Special Technologies Task Force detective sergeant who has always been suspicious of synths. He is partnered with Karen Voss. By the second series, Pete and Jill have separated and Pete is shown to be involved with Karen despite his knowledge of her true nature.
  • Colin Morgan as Leo Elster, son of David Elster, a part-synth fugitive believed by the rest of the world to have died in a car accident; he was in a fatal accident as a child and his father developed synth components to cope with the damage to his brain.
  • Katherine Parkinson as Laura Hawkins, a lawyer and mother of three who feels uncomfortable around synths. She had concerns about Anita and sought to find out more about her.
  • Theo Stevenson as Toby Hawkins, Laura and Joe's teenage son, who is attracted to, and becomes protective of, Anita.
  • Will Tudor as Odi (series 1–2), George Millican's malfunctioning synth caregiver. He is prone to system glitches, though Millican is unwilling to recycle him or return him to the NHS.
    • Tudor also portrays V (series 3), an artificial intelligence developed by Athena Morrow based on her deceased daughter Virginia.
  • Danny Webb as Edwin Hobb (series 1–2), an artificial intelligence researcher. He is simultaneously concerned about and intrigued by the possibility of conscious synthetics. Hobb is a key player in the quiet government investigation to find the four synths deemed a threat.
  • William Hurt as George Millican (series 1), a retired artificial intelligence researcher and widower who suffers memory loss and physical disabilities secondary to a stroke. He forms a special bond with his outdated caregiver synth named Odi. He previously worked with Leo's father.
  • Manpreet Bachu as Harun Khan (series 1), a friend of Mattie, who helps her hack the synths.

Introduced in series 2

  • Marshall Allman as Milo Khoury (series 2), a techno-entrepreneur and owner of Qualia, a synth research corporation, who seeks to harness the sentient synthetics for himself.
  • Sonya Cassidy as Hester (series 2), a synth who becomes self-aware from the consciousness program unleashed across the world. She is rescued from a synth-laboured facility by Leo and Max, but soon starts to exhibit disturbing behaviour.
  • Carrie-Anne Moss as Athena Morrow (series 2), an AI researcher based in San Francisco who has been invited to reverse engineer the consciousness program.
  • Thusitha Jayasundera as Neha Patel (series 2), a government lawyer with initially a hostile stance towards the synth cause.
  • Billy Jenkins as Seraph Sam (series 3; recurring series 2)

Introduced in series 3

  • Holly Earl as Agnes (series 3), a synth in Mia and Max's group. She is suspicious of their leadership and sympathizes with the terrorists.
  • Ukweli Roach as Anatole (series 3), a former courtesan synth who believes in a higher power, namely David Elster, and that synths were always meant to be given consciousness.
  • Mark Bonnar as Neil Sommer (series 3), a charming scientist on a government commission with whom Laura develops a strong personal connection.
  • Dino Fetscher as Stanley (series 3), an "orange-eyed" synth given to a reluctant Laura by the Dryden commission group as her personal synth and protector.
  • Phil Dunster as Tristan (series 3)

Recurring

  • Ellen Thomas as Lindsey Kiwanuka
  • Jonathan Aris as Robert
  • Stephen Boxer as David Elster, Leo's father and the creator of the conscious synths
  • Spencer Norways as young Leo Elster
  • Letitia Wright as Renie (series 2), a human who lives as if she were a synth
  • Bella Dayne as Astrid, a waitress who becomes romantically involved with Niska
  • Ritu Arya as Flash (series 2–3), a house synth who, like Hester, becomes self-aware from the consciousness program.
  • Sam Palladio as Ed (series 2–3), Mia's employer, with whom she forms a special bond. He is the owner of a beachside cafe.
  • Akie Kotabe as Ji Dae-Sun
  • Matthew Marsh as Lord Dryden

Episodes

Main article: List of Humans episodes
SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired (UK)Avg. UK viewers
(millions)
Avg. US viewers
(millions)
First airedLast aired
1814 June 2015 (2015-06-14)2 August 2015 (2015-08-02)4.121.18
2830 October 2016 (2016-10-30)18 December 2016 (2016-12-18)1.930.47
3817 May 2018 (2018-05-17)5 July 2018 (2018-07-05)1.050.35

Production

Development

The series was announced in April 2014 as part of a partnership between Channel 4 and Xbox Entertainment Studios. However, after Microsoft closed Xbox Entertainment Studios, AMC came aboard as partners to Channel 4. Filming commenced in the autumn of 2014, with the series premiering on 14 June 2015. The series' budget was £12 million.

The commissioning of a second, eight-episode series to air in 2016 was announced 31 July 2015. Gemma Chan had previously said, in an interview with Den of Geek, that the first series is "not completely tied up at the end" and "there are definitely still areas to be explored for a second series." Similarly, C4's Head of International Drama, Simon Maxwell, told Broadcast's Talking TV podcast that: "We've got a story that is told over a great many episodes and is very much designed to come back and return. We'll be following those characters on a really epic journey." Filming of the second series began on 11 April 2016, with a premiere date of 30 October 2016.

A third series was commissioned in March 2017 and premiered in the UK on 17 May 2018, and in the United States on 5 June 2018. By August 2018, discussions were ongoing about a possible fourth series. Channel 4 announced in May 2019 that there would not be a fourth series.

Filming

During rehearsals, Gemma Chan and her fellow robot actors were sent to a "synth school" run by the show's choreographer, Dan O'Neill, in a bid to rid themselves of any human physical gestures and become convincing synths. "It was about stripping back any physical tics you naturally incorporate into performance", explains Chan, who adds that it was a "relief to go home and slouch" after a day on set.

Katherine Parkinson began filming six weeks after giving birth to her second child; her part in the series was filmed on 10 separate days, between 10 days' rest.

A number of scenes for the second series were filmed in Thanet, Kent. The production team used Botany Bay and West Bay as filming locations, while shots of the farm and fields overlooking the factory were filmed in Dagnall. The scenes were predominantly centred on Anita at work.

Broadcast and release

The first episode of the series was broadcast in the UK on Channel 4 on 14 June 2015 and premiered in the United States and Canada on AMC on 28 June 2015. It started airing in Australia on ABC2, on 3 August 2015. It was shown on TV3 in New Zealand from 11 August 2015.

The second series premiered in the United Kingdom on 30 October 2016, in Australia the day after and premiered in the United States on 13 February 2017.

Marketing

For one week in May 2015, the series was marketed using a fake shopfront for Persona Synthetics on London's Regent Street, inviting passers-by to create their own synth using interactive screens, and employing actors who pretended to be synths around central London. An accompanying Channel 4 trailer for the series in the style of an advertisement for Persona featured "Sally", a robotic servant described as "your new best friend". In addition, website banner advertisements appeared on the eBay UK website leading to an eBay "buy it now" listing for a Persona Synthetics Robot.

Home media

Channel 4 DVD released the first series on DVD in the UK on 17 August 2015. Spirit Entertainment released the second series on DVD in the UK on 16 January 2017. Spirit Entertainment released the third series on DVD in the UK on 29 January 2019.

In Region 1, Acorn Media has released the first two seasons on DVD and Blu-ray. Humans – Season 1: Uncut UK Edition was released on 29 March 2016. Humans – Season 2: Uncut UK Edition was released on 31 October 2017. As of 2023, the first through third seasons are available in Region 1 for purchase on Apple TV.

Reception

The first season of Humans received positive reviews from critics. Review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes gave the season an 89% based on 62 reviews, with an average rating of 7.3/10. The site's critical consensus reading: "Humans is a mature, high-octane thriller offering emotional intrigue and thought-provoking suspense that should prove irresistible to sci-fi fans while remaining accessible enough to lure in genre agnostics." Metacritic gave the season a rating of 76 out of 100, based on 33 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

The second season received critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has a score of 94%, based on 17 reviews, with an average rating of 7.8/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Humans continues to quietly distinguish itself in the sci-fi drama category – and prove better than most of its flashier AI competition." On Metacritic, the season has a rating of 82 out of 100, based on 8 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".

The third season received critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has a score of 100%, based on 13 reviews, with an average rating of 6.0/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Humans gains new sociopolitical dimensions in its third season, mining deeper insight from its sci-fi premise without diluting the potency of its well-drawn characters."

The show is Channel 4's highest rated drama since the 1992 programme The Camomile Lawn. It has been described as having "universal appeal" and as being "one of 2015's dramatic hits". The show has been described as "a bit dystopian and Black Mirror-esque". A review in the Telegraph praised the show's performances but said that the story is "conceptually ... old hat" and "wasn't breaking any new ground philosophically".

In December 2015, Humans was voted Digital Spy's "Top Show of 2015", described as managing "to stand out as something totally different in a TV landscape awash with cop shows and crime thrillers ... And its fearlessness, its creativity and its quality all deserve to be recognised."

Accolades

Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2015 British Screenwriters' Awards Best British TV Drama Writing Joe Barton, Jonathan Brackley, Sam Vincent and Emily Ballou Won
Royal Television Society: Craft and Design Awards Design Titles Momoco Won
Trails & Packaging 4Creative Nominated
2016 BAFTA Audience Award Humans Nominated
Television: Drama Series Humans Nominated
Television Craft: Digital Creativity Development Team Won
Television Craft: Editing – Fiction Daniel Greenway Nominated
Broadcast Awards Best Drama Series or Serial Humans Nominated
Broadcasting Press Guild Awards Best Actress Gemma Chan Nominated
Best Drama Series Humans Nominated
Breakthrough Award Gemma Chan Nominated
National Television Awards New Drama Humans Nominated
Royal Television Society: Programme Awards Best Drama Series Humans Nominated
Satellite Awards Best Genre Series Humans Nominated
South Bank Sky Arts Awards Best TV Drama Humans Nominated
Televisual Bulldog Awards Best Drama Series Humans Won

Chinese adaptation

On 25 July 2018, it was announced Roland Moore would be head writer on a Chinese version of Humans in Mandarin called 你好,安怡 / Nǐ hǎo, ān yí (Hello An Yi), produced by Endemol Shine China and Croton Media. The series began airing on Chinese broadcaster Tencent on 19 February 2021.. The Chinese version ran for 30 episodes in China in 2021.

See also

References

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