PickFlick
Once Upon a Time... Life

Once Upon a Time... Life

TV-Y71987•26m•7.8/10
AnimationKidsDocumentaryFamily

Ratings

🎬TMDb
7.8/10(144)

Attention please! Are you ready for an adventurous tour through the human body? With a lot of humour, our physical appearance is being introduced from head to toe along cells and organs in an educational way. The heart, blood, nerves and kidneys, each single one is a miracle which renders life possible.

Open in PickFlick

Production

Procidis, Eiken

Language

FR

Status

Ended

First Aired

September 13, 1987

Last Aired

March 13, 1988

Networks

France 3, Canal+, Italia 1, France 4

Created By

Albert Barillé

Where to Watch
Region US · Lang EN
US
No providers available for this region.
Seasons & Episodes
Select a season to view episodes. Reddit links may contain spoilers.
Season
The Planet Cell
E1
The Planet Cell
Air date: 1987-09-13
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.
Birth
E2
Birth
Air date: 1987-09-20
After the first cell is fertilized, division and diversification take place to create the 60 trillion cells of the human body.
The Body Sentinels
E3
The Body Sentinels
Air date: 1987-09-27
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.
The Bone Marrow
E4
The Bone Marrow
Air date: 1987-10-04
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!
The Blood
E5
The Blood
Air date: 1987-10-11
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.
The Tiny Platelets
E6
The Tiny Platelets
Air date: 1987-10-18
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.
The Heart
E7
The Heart
Air date: 1987-10-25
Globus takes Hemo and Globina on a tour through the human body’s cathedral: the heart and circulatory system. It’s an impressive adventure.
Breathing
E8
Breathing
Air date: 1987-11-01
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.
The Brain
E9
The Brain
Air date: 1987-11-08
Teacher introduces Hemo and Globina to the most mysterious organ: the brain. They learn about behavior, the senses, and much more.
The Neurones
E10
The Neurones
Air date: 1987-11-15
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.
The Eye
E11
The Eye
Air date: 1987-11-22
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.
The Ear
E12
The Ear
Air date: 1987-11-29
The ear is composed of cells that sense vibrations and transmit them to the brain. Then, the brain transforms them into words and sounds.
The Skin
E13
The Skin
Air date: 1987-12-06
Skin is the first barrier against external aggression and helps eliminate waste. From cuts and scrapes to bug bites, it stays pretty busy.
The Mouth and the Teeth
E14
The Mouth and the Teeth
Air date: 1987-12-13
Yum! Candy! But sugar strengthens the bacteria around the gums and attacks the tooth enamel, which can cause cavities.
The Digestion
E15
The Digestion
Air date: 1987-12-20
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!
The Liver Factory
E16
The Liver Factory
Air date: 1987-12-27
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.
The Kidneys
E17
The Kidneys
Air date: 1988-01-03
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!
The Lymphatic System
E18
The Lymphatic System
Air date: 1988-01-10
The huge lymph network transports everything to the body’s factories. Infectious intruders beware! This place is well protected.
The Bones and the Skeleton
E19
The Bones and the Skeleton
Air date: 1988-01-17
The architecture that protects the body’s organs is magnificent! However, even the slightest fracture can cause significant damage.
The Muscles and the Fat
E20
The Muscles and the Fat
Air date: 1988-01-24
Muscles account for almost half the weight of the human body. They also need a ton of energy to do their jobs correctly.
Toxin Wars
E21
Toxin Wars
Air date: 1988-01-31
Combat teams act as preventative barriers and are prepared to defend the cell’s nucleus against toxic gases and contaminants.
The Vaccination
E22
The Vaccination
Air date: 1988-02-07
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.
The Hormones
E23
The Hormones
Air date: 1988-02-14
At the heart of the hypothalamus, Teacher shows us how this region sends out orders to satisfy all the body’s needs.
The Chain Of Life
E24
The Chain Of Life
Air date: 1988-02-21
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.
Repairs and Changes
E25
Repairs and Changes
Air date: 1988-02-28
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.
And life goes on...
E26
And life goes on...
Air date: 1988-03-13
Pedrito wants to know why his grandpa can’t play ball anymore, so he tells Pedrito an old story about a sphinx.

Cast

Roger Carel

Roger Carel

Maestro (voice)

Gilles Laurent

Gilles Laurent

(voice)

Marie-Laure Beneston

Marie-Laure Beneston

Psi (voice)

Alain Dorval

Alain Dorval

(voice)

Henry Djanik

Henry Djanik

(voice)

Recommended

Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo

Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo

5.7
2005
TV Show

Based on the manga by Yoshio Sawai, Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo is one of the weirdest, yet funny animes using puns, cross-dressing, and lots of visual gags. Taking place in the year 300X, an evil organization knows as the Bald Empire (Margarita Empire) is planning to take over the world by stealing everyones hair. The Bald Empire, led by Emperor Baldy Bald, will have to go through Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, who is determined to put a stop to them once and for all, if they plan to succeed. But it won't be easy, because Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo was trained to "hear the voices of the hair," enabling him to command his own body hair to perform various martial arts stunts to defend himself. Along the way, he will eventually need the help of all the different, yet weird friends he encounters in order to defeat the evil Bald Empire.

Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo

2005
5.7
Once Upon a Time... The Discoverers

Once Upon a Time... The Discoverers

7.6
1994
TV Show

From flashes of genius to curious experiments, humankind's innovations lead explorers and inventors on a brilliant journey of discovery in this series.

Once Upon a Time... The Discoverers

1994
7.6
Kummeli

Kummeli

8.0
1991
TV Show

Kummeli is the name of a Finnish comedy crew formed by Heikki Silvennoinen, Timo Kahilainen and Heikki Hela from Tampere. They are also the heads of Porkkana Ryhmä, the crew's production company. Other famous members have included Olli Keskinen, better known for his on-screen persona Eero Kakko, and Heikki Vihinen who replaced Keskinen in the mid-90s. Kummeli appeared on television between 1991 and 1995. After a successful three-part pilot aired they were given their own show on YLE's channel 2 with a completely new look. The Kummeli TV show was primarily composed of skits with insane characters, but would also feature musical guests as the core crew of the team were actually musicians rather than professional actors. Some episodes would also have a running set of skits that would reach a conclusion at the end of the episode. In the mid-90s, after the end of the show, the Kummeli crew would make random appearances on TV and at different events. During this time Keskinen left the crew and was replaced by Heikki Vihinen.

Kummeli

1991
8.0
Sport Billy

Sport Billy

6.5
1979
TV Show

Sport Billy is a 1979 animated television cartoon made by Filmation Associates, initially for broadcast in Germany. In 1982, Filmation carried the show over to the United States for syndication, and as a summer replacement in NBC's Saturday morning children's programming. It was the last first-run series produced by Filmation Associates to air on NBC.

Sport Billy

1979
6.5
Little Women II : Jo's Boys

Little Women II : Jo's Boys

6.0
1993
TV Show

Nan Harding is the new student at Mr. and Mrs. Bhaer's school. Everyone thinks that she is a pain in the head, but not Mrs. Jo. Together with the other kids, they all embark on their personal adventures and misfortunes while learning in school.

Little Women II : Jo's Boys

1993
6.0
Manolo y Benito Corporeision

Manolo y Benito Corporeision

4.5
2006
TV Show

No overview available.

Manolo y Benito Corporeision

2006
4.5
No Image

Zoo Olympics

10.0
1992
TV Show

Drawn by French animator Picha, here are 26 episodes of the hilarious animal Olympics antics. These are parodies of Olympic events, based vaguely on behaviours in the animal kingdom, such as egg laying and rolling (chickens), slop slurping (pigs) and kangaroo boxing.

Zoo Olympics

1992
10.0
Bolek and Lolek

Bolek and Lolek

7.4
1963
TV Show

Bolek and Lolek are two Polish cartoon characters from the TV animated series by the same title. They are based on Władysław Nehrebecki's sons, named Jan and Roman, and were partially created by German-born Alfred Ledwig before being developed by Władysław Nehrebecki and Leszek Lorek. The series is about two young brothers and their fun and sometimes silly adventures which often involve spending a lot of time outdoors. They first appeared in an animated film in 1963. The names of the two characters are diminutives of Bolesław and Karol. In English, the cartoon was distributed as Jym & Jam and Bennie and Lennie. Some episodes were seen as part of Nickelodeon's Pinwheel. In 1973 the creators of the film placed on the request from the female viewing audience a girl character by the name of Tola. The first time she appeared in occurred in the episode entitled "Tola". In total, Tola appeared in 30 episodes. Most episodes do not have dialogues. Exceptions are feature-length films and the series from the 1980s, where the main characters' voices were done by: Bolek – Ewa Złotowska, Ilona Kuśmierska; Lolek – Danuta Mancewicz, Danuta Przesmycka. During the period of the Peoples Republic of Poland, Bolek and Lolek were reproduced in a large quantity of toys: action figures, movies, postcards, online arcades, puzzles, etc., which can be seen in the Museum of Dobranocki of the PRL. They are also currently made in computer programs, coloring books, general picture books and games.

Bolek and Lolek

1963
7.4
I promessi sposi

I promessi sposi

8.8
1990
TV Show

A comic retelling of the classic Italian epic novel of thwarted love and treachery in the first half of the 19th century.

I promessi sposi

1990
8.8
Zero Hour

Zero Hour

5.6
2013
TV Show

As the publisher of Modern Skeptic Magazine, Hank Galliston has spent his career following clues, debunking myths and cracking conspiracies. But when his beautiful wife, Laila, is abducted from her antique clock shop, Hank gets pulled into one of the most compelling mysteries in human history, stretching around the world and back centuries.

Zero Hour

2013
5.6
Once Upon a Time… Space

Once Upon a Time… Space

7.3
1982
TV Show

During their perilous journeys through the vastness of the universe, Maestro and his many friends meet strange creatures from distant stars and face energy and ecological problems.

Once Upon a Time… Space

1982
7.3
Babar

Babar

6.2
1989
TV Show

Inspired by Jean de Brunhoff and Laurent de Brunhoff's beloved children's books, this animated series tells Babar's life story from the elephant king's point of view, reliving his early days as a young pachyderm with important lessons to learn.

Babar

1989
6.2

Similar TV Shows

Milly, Molly

Milly, Molly

9.0
2008
TV Show

Milly and Molly may look quite different, but they are the best of friends. This charming new series follows the adventures of our two heroines and their friends in a small country town. Exciting, poignant and funny, Milly, Molly celebrates difference and promotes acceptance of diversity. Each episode has a subtle message about values such as honesty, persistence and responsibility, as well as showing life skills like dealing with bullying and forgiveness. Together Milly and Molly always manage to have fun as they face the world and its complexities.

Milly, Molly

2008
9.0
Space Racers

Space Racers

7.5
2014
TV Show

Welcome to the fantastic world of Stardust Bay – the imaginative home of the Space Racers! This animated series geared toward preschool children offers a universe of fun for the entire family! Enjoy stunning computer-generated imagery, real space sounds and images, and exciting storylines that teach exploration, investigation, observation and teamwork.

Space Racers

2014
7.5
No Image

How 2

7.8
1990
TV Show

How 2 was a British educational television show which ran on CITV between 1990 and 2006. It served as a modernised "sequel" to a 60’s / 70's series with the same format called 'How'. Each episode started with the presenters sitting around the studio table asking their own question starting with “How” and then taking turns answering these. Subjects of science and history were often covered along with logic and word play puzzles.

How 2

1990
7.8
Rubble & Crew

Rubble & Crew

7.1
2023
TV Show

Follow Rubble and his pup family as they use their awesome construction vehicles to build and repair whatever the town of Builder Cove needs in high-stakes adventures.

Rubble & Crew

2023
7.1
Prehistoric Park

Prehistoric Park

7.6
2006
TV Show

Using his knowledge of today’s animal kingdom and the latest research, wildlife adventurer Nigel Marven uses a time portal to take him into the past, on a quest to rescue long lost prehistoric creatures.

Prehistoric Park

2006
7.6
Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?

Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?

7.3
1991
TV Show

A game show based on the Carmen Sandiego computer game series created by Brøderbund Software.

Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?

1991
7.3
Dora the Explorer

Dora the Explorer

6.2
2000
TV Show

A young girl named Dora goes on adventures with her red boot-wearing monkey named Boots.

Dora the Explorer

2000
6.2
Morphle and the Magic Pets

Morphle and the Magic Pets

3.0
2024
TV Show

Follow Mila and her stepbrother, Jordie, as they leap into a world of adventure with the help of Morphle, Mila’s magical and loyal pet who has the power to morph into whatever she imagines. The trio use their skills and smarts to keep magic pets out of mischief, solve problems and find 'magic matches' for each newcomer.

Morphle and the Magic Pets

2024
3.0
Rosie and Jim

Rosie and Jim

6.6
1990
TV Show

Rosie and Jim was a British children's television programme produced by Ragdoll Productions which aired on CITV from 3 September 1990 to 11 December 2000.

Rosie and Jim

1990
6.6
No Image

Gil & Julie

1983
TV Show

Shows the daily life of Gil and Julia with their friends.

Gil & Julie

1983
Naftaline

Naftaline

1988
TV Show

Naftaline is a girl who uses her imagination to create various stories full of adventures.

Naftaline

1988
Sesame Street

Sesame Street

7.1
1969
TV Show

On a special inner city street, the inhabitants—human and muppet—teach preschoolers basic educational and social concepts using comedy, cartoons, games, and songs.

Sesame Street

1969
7.1