Why Are We Here?

The volunteers pose an important question about our role in the universe.

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Why Are We Here? Genius by Stephen Hawking

Premiered May 25, 2016

Why Are We Here?

World-famous scientist Stephen Hawking sets three ordinary people a series of fun challenges to show them how to think like a genius. Can they work out why they exist at all? Is it destiny or pure chance?

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Episode Extras

Follow the team’s truly mind-bending challenge: Can they work out why they exist at all?

Watch (00:30)

Preview

Why Are We Here?

EEG display shows how our brains make decisions.

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Clip

Brain Activity and Fireworks

A demonstration shows that the realm of possible realities is vast.

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Clip

Doppelganger Challenge Exploring Human Choices

Magic can be explained by science.

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Clip

Floating Plates

The volunteers need to think like scientists to make the perfect cocktail.

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Clip

Martini Experiment

All Episodes

Genius by Stephen Hawking: Season 1

Where Are We?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (54:11)

Where Are We?

What Are We?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (54:41)

What Are We?

Where Did the Universe Come From?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (54:41)

Where Did the Universe Come From?

Why Are We Here?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (54:41)

Why Are We Here?

Are We Alone?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (54:41)

Are We Alone?

Can We Time Travel?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (54:40)

Can We Time Travel?

About the Program

Genius by Stephen Hawking

In Genius by Stephen Hawking, Professor Stephen Hawking challenges a selection of volunteers to think like the greatest geniuses in history and solve some of humanity's most enduring questions.