Season 1 poster
Series SeasonSeason 1 episodes1987

Once Upon a Time... Life

Season 1

Buckle up for a head-to-toe adventure through the human body as this animated series explores the workings of our cells, hearts, brains and more.

Episodes
Each episode has its own detail page.
The Planet Cell
Episode 124 min1987-09-13

The Planet Cell

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
Episode 224 min1987-09-20

Birth

After the first cell is fertilized, division and diversification take place to create the 60 trillion cells of the human body.

The Body Sentinels
Episode 326 min1987-09-27

The Body Sentinels

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
Episode 426 min1987-10-04

The Bone Marrow

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
Episode 525 min1987-10-11

The Blood

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
Episode 624 min1987-10-18

The Tiny Platelets

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
Episode 726 min1987-10-25

The Heart

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
Episode 826 min1987-11-01

Breathing

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
Episode 926 min1987-11-08

The Brain

Teacher introduces Hemo and Globina to the most mysterious organ: the brain. They learn about behavior, the senses, and much more.

The Neurones
Episode 1026 min1987-11-15

The Neurones

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
Episode 1126 min1987-11-22

The Eye

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
Episode 1226 min1987-11-29

The Ear

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
Episode 1326 min1987-12-06

The Skin

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
Episode 1426 min1987-12-13

The Mouth and the Teeth

Yum! Candy! But sugar strengthens the bacteria around the gums and attacks the tooth enamel, which can cause cavities.

The Digestion
Episode 1526 min1987-12-20

The Digestion

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
Episode 1626 min1987-12-27

The Liver Factory

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
Episode 1727 min1988-01-03

The Kidneys

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
Episode 1826 min1988-01-10

The Lymphatic System

The huge lymph network transports everything to the body’s factories. Infectious intruders beware! This place is well protected.

The Bones and the Skeleton
Episode 1926 min1988-01-17

The Bones and the Skeleton

The architecture that protects the body’s organs is magnificent! However, even the slightest fracture can cause significant damage.

The Muscles and the Fat
Episode 2026 min1988-01-24

The Muscles and the Fat

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
Episode 2126 min1988-01-31

Toxin Wars

Combat teams act as preventative barriers and are prepared to defend the cell’s nucleus against toxic gases and contaminants.

The Vaccination
Episode 2226 min1988-02-07

The Vaccination

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
Episode 2326 min1988-02-14

The Hormones

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
Episode 2426 min1988-02-21

The Chain Of Life

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
Episode 2526 min1988-02-28

Repairs and Changes

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...
Episode 2627 min1988-03-13

And life goes on...

Pedrito wants to know why his grandpa can’t play ball anymore, so he tells Pedrito an old story about a sphinx.

Season Media
Posters and videos for this season.