Episode 1
The Planet Cell
24m9.0 / 10
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.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
TV series
Once Upon a Time... Life
1987NR1 season7.8 / 10
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.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Once Upon a Time... Life premiered September 13, 1987. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
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.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Birth
24m9.0 / 10
After the first cell is fertilized, division and diversification take place to create the 60 trillion cells of the human body.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 3
The Body Sentinels
26m10.0 / 10
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.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 4
The Bone Marrow
26m
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!
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 5
The Blood
25m7.7 / 10
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.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 6
The Tiny Platelets
24m10.0 / 10
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.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 7
The Heart
26m10.0 / 10
Globus takes Hemo and Globina on a tour through the human body’s cathedral: the heart and circulatory system. It’s an impressive adventure.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 8
Breathing
26m10.0 / 10
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.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 9
The Brain
26m10.0 / 10
Teacher introduces Hemo and Globina to the most mysterious organ: the brain. They learn about behavior, the senses, and much more.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 10
The Neurones
26m10.0 / 10
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.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 11
The Eye
26m10.0 / 10
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.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 12
The Ear
26m10.0 / 10
The ear is composed of cells that sense vibrations and transmit them to the brain. Then, the brain transforms them into words and sounds.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 13
The Skin
26m10.0 / 10
Skin is the first barrier against external aggression and helps eliminate waste. From cuts and scrapes to bug bites, it stays pretty busy.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 14
The Mouth and the Teeth
26m8.7 / 10
Yum! Candy! But sugar strengthens the bacteria around the gums and attacks the tooth enamel, which can cause cavities.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 15
The Digestion
26m10.0 / 10
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!
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 16
The Liver Factory
26m10.0 / 10
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.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 17
The Kidneys
27m10.0 / 10
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!
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 18
The Lymphatic System
26m10.0 / 10
The huge lymph network transports everything to the body’s factories. Infectious intruders beware! This place is well protected.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 19
The Bones and the Skeleton
26m10.0 / 10
The architecture that protects the body’s organs is magnificent! However, even the slightest fracture can cause significant damage.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 20
The Muscles and the Fat
26m10.0 / 10
Muscles account for almost half the weight of the human body. They also need a ton of energy to do their jobs correctly.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 21
Toxin Wars
26m10.0 / 10
Combat teams act as preventative barriers and are prepared to defend the cell’s nucleus against toxic gases and contaminants.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 22
The Vaccination
26m10.0 / 10
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.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 23
The Hormones
26m10.0 / 10
At the heart of the hypothalamus, Teacher shows us how this region sends out orders to satisfy all the body’s needs.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 24
The Chain Of Life
26m10.0 / 10
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.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 25
Repairs and Changes
26m10.0 / 10
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.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... Life
Episode 26
And life goes on...
27m10.0 / 10finale
Pedrito wants to know why his grandpa can’t play ball anymore, so he tells Pedrito an old story about a sphinx.
Where to watch Once Upon a Time... LifeEpisode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Available now in United States
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More about Once Upon a Time... Life
Cast
Roger CarelMaestro (voice)
Gilles Laurent(voice)
Marie-Laure BenestonPsi (voice)
Alain Dorval(voice)
Henry Djanik(voice)Credits
- Created by
- Albert Barillé
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 26
- Original language
- French
- Original title
- Il était une fois… la Vie
Networks & production
Canal+France
ProcidisFrance- EikenJapan
Themes
biologyeducationalhuman bodyil etait une foisonce upon a time