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Everybody is talking about genes. Your body is filled with them. You look the way you do because of them. But do you really know what a gene is? This animated series won’t get you a Ph.D., but it does clear up a few mysteries about how genes work, how they make us, if we can change them and what they might look like in the future. (Microscope not required.)

Watch • 3:09
The Gene
The Gene Explained | The Gene That Transformed
What terrifying things go on inside of chrysalis, and what dark role do genes play?
Special: 3:09
Watch • 3:25
The Gene
The Gene Explained | Gene Damage
What goes on in our DNA to make us grow grey hair, wrinkles and less than healthy DNA?
Special: 3:25
Watch • 3:21
The Gene
The Gene Explained | Is That a Banana in Your Genes?
Humans are indeed genetically related to bananas (as well as slugs), but how exactly?
Special: 3:21
Funding for KEN BURNS PRESENTS THE GENE: AN INTIMATE HISTORY has been provided by Genentech, 23andMe, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Gray Foundation, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) & Conquer Cancer Foundation, Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation, Craig and Susan McCaw Foundation, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The Outreach and Education Partner is National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute. Outreach support is provided by Foundation Medicine.
Episodes
Watch • 1:54:10
The Gene
Revolution in the Treatment of Disease
Part Two begins with the signature scientific achievement of our time.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:54:10
Watch • 1:54:09
The Gene
Dawn of the Modern Age of Genetics
Part One interweaves present-day stories with the discoveries of pioneers in genetics.
Episode: S1 E1 | 1:54:09
Extras
Watch • 17:47
Amanpour and Company
Ray Dalio: U.S. Will “Hit the Rocks” Without Bipartisan Debt Fix
Financier Ray Dalio discusses his book “How Countries Go Broke.”
Clip: S2025 E7245 | 17:47
Watch • 16:34
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Trump’s instability and potential of a post-American world
Trump’s instability and the potential of a post-American world
Clip: S2025 E23 | 16:34
Watch • 4:51
Washington Week with The Atlantic
What Netanyahu doesn't understand about American Jews
What Netanyahu doesn't understand about American Jewish politics
Clip: S2025 E23 | 4:51
Watch • 6:29
PBS News Hour
The potential fallout from the Trump-Musk feud
The potential fallout for the country as Trump and Musk escalate public feud
Clip: S2025 E157 | 6:29
Watch • 4:10
PBS News Hour
Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. to face charges
Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. to face charges from Tennessee traffic stop
Clip: S2025 E157 | 4:10
Watch • 9:33
PBS News Hour
Facing Trump ban, trans troops reflect on military service
'We have earned our spots': Facing Trump ban, trans troops reflect on military service
Clip: S2025 E157 | 9:33
Watch • 5:53
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: DOGE allowed access to Social Security systems
News Wrap: Supreme Court allows DOGE to access Social Security systems
Clip: S2025 E157 | 5:53
Watch • 9:18
PBS News Hour
Brooks and Capehart on the Democrats' big problem
Brooks and Capehart on the Democrats' big problem
Clip: S2025 E157 | 9:18
Watch • 9:03
PBS News Hour
Jacinda Ardern on keeping hope and empathy in politics
Jacinda Ardern on keeping empathy in politics and new memoir, 'A Different Kind of Power'
Clip: S2025 E157 | 9:03
Watch • 3:09
PBS News Hour
Afghan girl accepted to U.S. colleges faces uncertain future
Afghan girl accepted to U.S. colleges faces uncertain future after Trump's travel ban
Clip: S2025 E156 | 3:09