Watch This Emotional Life

This Emotional Life is a groundbreaking television series that premiered on PBS in 2010. Hosted by renowned Harvard psychologist and best-selling author Daniel Gilbert, the show explores the mysteries and complexities of the human emotional experience. Across three episodes, viewers are taken on a journey through different aspects of emotional life, from the science of emotion to the experiences of love, happiness, and grief.

The first episode, entitled "Family, Friends & Lovers," focuses on the people who matter most to us. Experts, including Gilbert, explain how our brains are wired for social connection, and how our relationships with others are essential for our well-being. The episode features real people sharing their stories of friendship, romance, and family ties, illustrating how these relationships can bring us joy, but also pain and heartache.

The second episode, "Facing Our Fears," takes viewers on a deep dive into the human emotion of fear. The show explores different types of fear, such as phobias and anxiety, and how they impact our lives. Through interviews with experts and personal stories of people who have faced their fears, the show makes clear that fear is a natural and necessary emotion, but can also be debilitating if left unchecked.

The final episode, "Rethinking Happiness," tackles the most elusive human emotion of all: happiness. Through compelling research and interviews with prominent thinkers, Gilbert and his team attempt to answer the age-old question of what makes us truly happy. The episode looks at the roles of money, religion, and social connection in happiness, and showcases examples of people from different walks of life who have found joy in the face of adversity.

Throughout the series, Gilbert is joined by co-hosts Dallas Malloy and Kenneth Siddons. Malloy brings personal experience to the show as a survivor of a horrific car accident, which profoundly impacted her emotional life. Siddons, a martial arts instructor, provides a unique perspective on emotional management through physical discipline.

What sets This Emotional Life apart from other self-help shows is its focus on cutting-edge scientific research. Experts from a wide range of fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and sociology, share their insights into the human emotional experience. Through a mix of interviews, personal stories, and vibrant animations, the show presents complex scientific concepts in an accessible and entertaining way.

At its core, This Emotional Life seeks to answer the most fundamental questions about what it means to be human. What makes us happy? Why do we experience pain and suffering? How can we manage our emotions to lead fulfilling lives? By exploring these questions with sensitivity and intelligence, the show offers valuable insights into the human experience that can benefit anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Overall, This Emotional Life is a thought-provoking and deeply impactful television series that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its compelling content and engaging storytelling make it a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the depths of the human heart and mind.

This Emotional Life is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between January 4, 2010 and on PBS