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NOVA S52E14 — Human: Neanderthal Encounters
7.7
NOVA•Season 52•Episode 14

Human: Neanderthal Encounters

7.7/10 · 51 votesOct 1, 202553 min

Ranked #4 of 20 in Season 52•+0.4 vs season avg

Discussion

For 400,000 years, Neanderthals thrived across frigid, Ice Age Europe. What happened when Homo sapiens arrived, and how did these encounters change our species – including our DNA – in ways still with us today?

Directed byNaomi Austin
Previous episodeE13 · Human: JourneysNext episodeE15 · Human: Into the Americas
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Crew1

N

Naomi Austin

Director

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Episode Summary

"Human: Neanderthal Encounters" is episode 14 of NOVA season 52. It scored 7.7/10 from 51 votes, ranking #4 of 20 episodes this season (season average 7.3). Directed by Naomi Austin, it aired on October 1, 2025.

Next: E15 · Human: Into the AmericasBest of Season 52