EBS Science Doc 'The Last Human' Makes Netflix Top 10, Offering a Potential Breakthrough

A science documentary from Educational Broadcasting System (EBS), titled 'The Last Human,' has unexpectedly secured a spot in Netflix's Top 10 in South Korea, a platform typically dominated by popular dramas and entertainment shows. This achievement is being hailed as a potential breakthrough for EBS, an educational broadcaster facing challenges from declining TV viewership and a shrinking school-age population.

The documentary is set in a near-future Earth on the brink of collapse due to climate crisis. It follows the story of seven survivors attempting to live in the harsh environment of the Arizona desert. Since its premiere on the 4th, the series quickly climbed to fourth place in Netflix's 'Today's Top 10 Series in Korea.' Producers Im Mi-sol, Choi Pyeong-soon, and Park Jin-woo expressed that the program's success has exceeded their expectations.

'The Last Human' successfully broadened its audience by combining its educational mission with a fresh, engaging format. The narrative structure, where seven crew members collaborate on various missions to ensure survival, closely resembles a survival reality show. "All three of us producers had this yearning," said Choi Pyeong-soon. "We wanted to convey a message that EBS can and should deliver, while also capturing the interest of a wide audience. We felt that new approaches could be a way out in an era where it's difficult to reach the public."

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All three of us producers had this yearning. We wanted to convey a message that EBS can and should deliver, while also capturing the interest of a wide audience. We felt that new approaches could be a way out in an era where it's difficult to reach the public.

The production utilized 'Biosphere 2,' a large-scale greenhouse built as a replica of Earth in the Arizona desert, as its set. This provided a visually impressive backdrop comparable to Netflix originals. The project received significant support, including 2 billion won from the Korea Science and Creativity Foundation, with overall production costs similar to those of other entertainment programs. The cast includes a diverse group of individuals, such as geoscientist Kim Han-gyeol, doctor and writer Lee Nak-jun, neuroscientist Jang Dong-sun, chemist Jang Hong-je, singer-songwriter Bibi, actor Yoo Seung-ho, and comedian Lee Eun-ji, adding to the show's entertainment value.

Expanding its platform to Netflix was a key strategy for reaching a younger demographic. "When targeting the 20-49 age group, we often think of YouTube, but for this project, with its high production costs, we believed it would resonate well with Netflix viewers who enjoy mystery, survival, and thriller genres," explained Im Mi-sol. "By utilizing Netflix, we saw an opportunity to expand our content's reach. It's become a new avenue for us."

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When targeting the 20-49 age group, we often think of YouTube, but for this project, with its high production costs, we believed it would resonate well with Netflix viewers who enjoy mystery, survival, and thriller genres. By utilizing Netflix, we saw an opportunity to expand our content's reach. It's become a new avenue for us.