The French-German public service broadcaster ARTE released a documentary episode examining whether Earth-like exoplanets exist in the universe [1].

This exploration addresses a critical scientific and existential question regarding the survival of the human species. By evaluating the possibility of habitable worlds, the program engages with the climate-crisis slogan "Il n’y a pas de planète B" to determine if a biological refuge is scientifically feasible [2, 3].

The production, titled “Y a‑t‑il une autre Terre dans l’univers ?” is part of the series "42 - La réponse à presque tout" [1, 2]. This specific episode is the 202nd in the series [4]. Produced in 2026 [1], the 26-minute documentary [1] utilizes astronomical data to assess the likelihood of finding a planet capable of supporting human life.

ARTE produced the content in France and Germany and distributed the episode via its YouTube channel [1, 3]. The broadcaster said the video will remain available for online viewing until June 6, 2029 [1, 2].

The documentary focuses on the search for exoplanets, which are planets orbiting stars outside our own solar system. The narrative weighs the theoretical existence of these worlds against the practical realities of interstellar travel and the urgent need to preserve the current Earth environment [2, 3].

“Whether Earth-like exoplanets could exist and serve as a refuge for humanity.”

The production reflects a growing intersection between astrophysics and environmental advocacy. By contrasting the scientific search for 'Planet B' with the ecological necessity of protecting Earth, the documentary highlights the vast gap between the theoretical discovery of habitable zones and the physical impossibility of relocating a global population within a relevant timeframe.