Kara Swisher Explores the Science and Tech of Longevity in New CNN Series

The veteran tech journalist examines the wellness industry, medical innovations, and cultural approaches to extending human lifespan.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:27pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical or anatomical spirals, conveying the complex interplay of factors that will shape the future of extending the human lifespan.A conceptual illustration exploring the intersection of science, technology, and human biology that will define the future of longevity.NYC Today

Veteran tech journalist Kara Swisher begins her new six-part CNN series 'Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever' by reflecting on the death of her father at a young age, which has shaped her lifelong fascination with longevity and health. In the series, Swisher wades into the intersection of science, technology, and the business of living longer, exploring everything from wellness influencers to cutting-edge medical advancements like gene editing and AI-powered robotics.

Why it matters

Swisher's series comes at a time when the wellness industry continues to boom with unproven health fads, while significant medical breakthroughs in areas like gene therapy and regenerative medicine hold the promise of dramatically extending the human lifespan. The series aims to cut through the noise and hype to examine the real science, technology, and cultural factors that will shape the future of longevity.

The details

Throughout the series, Swisher takes a 'adorably surly' approach, subjecting herself to various wellness treatments and technologies in the name of science. She talks to experts like billionaire tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson about his quest to extend human lifespan, and Nobel Prize-winning gene-editing pioneer Jennifer Doudna about the potential of CRISPR. Swisher also travels to South Korea, which has one of the world's highest life expectancies, to examine how factors like universal healthcare and a focus on preventative nutrition contribute to longevity. Back home, Swisher even creates a 3D clone of herself to explore the implications of living for generations.

  • Swisher's father died in 1968 at the age of 34, when Swisher was just 5 years old.
  • The 'Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever' series premieres on CNN on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Kara Swisher

A veteran journalist who has become synonymous with covering the tech industry since the 1990s. The series is informed by the death of her father at a young age.

Bryan Johnson

A billionaire tech entrepreneur who is pursuing various methods to extend the human lifespan, including blood plasma transfusions and stem cell injections.

Jennifer Doudna

A Nobel Prize-winning pioneer in the field of gene editing, who Swisher interviews about the potential of CRISPR technology.

Amy Larocca

The author of 'How to be Well,' an exposé on the wellness industry, who discusses the lack of hard science behind many popular health fads.

Sam Altman

The CEO of OpenAI, who Swisher speaks with about the role of AI in advancing longevity and health technologies.

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What they’re saying

“My father's death has created an awareness of death that is very profound. I'm very aware of my death and I don't mean I'm going to die tomorrow. I just know the time is limited.”

— Kara Swisher

“We live in a sick care society, not a health care society. What we should be investing in is to make all of us healthier for a longer period of time rather than participate in what is a sick care industry here in this country.”

— Kara Swisher

“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

— Steve Jobs, Apple Co-Founder

What’s next

The 'Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever' series will premiere on CNN on Saturday, April 12, 2026, and will air over the course of six episodes.

The takeaway

Swisher's series highlights the complex and often contradictory landscape of the longevity industry, where unproven wellness fads coexist with promising medical breakthroughs. By approaching the topic with a critical eye and a willingness to experiment, Swisher aims to cut through the noise and provide viewers with a nuanced understanding of the science, technology, and cultural factors that will shape the future of extending the human lifespan.