Modern Marvels

Balloons

Join us for a buoyant trip through the history of balloon flight and a tribute to the fearless pilots and engineers brav

The Transcontinental Railroad

With California finally part of the United States, two rail companies raced to connect the monied East and the promising

Las Vegas

Rising from a stretch of desert with nothing but remoteness to recommend it, Las Vegas became a glittering wonderland fo

The Eiffel Tower

To the people of France, and to citizens of the world, Gustav Eiffel’s 320-meter Tower is more than an unsurpassed tec

Domed Stadiums

The domed structure is one of the earliest forms of shelter–from African mud huts to frozen igloos to holy shrines and

Gothic Cathedrals

Built of stone and glass, persistence and prayer, gothic cathedrals are an epiphany of imagination and an articulation o

The Golden Gate Bridge

More than 50 years after its construction, the Golden Gate remains one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels. It

Ocean Liners

With technological advances, our ancient struggle against the sea has turned into a luxurious holiday. Come aboard for a

Space Shuttle

Considered by many to be the most astounding machine ever built, this reusable spaceship is the apex of flight technolog

Brooklyn Bridge

It was an engineering feat of almost miraculous proportions and a design of spectacular elegance. Rare photographs and b

Tunnels

There is no more potent demonstration of man’s resolve than the design and construction of tunnels–avenues that slic

Tennessee Valley Authority

During the depths of the Great Depression, it was FDR’s greatest triumph: A massive public works project that took a 4

Oil

From the first well in Pennsylvania to the gushing Spindletop and modern supertankers, the story of oil is the story of

Silver Mines

It was called the "mother lode", a deposit of silver so massive that it would produce $300-million in its first 25 years

The NYC Subway

A trip through time on the New York Subway beginning at the beginning– October 1904. We look at New York before the su

The Railroads That Tamed the West

The year was 1869 and America had just completed the greatest building achievement in its history–the Transcontinental

Paving America

The story of the construction of our grand national highway system, from its beginnings in 1912 (it was conceived by aut

The Alaskan Oil Pipeline

Being starved by an OPEC embargo, America is desperate for oil, and in 1973 construction begins on a 800 mile pipeline,

America's Highways

In 1912, a headlight-maker and an auto magnate built the first cross-country road to spur the demand for new cars; 70 ye

The Telephone

From Alexander Graham Bell’s crude creation, to today’s high-speed wireless networks, we’ll look into the past, pr

Aqueducts

Many rivers quenched the thirst of millions in the American west and around the world. Without these aqueducts, some of

Television

An exploration of the world’s most popular entertainment, from the boy genius who invented it to the RCA “General”

The Computer

A look at the inventions that have revolutionized society as we know it. They began as behemoths which weighed over 2 to

Captured Light

A look at the history of photography beginning as early as the eleventh century. Includes the advancements by Niepce and

Stealth Technology

A look at the F117 Stealth Fighter that led the pack for the Allies in Gulf Wars One and Two and virtually decimated Ira

Pyramids: Majesty And Mystery

Standing majestically for centuries, the world’s great pyramids have long inspired and mystified scholars. Leading exp

Roller Coasters

Since the turn of the 20th century, designers have competed to build them faster, taller, and steeper. But as technology

Observatories: Stonehenge to Space Telescopes

From Stonehenge to the Hubble Telescope, man has always been a species of stargazers. Unforgettable film footage and exp

The Great Wall of China.

Winding 6,000 kilometers through undulating mountains, it is said to be visible with the naked eye from the moon. But wh

Air Force One: A History

A look at the planes that carried the president of the USA. With improvements in technology the planes could change for

Polio Vaccine

When “poliomyelitis” swept the nation, thousands died or were disabled before American ingenuity, trial and error, a

The Motion Picture

The complete story of the feuds, the mistakes, ingenuity, and successes that made movies possible–and kept Edison at t

Satellites.

Strong enough to survive their fiery launch into orbit, sophisticated enough to provide life-saving images or relay tens

Radio: Out Of Thin Air

To some it was a miracle. Others call it the triumph of illiteracy. Somewhere between adoration and scorn. Somewhere bet

The Electric Light

Probably Thomas Edison’s best-known invention is the electric light. But the familiar light bulb is only the most obvi

The Phonograph

Thomas Edison registered over 1,000 patents, but his favorite invention was one of his first. Rare photographs and early

Great Towers in the Sky

Viewer discretion is advised for those with vertigo! Featuring rare construction footage and interviews with steely-nerv

Household Wonders.

Reviews the revolution in home improvement and glimpses the kitchen of tomorrow. Included: the development of the stove,

Radar

Examines the history of radar, focusing on its role in the Allies’ victory in WWII–from the Chain Home Network, rudi

Forensic Science: The Crime Fighter's Weapon.

From Sherlock Holmes' examination of the physical evidence at a crime scene to today's DNA technology, we review the his

The Stock Exchange

Welcome to the center of the American economy, where nearly $90-million changes hands each minute. Journey back to the w

NORAD: The War Game Fortress

Journey inside the top-secret headquarters of NORAD–the North American Aerospace Defense Command–a binational milita

Earthmovers: The Power to Move Mountains

Feel the earth move under your feet and dig into the fascinating history of earthmoving equipment–from invention of th

International Airports

Everyday 3-million passengers board the 10,000 aircraft flying at any given moment. Go behind the scenes at internationa

Deep Sea Exploration: Challenging The Abyss

From hollow-reed snorkels to mini-submarines equipped with video cameras, curiosity compelled inventors to conceive of i

The Alaskan Oil Pipeline

In 1973, a desperate America, starved by an OPEC embargo, began construction on an 800-mile lifeline for its insatiable

American Steel: Built to Last.

For over a century, the US steel industry was a powerful symbol of the nation's industrial might. Steel helped explode t

Battlefield Engineering.

Meet some of the most important, yet least-recognized, warriors–the battlefield engineers who lay the groundwork for o

Statue of Liberty.

It started as an idea at a French dinner party and became the symbol of the free world. The story of France's gift to th

Demolition

While a civilization’s greatness is reflected in the achievements of architects and engineers, equally impressive are

The Atlantic Wall

The Atlantic Wall explores the construction of the shore fortifications built by the Nazis during World War II. We highl

History of Tall Buildings

A look up at the symbol of the American Century–the skyscraper, the construction of which is a triumph of engineering

Aquariums

Public aquariums have undergone dramatic changes since inception in mid-19th century. A series of technological innovati

Las Vegas Hotels.

Out of the bleakness of a vast desert arose a city built on wish fulfillment and indulgence. Unencumbered by tradition o

The Oakland Bay Bridge.

San Francisco's Oakland Bay Bridge stands as an incredible feat of engineering against the nearly impossible. Once chose

Monumental Statues

What inspires societies to create sculptures on a superhuman scale? We’ll examine gigantic statues and the monumental

Antibiotics: The Wonder Drugs

In 1941, penicillin was first used to save human life. But now, bacteria has emerged resistant to every known antibiotic

The Police Car

More than the gun, more than the billy club, it is the critical weapon in law enforcement’s arsenal. But for decades,

Plastics

Plastics are everywhere–the home, the workplace, the car, the human body, outer space, and most conspicuously, the gar

Medical Imaging

The story of medical imaging, the technology that allows us to see inside the human body, is full of amazing stories. Le

Extreme Sports Gadgets

To run faster, jump higher, and play longer–the ultimate goal of all athletes. But when training runs its course, scie

Bombs

Bombs…the most feared and powerful weapon in any nation’s arsenal. What began as incendiary devices in the 7th centu

Prosthetics

From the earliest recorded account of an amputation and subsequent prosthesis in ancient Hindu writings, to a 16th-centu

Weather Prediction

A study of the discoveries, inventions, and technological advances that have helped us understand and predict weather ac

Stereos

The ability to transmit sound in stereo transformed the music of life into a rich symphony of sound. For over 100 years,

Mail Delivery

Through rain, snow, heat, or gloom of night, we expect postmen to deliver the mail. The U.S. Post Office handles over 60

Clocks

Does anybody really know what time it is? Set your clocks as we explore the relativity of time from antiquity–when man

Airships.

First there were balloons and blimps. Then, visionaries enlarged, reinforced, and motorized them and the airship was bor

Physical Fitness

Meet the Strong Men and Women who go beyond mere fitness to pursue major muscle mass–from ancient Greeks, to performer

Engineering Disasters

Throughout history, the builders and engineers who paved our way out of the caves and into the modern world have also ca

City Parks

Even in ancient times, city dwellers needed a scenic break from the urban landscape. But parks play a more important rol

Spy Technology

Espionage has been used for at least the last 4,000 years. And where there are spies, you find gadgets! We focus on the

Battlefield Medicine

“He who would become a surgeon should join the army and follow it,” Hippocrates counseled nearly 2,500 years ago. In

U.S. Mints: Money Machines

Whether it jingles in our pockets or folds in our wallets, it flows by the billions from government factories that have

Rescue Equipment

Avalanches, earthquakes, hurricanes, bombings–all mean human tragedy unless rescuers respond within a moment’s notic

Scuba And Deep Sea Diving

In antiquity, a hollow reed served as an underwater link to oxygen. As in days of old, humans still need self-contained

Offshore Oil Drilling

Offshore drilling is one of the greaest technological dances mankind has ever attempted. From the very beginning of oil

Dynamite.

Join us for a highly charged hour as we see why Alfred Nobel's invention of dynamite took on earthshattering dimensions

Hoover Dam.

The task was monumental: Build the world's largest dam in the middle of the desert, and tame the river that carved the G

Baseball Parks

Step up to the plate and play ball as we take you on a tour of those amazing edifices of the national pastime–baseball

New York Bridges

Much of New York City’s history can be viewed via its bridges–all 18 that connect Manhattan Island to its neighbors.

Crash Testing

Delves into the little-known, hugely important, multi-billion-dollar industry of product testing–where wrinkles get ir

Parachutes

The idea of floating to earth from great heights dates back centuries, and from the beginning parachutes combined entert

Newspapers

Tracks the technological innovations that made newspapers what they are today, while exploring the stories of the publis

Fireworks

Since the invention of gunpowder, fireworks have thrilled audiences around the world. We’ll view highlights of firewor

Simulators

Though “simulations” date back to cave paintings, devices for interacting with “synthetic realities” are a recen

The Tool Bench: Power Tools

The history of civilization could easily be measured in terms of our ability to make, use, and improve tools–an activi

The Tool Bench: Hand Tools

Well over two million years before the evolution of modern man, his primitive ancestors were making tools. The use of to

More Earthmovers.

Join us for a second look at the big earth-moving machines used to tackle the most challenging jobs on, under, and off E

Forts

The art of fortification evolved along with man’s need to defend his territory from attack. There was no other reason.

Emergency Room

Emergency room medicine has only been a recognized specialty since 1989, and it took close to two millennia to get to th

Motorcycles

Set the sedan’s safety brake and hop on your “hog” for a 2-hour high-speed history of the motorcycle–from the 18

Security Systems

Since civilization’s earliest days, man has sought protection from those who would rob him of riches, knowledge, and e

More Engineering Disasters.

Throughout history the same builders and engineers that paved man's path out of the caves and into the modern world also

Niagara Power

An exploration of the rich history of one of the world’s greatest technological achievements–the harnessing of power

Casino Technology

Place your bets and join us for an exciting spin through the history of the casino. We’ll go behind the neon lights, f

Lost Marvels

The very spirit that drives man to dream up ever more fantastic creations can also conceive changes that destroy old tre

The City Beneath Our Feet

Beneath every modern city, hidden by manhole covers, drains, and ventilation grates – lies a labyrinth of tunnels, wir

Tower Bridge

Join us as we span the history of one of the world’s most famous bridges, London’s Tower Bridge. The world’s large

The Chunnel

The challenge of linking Britain and France with a tunnel under the English Channel was both monumental and delicate. It

Space Stations.

Join us on an out-of-this-world exploration of the history of long-duration life in space–from the first Soviet statio

The Pentagon

The pentagon…The name alone conjures up an imposing image of American power and prestige. As the largest office buildi

Bridges.

From amazing ancient Roman aqueducts and arch bridges, romantic Renaissance spans, 19th-century railroad crossovers, to

Prisons

“All hope abandon, ye who enter here!” This sentiment has permeated the masonry and clanging bars of prisons built t

Great Inventions

Join us for a survey of the world’s greatest inventions in which we examine the wheel, steam engine, railroad, automob

Office Wonders

Don’t look now, but your office is a technological marvel. From the humble paper clip to the revolutionary personal co

Police Technology

When police forces were born in the 1800s, British “bobbies” made due with a billy club. Public wariness and institu

Disaster Technology

An examination of the historical development of technological tools that help science mitigate nature’s fury. It’s a

Concrete

Modern Marvels explores how the basic formula of cement, aggregate and water has changed the world. Concrete has enable

Camping Technology

As camping technology develops, it provides greater access to diverse outdoor environments. The earliest camping technol

Private Planes

The plane’s on the runway and revving up for our flight of power and whimsy. The panorama reveals some amazing machine

Race Cars

Today, race cars tear up the tracks at 300 m.p.h. Computers and space-age composite materials are as much as part of rac

Traffic

In less than a century, the world went from dirt tracks to highways, from propeller planes to space travel, from sailboa

Buses

The most opulent are wheeled luxury liners with satellite TV and hot tubs–a far cry from the first bus, an 8-passenger

Gold Mines.

Around the world and across the eons, gold stands as a symbol of power, wealth, and love. The quest for the yellow metal

Banks.

Backbones of worldwide economics, for centuries banks enabled the creation of wealth, and industry leaders became icons.

The Erie Canal

The Erie Canal was America’s first superhighway. It was a narrow ribbon of water carved through sheer rock and untamed

Trucks

Icons of the open road, trucks form the backbone of the construction and transportation industries. The facility to hand

Aswan Dam

In 1954, Gamal Abdel Nasser, the Arab Republic of Egypt’s first prime minister, had a plan to bring his poor country i

China's Great Dam

The Maginot Line

The Maginot Line, a defensive string of large and small forts built during the years between World War I and World War I

Video Games: Behind The Fun

A fun-filled glimpse into the not so distant history of video games. Since inception, the gaming industry has been a dri

The Body Shop

Host Ron Hazelton and two mechanics dissect a 2000 Ford Taurus to trace the evolution of the automobile’s major system

Machine Tools

No one wants a hand-made car or gun or an airplane. We want things made by machines. Machine tools are power–driven ma

Farming Technology

The US agricultural process, from seed to shelf, is so efficient that most people don’t think much about it. But food

Assembly Lines

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, an assembly line is an “industrial arrangement of machines, equipment, and w

Suez Canal

Since the ancient pharaohs’ time, the Isthmus of Suez has been the gateway to trade between East and West. It’s thou

London Underground

Deep beneath London runs a complex network of many miles of tunnels; and, while traffic congests the roads above, hundre

Combat Training.

Sign up at the ultimate survival school, where soldiers learn to kill or be killed, and learn how 21st-century warriors

Remote Operated Vehicles

Remotely operated vehicles allow us to explore the mysteries of inner and outer space, provide firsthand glimpses of the

Death Devices

Since the creation of the first laws, societies have demanded the ultimate punishment for certain capital crimes. Throug

Power Plants.

Mankind controls the environment in a variety of ways, whether by capturing the force of a river, harnessing the power i

Inventions of War.

Arising from the horrible carnage, deprivation, and suffering caused by war is a countless array of everyday items–fro

Plumbing: The Arteries Of Civilzation

Join us as we take a peek at the plumbing hiding behind your walls and snaking under the floors of your house. We’ll a

Line of Defense

Fortification evolved as man tried to defend his territory from attack. From fenced-in hills to walled cities to impenet

Gadgets

Close cousins to machines and tools, gadgets are mechanical or electronic devices that make life a bit easier. While the

Battle Gear.

From battle armor to bubble gum, you might be surprised by what soldiers have carried into battle–and what they'll car

Proving Grounds

Where can you fire a missile without scaring the neighbors? Or lift millions of pounds in pursuit of a couple of ounces

Commercial Jets

Commercial Jets traces the evolution of commercial aviation from the stumbling beginnings of the De Havilland Comet to t

Apollo 13

The Apollo 13 mission was intended to be a “routine” trip to the moon. But when an oxygen tank exploded, the spacecr

Survival Technology

In an historic survey of man’s adaptation to killer environmental conditions, we travel to the desert, the Arctic, the

Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel

Named one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern age, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel connects Virginia pro

Garage Gadgets

Construction Machines

Feel the earth move under your feet and dig into the fascinating story of earthmoving equipment–from the simple spade

Hadrian's Wall

Leonard Nimoy hosts half hour documentaries which explore unusual natural and supernatural phenomena. In this episode, h

Monster Trucks.

Ride shotgun in our rollicking history of the Monster Truck, and meet the father of the mythic beast, Bob Chandler, whos

Lighthouses

From the earliest known lighthouses, such as the Pharos of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, to

Computers

From colossal devices designed to save the world to mind-expanding, world-shrinking machines, we trace the evolution of

Engineering Disasters 3.

When design flaws fell projects, the cost is often exacted in lives as we see in this look at engineering disasters. Why

Chemical And Biological Weapons

This episode of Modern Marvels examines the history and technology of chemical and biological warfare, which can be trac

International Airports II

In this history of international airports, we focus on several airports to illustrate the developments and technology of

Codes.

Whenever a culture reaches a level of sophistication in literacy, science, and language, codes spring up spontaneously.

The M-16

The most powerful assault rifle ever used in combat, the M-16 became the symbol of our lost war–Vietnam–and can easi

The Colosseum

Modern Marvels brings the heart of the Roman Empire back to life through the rich history of this famous amphitheater. B

The World Trade Center

An historical look at the technological engineering of the World Trade Center. The special was completed and the intervi

Hardware Stores

Modern Marvels explores the evolution and future of the things that hold our world together. From the blacksmith to the

Saloons

From a computerized liquor-dispensing system in modern L.A., to a ladle and a tin cup in an 1850′s mining camp, MODERN

More Gadgets

A salute to the tools and toys that have stood the test of time–from the Zippo lighter to the Palm Pilot, the 21st cen

Cattle Ranches

From the 19th century’s legendary cattle drives to the million-acre ranch kingdoms that sprang to life with the end of

Cannons.

Cannons have fired balls of iron and atomic bombs, changed the way wars are fought, and now come equipped with smart wea

Nuclear Subs

The most priceless jewels in the arsenals of a handful of countries, some nuclear submarines carry more firepower than a

Air Shows

From barnstormers to Blue Angels, antique aircraft to supersonic jets, each year there are an astonishing 425 air shows

West Point

For nearly 200 years, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, has trained students in the art of war. Located

Quarries.

Dynamite explodes hills to bits, drills divide sheer stone walls, 400,000-pound blocks are pulled from pits by giant cra

Diamond Mines

Half a mile below the earth’s surface, men mine for rough diamonds–a pure carbon substance. Brilliant when cut and p

The House

If walls could speak…And in the next two hours they will, as we build a house literally from the ground up, step by st

Work Clothes

From the riveted blue jeans of the old ’49ers, working the gold mines of California, to the million-dollar suits astro

Bunkers.

From the earliest bunkers of WWI through the ultra-futuristic ones of tomorrow's wars, we trace the story of defensive f

Cemeteries.

More than 2-million people die in the U.S. each year. That works out to about 5,500 burials a day, with roughly 80 perce

War Games

Modern Marvels looks at how army maneuvers have changed from simple “hide and seek” games to extremely complex and s

Drive-Thru

Join us for a ride through the history of car-culture commerce from the first gas station to the drive-thru funeral parl

Times Square

The Crossroads of the World, New York City’s Times Square is the screaming marketplace of our culture and time. It’s

Los Angeles

Unruly and eclectic, Los Angeles is home to an array of engineering and construction marvels that rivals any city in the

Glass

Glass may be our most versatile material. It sheathes skyscrapers, contains liquids, aids vision, allows communication a

Firing Ranges

Discover how military and police personnel, as well as private citizens, hone their shooting skills with one of the olde

The St. Louis Arch

It is a majestic structure that rises boldly over the Mississippi river–40,000 tons of steel and concrete that create

Breweries.

From Pilgrim brew masters to early commercial ventures to today's monolithic corporations, we'll imbibe American beer's

War Planes of World War II

Flight was born in America at the turn of the 20th century. But WWII saw more planes built in a single year–300,000–

The Winchester

Winchester…the name still evokes images of the Wild West and the taming of the frontier–it was the first reliable re

Big Rigs of Combat: Tanks and Jeeps

The rousing story of the tank, from its primitive appearance in WWI to the high-tech world of modern tank warfare, with

Tunnels of Vietnam.

Here is the heroic story of a intrepid band of infantry soldiers, the "Tunnel Rats", charged with a daring mission–to

Helicopters

From the early “egg beaters” of World War II to the “flying tanks” of Operation Desert Storm, we’ll fly aboard

Private Jets

From today’s ultra chic, state-of-the-art private jets to Lockheed’s 1957 Jetstar, this 2-hour special investigates

James Bond Gadgets.

His movies are legend, his women beautiful, and his toys the best in the world. Whether James Bond is foiling villains i

Remote Control

Press a button and you can soar in the sky, command a virtual pet, adjust the thermostat in your house while driving in

Million Dollar Tech

For millennia, luxury toys have functioned as flashy instruments of affluence, authority, and identity and driven many k

Pleasure Boats

As we power-up and unfurl the sails on a magical cruise through time, viewers meet the people who’ve devoted their liv

Bulletproof.

How do you stop a speeding bullet? From body armor to armored cars and trucks, we review the history of the race between

Siege Machines.

A look at siege machines that convert energy into mechanical force to go over, under, or through fortified or fixed defe

The Junkyard

It’s the place where one man’s trash is truly another man’s treasure. Enter the strange and mysterious world of th

The F-14

October 7, 2001: Missiles from lethal U.S. jets rain down onto Afghanistan. One powerful and deadly plane led the majori

Engines

Story of the development of engines and motors, with particular emphasis on the ones that have profoundly changed societ

The Magnum

It’s known as the most powerful handgun in the world, made famous by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry movies. But its

The Wheel

Spinning your wheels isn’t just going around in circles. In fact, it’s revolutionary–literally. The history of civ

Star City

Star City, the Gagarin Center for Training Cosmonauts, was established by the former Soviet Union in the 1960s as a scho

Ice Breakers

They are the toughest ships in the water, plowing headlong into one of nature’s hardest obstacles. Modern icebreakers

Fire and Ice.

Who could imagine life without our "man-made weather"? On cold winter nights and hot summer days, we are forever gratefu

Muscle Cars

Pop open the hood, check out the carbs, and hear the engines roar as we journey back to a time when gas was cheap, emiss

Axes, Swords and Knives.

Blade implements have been a part of civilized man's arsenal since the Paleolithic Age, when sharp tools were chipped of

The World's Biggest Machines.

Join us for a look at the biggest, heaviest, tallest, longest, meanest machines on the planet! We'll see what these mons

Drag Racing

Legendary drivers lead us on a record-breaking race through a century-long search for sheer acceleration that began befo

The Manhattan Project.

At 5:30 a.m., July 16, 1945, scientists and dignitaries awaited the detonation of the first atomic bomb in a desolate ar

The Tackle Box

From ancient Egyptian fishing parties to today's high-tech bass tournaments, we untangle the fascinating technical histo

Hunting Gear.

They are lethal tools that ensured our survival, altered our evolution, and maintained our dominion over other animals.

Camouflage

From ancient hunters’ camouflage to computer-generated digital pattern uniforms, we uncover the past, present, and fut

Models

Though they duplicate the real world for fun and fantasy, models are not always toys and they’re not always tiny. We e

Hangars

Come in for a smooth landing as we explore the history of hangars–stark, massive structures that house and protect fli

Beach Technology

Slap on your sun block and head to the ocean for a sizzling hour that explores the beach in a whole new way! We cover ev

The Big Dig

The Massachusetts Central Artery/Tunnel Project, a.k.a. The Big Dig, is the most amazing municipal construction project

Super Guns

They are the cutting edge in firearm technology. They fight simulated battles on computers, decades before a shot is fir

Strategic Air Command.

With the ironic motto "Peace is our Profession", the Strategic Air Command was in charge of US nuclear forces from 1946

Gasoline

Traces the history and evolution of the world’s most important fossil fuel. Without gasoline, modern life would grind

Towing.

Think you know towing? As simple as engaging a tow man when your car is stalled? From mighty tugboats that guide massive

Jet Engines

This program will tell the story of jet propulsion, which has radically transformed our world since it was first introdu

Nordhausen

It was the world’s largest underground factory–seven miles of tunnels built to manufacture Hitler’s secret weapons

War Trains

Examines how the great 19th-century peacetime invention developed into a powerful war machine, forever altering how, whe

Liberty Ships of World War II

Between 1941 and 1945, U.S. shipyards built more shipping tonnage than had been previously produced in the history of th

Magnets

We played with them as children, but the world of magnets isn’t kid’s stuff! The pervasive magnet serves as the unde

The Chrysler Building.

The 1,046-foot Chrysler Building in New York City, erected between 1928 and 1930, was the world's tallest edifice–unti

The Autobahn

Imagine a superhighway designed for speed…thousands of miles of roadway unhindered by limits of any kind. Buckle up fo

Home Tech

From the outhouse to the smart house, our lives have improved drastically in the last 150 years. Convenience and comfort

Cranes

One of the most useful machines ever created, the crane is a simple but important combination of the pulley and the leve

The Internet: Behind The Web

Over 200-million people around the world use the Internet–yet no one owns or controls it. Its phenomenal usage puts it

Sherman Tanks

An exciting series that takes viewers into the heart of action as it focuses on a particular machine from WWII, beginnin

Great Train Disasters

Throughout railroad history, disasters lay at the heart of progress since expansion and profit proved the main goals of

Secret Life Of The Crash Test Dummy

The crash test dummy, patron saint of vulnerable motorists, has become a modern icon and is a potent symbol of safety in

High Tech Sex

Join us for a walk on the wild side of the history of sexual enhancement and contraception–from Cleopatra’s box of b

The Spitfire

Designed in 1935 by R.J. Mitchell, the Supermarine Spitfire was a revolutionary fighter plane, which proved to be more t

Garbage

Modern Marvels examines the ever-changing nature of trash, the history of our efforts to dispose of unwanted material, a

More Bond Gadgets

He’s everyone’s favorite spy, the man with a woman in every port and a gadget in every pocket! No villain is too str

Limos

Limousines have been stretched to greater and greater lengths–as has the notion of what can be done inside them! You c

Digi-Tech

DVD, CD, PDA, HDTV, PVR–they are the ultimate in “gotta have it” gadgets and gizmos and “to die for” technolog

Salt Mines

It’s the only rock we eat – a priceless commodity essential to our very survival. It has over 14,000 uses – from

Concept Cars

They were pure fantasy on wheels, machines designed to make the heart race and the mind ask…what if? Explore the world

Runways

What do you think about when you gaze out the window as your plane takes off? Probably not about the least heralded part

Failed Inventions.

Join us for a salute to the dreamers and schemers who brought the world an odd assortment of flawed ideas–like flying,

Trans-Siberian Railroad

It’s the longest, most expensive and complicated railroad ever built. Ordered by the Czar in an effort to save his emp

Castles & Dungeons

Some of the most imposing structures ever built, medieval castles withstood both bloody assaults and the test of time. D

Ice Road Truckers

Based on the book Denison’s Ice Road by Edith Iglauer, the episode detailed the treacherous job of driving trucks over

Winter Warriors

Traces the story of the U.S. Army’s legendary 10th Mountain Division. They were formed after WWII began, specifically

Booby Traps

All it takes to set off a booby trap is an unsuspecting victim lifting, moving, or disturbing a harmless-looking object.

The Alcan Highway

Today, vacationers travel from British Columbia north through the Yukon Pass on their way to Fairbanks, Alaska, thanks t

Twin Towers of the East

Rising almost 1,500 feet high, the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia were named the world’s tallest in 1996 by the Coun

The Mackinac Bridge

Until recently, the Mackinac Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. One of the top engineering marvels o

Bullet Trains

Traveling between 135 and 190 miles per hour with an astonishingly high safety record, bullet trains can be found throug

Non-Lethal Weapons

They stun, debilitate, immobilize–providing police and peacekeepers with options other than shouting or shooting. From

Space Stations

Army Corps of Engineers

Made up of soldiers and civilians, scientists and specialists in an enormous variety of fields, the US Army Corps of Eng

Black Hawk: Night Stalker

For over 20 years, the Black Hawk has been the U.S. Army’s front-line utility helicopter for air assault, air cavalry,

Japanese Guns of WWII

As Japan bombed its way into the Pacific during WWII, Imperial soldiers carried pride, a sense of invincibility, and an

Titanic Tech

Welcome aboard the luxury liner Titanic, the world’s largest ship and pride of the White Star Line. Watertight compart

Coal Mines

Coal–the fuel responsible for more than half the electricity used daily. We unearth the amazing technological advances

Secrets of the Acropolis

With a thrilling combination of dramatic reconstructions and 3-D animation, we step back in time to the Golden Age of Gr

Machine Guns

Ball Turret Gunners

In war, certain missions demand the most and constitute much of the legends of bravery. Journey back to the Second World

U.S. Guns of World War II

MiG 15

After World War I, Russia began building its most prolific aircraft, the MiG line. MiG pilots fought with distinction in

T-34: Russian Victory

Born out of a desperate need to defend the Motherland, Stalin enlisted the ideas of an American engineer, J. Walter Chri

Tank Crews

During WWII, American tank crews duked it out with Nazi Panzers in a high-explosive duel to the death. The German tanks

Harley-Davidson

From humble beginnings in the Davidson family garage to one of the world's most famous companies and a marketing juggern

Torture Devices

For more than 3,000 years, emperors and generals, dictators and police, criminals, clerics, and even medical doctors hav

Cosmodrome

The story of Russia’s “Crown Jewels”, the finest rocket engines in the world, built under conditions of absolute s

Exterminator

In a raging war for control of Earth, occupying forces buzz and skitter, with some out to draw blood! Termites, mosquito

Million Dollar Guns

They are the treasures of a select few. Each holds a story of human triumph…epic pagentry or desperate tragedy…cast

High Voltage

Look closely at those tall metal towers that span the country and you might see tiny specks climbing up the soaring stee

4x4

In this full immersion journey through the world of maximum off-roading, learn what it’s like to blow the carbon out o

Dangerous Cargo

Toxic traffic is everywhere! An average of 800,000 shipments of hazardous materials hit our highways and railways daily.

Gunslingers

More Engineering Disasters

Engineering Disasters 4

Engineering disasters can result in personal tragedy, national humiliation, and economic ruin. But buried within their w

Nature Tech: Tsunamis

Among the most mysterious disasters, tsunamis–Japanese for “harbor waves”–claimed over 50,000 lives in the 20th

Logging Tech

When Paul Bunyan cried "Timber!", he never foresaw today's cutting-edge, controversial industry that feeds a ravenous, l

Breaking the Sound Barrier

For decades, the sound barrier loomed as an impenetrable wall against manned flight that buffeted planes with shock wave

Car Crashes

In the mid-1960s, the US lost an average of 55,000 people yearly to car crashes. Since then, the number of cars on the r

Sandhogs

Sandhogs work hundreds of feet down, where it is dark, damp, and dangerous, challenging nature’s awesome forces to dri

Convertibles

Topless, unobstructed–the convertible completely transforms the driving experience and unlike any other car, sets the

Loading Docks

Each day ships, trains, trucks, and planes haul supplies that keep store shelves full and factories moving. At every sto

Terror Tech: Military

The chance of enemy confrontation by sea, tank, or air battle is small, but terrorist networks operating in the shadows

Nature Tech: Tornadoes

How does technology grasp nature’s most violent, chaotic storm? For half a century, U.S. meteorologists have been buil

Military Movers

The challenge: Move millions of soldiers and tons of cargo halfway around the world and into the thick of action. How? U

Police Guns

Terror Tech: Defending the Highrise

Bullets

From "safe" bullets that stop hijackers but leave aircraft unscathed to bullets that chain-saw through steel and "smart"

Aircraft Carrier

From the earliest experiments in WWI to the technological wonders that ruled the sea and sky of the Middle East, George

The Gunboats of Vietnam

It takes brave sailors to steer their gunboats into waters where larger ships cannot go. In this historic documentary, r

Metal

They constitute the very essence of the modern world; the cadence of our progress sounds in the measured ring of the bla

Landmines

A major battlefield weapon since the American Civil War and the stuff of nightmares ever since, the civilian toll from l

Space Shuttle Columbia

Combination rocket, spacecraft, and airplane, the space shuttle is the most complex vehicle ever built. Long before it e

Overseas Highway

A spectacular roadway nearly 120 miles long, the Overseas Highway links mainland Florida with the Florida Keys, and cont

Terror Tech: Civilian

Witness the construction of a terrorist-proof safe room. Discover how your windows might someday act as biological weapo

Machu Picchu

The engineering marvel Machu Picchu sits perched on a ridge in the Peruvian Andes. Originally built by the Incas, this m

The PT Boats

Pound for pound, the small wooden Patrol Torpedo Boats of WWII were among the most powerful warships of all time. Daring

The Battleships

General quarters! You’re going into battle aboard the century’s deadliest warships–the Dreadnought, Bismarck, Miss

Early Machine Guns

The story of the birth and development of rapid fire weapons from the 14th century until the end of WWI–where on one t

Smart Bombs

Precision-guided munitions, smart bombs were the media buzz of the first Gulf War and a major military and political dri

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

In the land of Mardi Gras, jambalaya, and zydeco, exists an engineering marvel called the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway th

Inviting Disaster 1: Three Mile Island

They make our lives more comfortable, more rewarding, and more secure. They are the magical machines that have brought u

The Luftwaffe

What if the Nazis had held out and the war in Europe lasted until 1946? We’ll review the remarkable aircraft that Germ

Panzers

The story of a revolutionary breed of tank, a weapon whose speed and power would dominate European battlefields with a n

U-Boats

They dominated the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the eastern coast of the U.S. They struck against Allied shipping with

Inviting Disaster 2: The Kursk

The amazing machines of human invention most often do our bidding with uncomplaining proficiency. But when they go wrong

FBI's Crime Lab

To spearhead its fight against crime and terrorism in the 21st century, the FBI is relying on its $150 million-plus buil

Inviting Disaster 3: Challenger and Columbia

No program better symbolizes human mastery of machines than does the space shuttle. But the breakups of EM Challenger /E

Inviting Disaster 4, Building Failures

Based on the popular book, this episode explores historical building collapses–from ancient pyramids to the Cathedral

Shipyards

Shipyards are waterside construction sites where the extraordinary takes shape and where some of the largest tools built

Guns of the Sky

Hop into the cockpit for a daring century-long ride through the history of aircraft weaponry–from the very first handg

Extreme Trucks

Hop into the cab for the ride of your life as we examine extreme trucks, including: a jet truck that can travel 300 mph;

Guns of Infamy

ET Tech

In 2003, with Mars closer to Earth than it had been in 60,000 years, scientists launched three life-seeking planetary la

Million Dollar Cars

There is very little that collectors, historians and auctioneers agree about, but they do agree that a few passionate vi

The Technology of Lewis and Clark

Explore the technology and survival techniques used by the men of Lewis and Clark on their landmark journey to the Pacif

B-52: Stratofortress

For nearly half a century, one bomber has dominated the skies. With a maximum speed of 650 m.p.h., a range of over 8,000

Extreme Sports Gadgets

Rolls Royce

The world’s most famous brand, Rolls Royce, is owned by the same company that makes Bentley, a luxury leader once know

Tailgating

At stadiums nationwide, thousands of football fans come together to show team spirit, eat incredible food, and join the

Wheel Estate

Land Yachts, Portable Palaces, Corrugated Condos–whatever the name, travel trailers and RVs have become an American ic

Sports Cars

Car aficionados rarely agree on what makes a true sports car, but they concede that in little over a hundred years, they

Technology of Kitty Hawk

Two brainy bicycle makers…a remote North Carolina moonscape…and an impossible dream. On December 17, 1903, Wilbur an

Egyptian Pyramids

Constructed as tombs for the ancient pharaohs, over 100 pyramids remain in Egypt. Built during a span of well over 1,000

The Berlin Wall

During the Cold War, the Berlin Wall stood as a forbidding barrier in an embattled world. Erected in August 1961, the Wa

Toys

All aboard the nostalgia express as we take a trip through the past to enjoy toys of our youth–the ones we can't forge

Engineering Disasters 5

Examines some of the most notorious engineering failures of recent years and asks what went wrong and what we learned fr

Guns of the Russian Military

Forged in Europe’s shadow, Russian small arms were once dismissed as crude copies. Often lacking the finish of Western

The F-15

Built to put U.S. pilots back in charge of the skies, the F-15 Eagle proved its superiority in Desert Storm and Operatio

The Submarines

Pacific Coast Highway

For 25 years, construction crews dug, blasted, tunneled, and bridged their way up America's West Coast along the Califor

Gangster Guns

Ship of Gold

Racetrack Tech

A look at the “science of safety” as applied to Indy or NASCAR racing. From tires to roll-cages to hood flaps, we ex

Oil Fire Fighting

When a burning gusher shoots flames into the air, only a handful of men know how to snuff out the monster. Fighting fire

Command Central

“Centcom” in Doha, Qatar represents everything a modern military command post can be with the most sophisticated mil

Front Line Reporting

In March 2003, embedded civilian correspondents rolled along with the U.S. military convoy as it invaded Iraq. Equipped

Nature's Engineers

Towering skyscrapers buzzing with life, intricate tunnels connecting entire communities, mighty dams that tame the wilde

Bible Tech

Arguably the most influential book ever written, the Bible provides a glimpse into the origins of ancient technology and

The Power Grid

The largest manmade machine ever created, the electric power grid traverses the nation from California to Maine, Florida

Bathroom Tech

From tub to toilet to toothpaste, here's everything you ever wanted to know about the most used and least discussed room

Engineering Disasters 6

An in-depth look at the modern era's most complex, deadly, and controversial engineering failures. With the aid of 3-D a

F-18 Hornet

One aircraft in the U.S. arsenal best typifies the will to win. Using the latest and most sophisticated computerized tec

Hydraulics

The machines that helped build our world have been powered by hydraulics, a compact system of valves, hoses, and pumps t

The Subs of WWII

Plane Crashes

When the most sophisticated machines fail, they do so horrifically, plunging to earth with a terrifying loss of life. Fr

D-Day Tech

Modern Marvels shines the spotlight on the array of inventions that made the epic invasion possible, telling the stories

A-10 Tankbuster

Nicknamed the 'Warthog', the A-10 Tankbuster is one of the U.S. military's most prolific air support fighters. Focuses o

Rubber

The story of rubber is more than tires, toys, gloves, and gum–it’s imbedded in modern life, from the controversial C

City Water

When you tap your faucet does clean, pure water flow? Can your city supply enough water for industry, firefighting, and

Greatest Movies Gadgets

Cars that fly and drive themselves. Spiffy spy tools that see under doors and through walls. Water “Harleys” that fl

Robots

Nuclear Tech

Nuclear research ranges from well-known applications, such as bombs and reactors, to little-known uses in medicine, food

Apollo 11

As mankind's greatest achievement of the 20th century, Apollo 11 stood as the apogee of science, exploration, flight, an

World War I Tech

The first bombing airplanes and widespread use of chemical weapons…earliest tanks…submarines. When Industrial-Age te

Distilleries

From water and grain…to mash…still…vat…barrel and bottle–the distilling of alcoholic spirits is a big business

Oil Tankers

The biggest moving objects ever built by man, oil tankers dominate the world’s waterways, both in size and numbers. Up

Athens Subway

Under Athens' bustling metropolis, an unique engineering project transformed the city, building a new underground Metro

Extreme Aircraft

Join us for a supersonic look at some of the most cutting-edge aircraft ever developed–from the X-1 that first broke t

Engineering Disasters 7

Engineers and architects reveal what went wrong in five engineering disasters, including Baldwin Hills Dam that suddenly

George Washington Bridge

When opened on October 25, 1931, the George Washington Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Today, sta

Building a Skyscraper: The Skeleton

What does it take to construct a building that will cover an entire city block? Try 13,000 tons of steel, 36,000 cubic y

Building a Skyscraper: The Exterior

For two years, we’ve followed construction of the new California Department of Transportation headquarters in downtown

Building a Skyscraper: The Human Environment

In hour three of our crash course on mega-skyscraper construction, we learn about the human element and development of s

Building a Skyscraper: The Arteries

For two years, we’ve followed the construction of the new California Department of Transportation headquarters in LA t

The Sears Tower

Some 23,000 people walk through the Sears Tower’s domed entrances daily. 104 elevators (some double-decker), moving at

St. Lawrence Seaway

The St. Lawrence Seaway is a monumental stairway in water, lifting massive ships hundreds of feet over thousands of mile

Guns of WWII

St. Lawrence Tech

Police Pursuit

Join us for a high-speed look at police pursuits in an adrenaline-filled hour focused on the history and evolution of th

SOS Tech

A look at the technology that changed the serious game of Search and Rescue forever. At the mouth of Oregon’s Columbia

More of the World's Biggest Machines

The ultimate celebration of outsized equipment returns for a second sweep through a world where size is everything.

Firefighting: The Arson Detectives

Meet crime fighters who take on fiery killers. In Houston, visit the site of a suspicious fire with Fire Marshall Lalo T

Guns of Israel

One of the youngest and smallest nations, Israel has produced some of the world’s fiercest weapons. In 1952, shortly a

Engineering Disasters 8

Join us for a devastating but enlightening hour as we delve into complex and often-tragic engineering failures that have

Harvesting

Cutting, digging, picking, stripping, shaking, and raking–whatever the crop, there's a custom machine to harvest it. I

Engineering Disasters 9

What happens when the calculations of builders and engineers prove wrong and their constructs come tumbling down? In thi

Guns of the Civil War

Engineering Disasters 10

Disasters investigated include: the 1984 Union Carbide debacle in Bhopal, India, where a toxic chemical release killed 3

Presidential Movers

The vehicles that transport the President of the United States aren’t your ordinary planes, trains, and automobiles. T

Gas Tech

Gas–it makes a balloon go up, cooks our food, and fills our lungs. But this invisible state of matter does far more, a

Engineering Disasters 11

Disasters profiled are a liquid natural gas explosion in Cleveland, the collapse of the Kansas City Hyatt walkway, flood

The World's Longest Bridge

Bridges are the lifeline of Japan. Since the 1930s, the island nation has dreamt of linking its many parts as a whole. B

Japanese Sub at Pearl Harbor

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was a move of unprecedented aggression that shook the U.S. out of its peaceful slumb

M1 Abrams Supertank!

Join us as we penetrate the history of the world’s most sophisticated tank–the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. In the mo

Engineering Disasters 12

In Milwaukee, 104 died after drinking contaminated tap water. At Texas A&M;, a tradition turned tragic when a pile of bo

Surveillance Tech

In the world of surveillance, Big Brother is not only watching, he’s also listening, analyzing, recording, scanning, a

Engineering Disasters 13

In this hour, death seeps out of the ground into a neighborhood sitting on a toxic waste dump at Love Canal in New York;

Submarine Disasters

When the men and women aboard a modern submarine hear the command to dive, they can take a measure of comfort in the fac

Engineering Disasters 14

In this hour, we examine a massive oil tanker explosion that killed nine; a subway tunnel cave-in that swallowed part of

Movie Theaters

Washington Monument

The US capital boasts many memorials, but none with a more bizarre history than the obelisk erected to America's first p

Engineering Disasters 15

A series of construction errors causes a devastating flood that brings Chicago to a standstill. A deadly accident traps

Snack Food Tech

Extruders, molds, in-line conveyor belts. Are these machines manufacturing adhesives, plastics, or parts for your car? N

More Dangerous Cargo!

It comes in many deadly shapes and sizes, and the transportation of dangerous cargo is one of the most meticulously plan

Commercial Fishing

Battered and fried or simply raw–seafood is a popular dish, no matter how you serve it. Americans consume more than 5-

Ancient Discoveries (1)

Ancient Discoveries (2)

Ancient Discoveries (3)

Engineering Disasters 16

Chaos in Guadalajara, Mexico, when the city streets explode; an airplane crash outside of Paris that ranks as one of the

Doomsday Tech

Doomsday threats range from very real (nuclear arsenals) to controversial (global warming) to futuristic (nanotechnology

More Doomsday Tech

The second deadly hour examines more threats–both natural and manmade–that may endanger civilization. From the far r

The Computer

Poison

Since ancient times, man has tried to control the "devil's bounty"–deadly substances found throughout nature. Paradoxi

Car Tech of the Future

Engage the satellite navigation, fire-up the fuel cell, and activate the radar-guided cruise control! You’re in for th

The Arch

Join us as we explore the vast and varied world of the arch, one of the strongest and most versatile structures made by

More Nature's Engineers

Think man is unique within the animal kingdom? You might not after this hour that features an amazing collection of eart

World's Biggest Machines 3

Giant robots on the factory floor and in outer space. A floating fortress that's home to 6,000 military personnel, which

Blackbird Stealth

Designed in the late 1950s by aeronautical genius Kelly Johnson at the mysterious Skunkworks, the SR-71 Blackbird was th

The Butcher

In a carnivorous world, a butcher is a necessary link in the food chain, carving a carcass of unsavory flesh into mouthw

George Washington Carver Tech

One of the 20th century’s greatest scientists, George Washington Carver’s influence is still felt. Rising from slave

Firefighting!: Extreme Conditions

This episode of Modern Marvels examines the most extreme raging fires and the firefighters who tame them. The program fe

Desert Tech

It’s hot, dry, deadly, and hard to ignore with close to 40% of Earth classified as desert. But in this scorching hour,

Sub Zero

Come in from the cold while we explore some of Earth's most frigid places and examine how man copes with sub-zero climat

The Great Bridge: 8 Miles of Steel

The Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco boasts more superlatives than any bridge on earth. Bridge builders of the depre

Howard Hughes Tech

An in-depth look at the technology conceived or developed by America’s first billionaire. A passionate aviator, Howard

Edwards Air Force Base

Examine the colorful history of the premier flight test center, and America’s most important aviation facility for mor

Taxidermy

It began as a tool used by prehistoric man to attract animals to the hunt. Over time it became an invaluable study aid f

SWAT

Deadliest Weapons

In this fiery hour, we profile five of man's deadliest weapons, focusing on the inventors, battles, and dark technology

The Doomsday Clock

Developed in 1947 as an image to symbolize urgency in the Cold War and the threat of nuclear disaster, the mission of th

The Basement

Venture down that creaky staircase to explore the most misunderstood room in the house! From Pompeii to Pittsburgh, the

Paint

From the Impressionist canvas to the Space Shuttle…from customized hotrods to the brilliant orange hue of the Golden G

Mega Movers

Punishment

Bricks

The history of civilization has been built on the back of brick, and it’s been said that “architecture itself began

Glue

It’s Super! It’s Krazy! And it can be found in everything from carpet to computers, books to boats, shoes to the Spa

F/A-22 Raptor

Built around “first look, first shot, first kill” design, the F/A-22 Raptor, the most advanced aircraft of its breed

Civil War Tech

America protects its homeland with the most technologically advanced military force ever conceived. Although they fight

Machines of D-Day

June 6, 1944–the greatest machine of World War Two springs into action. It is made up of thousands of ships and aircra

John Hancock Center

A steel giant standing 1,107 feet high on broad shoulders, this vertical city houses 1,200 people. Join us as we explore

The Cape Cod Canal

In a battle against the ferocious Atlantic or safe passage through waters where ships wrecked and lives were lost, it wa

Secret Japanese Aircraft of World War II

In the 1930s, Japanese designers created a range of warplanes, culminating in the legendary Ki-43 Oscar and the A6M Zero

Future Tech

A paper-thin, wall-sized holographic television…a car that runs on processed seawater…an army of robotic killing mac

Edison Tech

He was the father of the future…electric lights, power systems, motion pictures, recorded sound–even the tattoo pen.

Secrets of Soviet Space Disasters

SECRETS OF SOVIET SPACE DISASTERS is one of our century’s most shocking hidden stories. Since the end of communism muc

Mountain Roads

Join our journey along monumental feats of engineering that preserved America's natural wonders while paving the way tow

Route 66

Route 66, encompassing eight states from Illinois to California and 2,400 miles, represented an American myth–that som

Cowboy Tech

Today’s cowboy plants one boot firmly in the traditions of the Old West and the other in the world of modern technolog

Sewers

A simple flush and it’s forgotten. But haven’t you secretly wondered where it all goes when we go? Join us as we exp

Challenger Tank

When this 60 tons of high-tech military hardware rumbles onto the battlefield at nearly 40 mph, there's nowhere for the

World's Biggest Machines 4

An enormous hydraulic machine press that stamps out a pickup truck's doors in seconds... Rock crushers that pulverize 80

Dredging

They dig, scoop, suck, and spew an ocean of silt and sediment. Dredgers are the mechanical beasts that fuel the world's

Lube Job

From chariot wheels of ancient Egypt to hard disks in a computer to the wheels on a Mars rover, machinery can’t functi

Secret Luftwaffe Aircraft of World War II

German military aircraft designs were decades ahead of their Allied counterparts. To insure the Luftwaffe’s air superi

The World's Fastest

Perhaps no field has experienced the revolution in velocity more acutely than transportation. We look at five blazingly

The B-2 Stealth Bomber

In any battle, the key to victory is the ability to strike the enemy without them knowing what hit them. Within the US a

High Risk: Helicopter Lineman

Wiring America

We begin with electrical linemen perched precariously out a helicopter door, repairing 345,000-volt high-tension power l

Nature Tech: Lightning

Since time immemorial, flashes of light have startled our senses and piqued our imagination. But it’s only in recent y

HMS Victory

The HMS Victory would play a crucial role in the foremost naval engagement in 19th century maritime history, the battle

Engineering an Empire: Rome

Coffee

Traces the origins of this tasty drink from Ethiopia over 1,000 years ago to the espresso-fueled explosion of specialty

Sugar

The sugar industry came of age on the backs of slaves toiling in Caribbean fields, and British desire to control product

Cereal: History in a Bowl

Move over pancakes, step aside bacon! Cereal is arguably the true breakfast king, a $9-billion industry with an indisput

F-117 Nighthawk Stealth

The project was surrounded by secrecy and dogged by controversy from the very beginning. Starting in the late '70s, engi

German Small Arms of World War II

The Auto Store

Need a car part or an accessory to give it personality? Since 1903, when Sears dedicated a portion of its catalog, the a

Secret Allied Aircraft of World War II

At WWII’s outset, US and UK military aircraft designs were woefully behind Germany’s and Japan’s technologically s

Engineering Disasters 17

It’s another chapter of complex, deadly and controversial engineering failures, using 3-D animation, forensic engineer

Brewing

It's one of the world's oldest and most beloved beverages–revered by Pharaohs and brewed by America's Founding Fathers

The Lumberyard

At the center of the American Dream is the home–and at the center of its creation or renovation is the lumberyard. We'

Da Vinci Tech

Nearly 500 years after his death, Leonardo da Vinci still intrigues us. Most people think of him as a great artist, but

Custom Cars

For most of us, cars are an ordinary fixture of daily life. But then there are custom cars–literal labors of love. Sup

More Hardware

The hardware store is the epicenter of the construction world for both the weekend handyman and professional builder. Ma

Weird Weapons: The Allies

More Snack Food Tech

They crunch; they ooze; they crackle; they pop–mmmmm, yeah! Soft drinks, donuts, meat snacks, popcorn, and gum. What's

Walt Disney World

Journey underground and backstage at the technological marvel that is Walt Disney World. Enter a make-believe world span

Nature Tech: Hurricanes

They’re nature on a rampage. The size and intensity of hurricanes make them the most feared and destructive of all sto

Private Collections

Priceless collections. Compilations devoted to with such passion, entire lives have been spent perfecting them. From res

Containers

They hold just about everything we need, from condiments to cargo. Made of steel, aluminum, paper and glass, they protec

Fire

Out of control it’s a monster with a voracious appetite. Properly harnessed it’s a force that has shaped our world.

Cotton

Tune in as Modern Marvels looks into the history of cotton, a product used in hundreds of different products, from cloth

Engineering Disasters 18

Modern Marvels shows more of the world's biggest engineering disasters. We look at faults in the U.S. Army's Stryker Lig

Candy

It pulls, stretches, bubbles, hardens, crunches, and melts! We eat about 7-billion tons of it yearly. We’re talking ab

Weird Weapons: The Axis

Examining unusual World War II weapons that were in the planning or testing stages for use by the Axis powers. Included:

Nature Tech: Avalanches

Examining unusual World War II weapons that were in the planning or testing stages for use by the Allies. Included: floa

Engineering Disasters: New Orleans

Modern Marvels examines the destruction Hurricane Katrina caused in New Orleans.

Leather

Made by the tanning of animal hides, leather has proven to be a versatile and important material. Without it, the Pilgri

Engineering Disasters 19

More engineering disasters are profiled, including the sinking of SS Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975 in Lake Superior; two Boe

Insulation

Although quite simple in nature, insulation is a very important component in keeping our homes a comfortable temperature

Hi-Tech Hitler

This is the true story of the scientific feats and failures of Hitler's Nazi Germany.

Shovels

Man has always had a need to move large amounts of earth. In this episode, we profile the technological advances which h

Drilling

The program features the quest to drill the deepest hole ever and the scientific drill ship expected to perform the feat

80s Tech

Remember “brick” cell phones, Pac-Man, Rubik’s Cube, Sony Walkman, and the first music CDs? Remember all the new a

Ben Franklin Tech

One of the most prodigious American inventors, Ben Franklin is credited for creating things like the lightning rod, the

Copper Kings

More than a century ago two men controlled nearly all of U.S. copper production, transforming Butte, Montana from a wash

Heavy Metals

They are elements that occupy a select portion of the periodic table and are so essential to America's economic and mili

Money

Visit the United States Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for an inside look into the government facilities

BBQ Tech

An old-fashioned style of cooking, barbecue has evolved into a modern food craze and spawned a multi-billion dollar indu

American Eats Special

High Explosives

Since the creation of black powder in China centuries ago, explosives have been decisive on the battlefield. Follow thei

Pirate Tech

Bold, cunning, and audacious, pirates are a breed of fighting men and women who have terrorized the high seas since befo

Boneyard: Where Machines End Their Lives

Where do machines go when they die? From B-52 Bombers to massive aircraft carriers, from passenger cars to Cold War crui

World's Biggest Machines 5

Join us for another look at big machines. At NASA's Ames Research Center, we visit the world's biggest wind tunnel, part

Super Tools: Skyscraper

Skyscrapers are an extraordinary feat of human engineering: exposing millions of pounds of concrete and steel to the ene

The AK-47

The development of the deadly Avtomat Kalashnikova, 1947, known as the AK-47, is discussed by its inventor, Mikhail Kala

Nuts

Pintsized as a pea or big as a bowling ball, nutritional, durable, and versatile, nuts have been a staple of the human d

Classic Cars

Making Medieval Armor

Rube Goldberg

Batteries

Mixtures of metals and caustic chemicals that make our tech, tools and toys surge with energy.

Mummy Tech

After thousands of years, Egyptian mummies are speaking from the grave. With the use of state-of-the-art computer tomogr

Levees

From collapsing floodwalls in New Orleans to high-tech mechanical storm surge barriers in Europe, we'll explore the 2,50

Water

Water, the most needed substance for life, so powerful it can carve our landscape, yet so nurturing it can spawn life an

The Cola Wars

Coke vs Pepsi for world supremacy. Each year, Americans consume more soft drinks than tap water. Available in nearly 200

Copper

It transports electricity, water, and heat. It brings music to our ears and beauty to our eyes. Copper--its impressive t

Shotguns

The first specialized gun, the British upper-class used it to shoot birds and small game for sport. The shotgun took on

Building In The Name Of God

The greatest religious structures are marvels of engineering, technology, and invention, representing not only the glory

Horsepower

Buckle up for a rip-roaring ride through the world of extreme horsepower. Experience the fastest accelerating cars on ea

Renewable Energy

Take an in-depth look at the most proven and reliable sources: solar, wind, geothermal, biofuels, and tidal power. From

Freight Trains

Explore the history of freight transportation from its humble beginnings as tramways in mines to complex system of rails

Cities of the Underworld

Teamed with leading archeologists and experts, peel back the layers of the past--to reveal a hidden history that hasn't

Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is comprised of a system of canals, land cuts, and a series of natural and artificial

Stealth & Beyond: Air Stealth

They are the swarthy eagles of the sky: Past, present, and future advances in stealth military aircraft.

Stealth & Beyond: Sea Stealth

It's one thing to make a 60-foot-long jet aircraft seem invisible, but quite another to hide a 400-foot-long warship fro

Ink

Invented by the Chinese in about 3000BC, it spread the word of God and war. It set us free and spelled out our rights. I

Distilleries 2

It's an art, it's a science and it's a marriage of vapor and water. From the elite to the illegal, the banned, to the ce

World's Strongest

Strength...a powerful word, but what does it mean? How is it measured? Why are some things simply stronger than others.

Tomcat Sunset

Hosted by Terry Deitz, a former Tomcat pilot, this special explores the legacy of one of the greatest fighter jets ever

Tobacco

Discovered around 18,000 years ago, tobacco was first cultivated in the Andes between 5000 and 3000 B.C. At a modern tob

The Supermarket

Our basic need and desire for food has made the supermarket one of the great success stories of modern retailing. Making

Breakfast Tech

It slices and squeezes, sorts and sizes, mixes and cooks. Every morning we count on it to keep our orange juice fresh, o

Wine

A glass a day is said to keep the doctor away. A defeated Napoleon drowned his sorrows in it; Thomas Jefferson became ob

Harvesting 2

In America's orchards and farm fields, the constant struggle between hand labor and mechanization has produced dozens of

Engineering Disasters 20

In March of 2005, the BP Refinery in Texas City, Texas, suffered a series of explosions that decimated a large portion o

Snow

It is the bane of every suburban parent and the joy to every school kid. Born in a swirling storm cloud through a proces

Tea

After water, tea is the second most popular drink in the world. It has been around as a drink for 5000 years, and 6 bill

Christmas Tech

Christmas is observed by many people around the world, for both religious reasons and more secular purposes. Trees, ligh

Wind

Balls

Examining the technology and evolution of balls used in sports. Included: a tour of the Wilson Football Factory Ohio; th

Environmental Tech

From the prairies of Saskatchewan to a Manhattan skyscraper we’ll see the 21st Century’s cutting-edge “green” te

Canning

It's the unsung essential of modern life. Canning is the method of a preserving and packaging food, without which civili

Pumps

The history of the pump is chronicled. Pumps used in water distribution in Southern California - The Colorado River Aque

Ice

The solid form of life's precious elixir has played a key role in fashioning our history and is making its mark as an un

More Ice

It traps a treasure of energy on the ocean floor, and confounds scientists still trying to solve why it’s so slippery.

The Destroyer

The destroyers made during World War II are examined. With interviews with veterans and archival film footage.

Star Trek Tech

In this episode we are presented with the technology and gadgets used while filming the Star Trek series. It also explor

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Nuclear and biological Weapons of mass destruction are examined. With a computer-generated depiction of a dirty-bomb att

Barbarian Battle Tech

It's clear from the bow that nearly brought down Rome, the suspension system that revolutionized the chariot, and the ax

Dams

Dams - one of man's greatest accomplishments are explored. The history of dams from construction to demolition and their

Yard Tech

The technology used to keep your lawn green including the lawnmower, riding movers, sod, astro turf, and sprinklers. The

More Military Movers

Soldiers, machines, and supplies are only effective if they arrive at the battlefield in time. Explore the history and t

Deep Sea Salvage

Driven by the need for deep sea rescue and salvage capabilities, the US Navy Diving and Salvage Programs have gathered t

Welding

It was a science first conjured amid the fiery ovens of ancient blacksmiths; today more than 50% of all U.S. products re

60s Tech

A look at the technology behind some of the 1960s greatest inventions. With color television, transistor radios, satelli

It Came From Outer Space

What do remote controlled robots, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, polarized glasses and metallized blankets have in common? The

World's Strongest II

What does it take to become "the world's strongest"? You'll find out on this episode of Modern Marvels. With life-saving

Engineering Disasters of the '70s

To err is human, but when the error results in the loss of life, it's a disaster. Learn about the sinking of the Edmund

70s Tech

The 1970s were a decade of excess. Dust off your mirror ball, put on your leisure suit, and rediscover the gadgets of th

Truck Stops

Join Modern Marvels as we discover how truck stops, serving more than twenty million truckers nationwide, are bigger and

Fertilizer

Without it one third of us would starve. Modern Marvels: Fertilizer tours the places that harness the vital nutrients th

Cheese

From the giant cheese factories of Wisconsin to the goat farms of Northern California, this episode explores cheese.

Saws

They brought down the forests and built up the pyramids. They're a cut above for construction, salvage, demolition - and

Aluminum

This useful metal was once considered more valuable than gold. Watch as aluminum is stretched, pounded, melted and turne

Sticky Stuff

A look at everyday stuff that is sticky including VHB tape, velcro, stealth rubber, cling wrap, and asphalt.

Chocolate

It's America's favorite flavor. We eat over three and a half billion pounds of it each year. It satiated the ancients an

Bedroom Tech

We spend 1/3 of our lives in the bedroom, explore the technologies that help to ensure we wake up on the right side of t

Vacuums

On this episode of Modern Marvels we'll see giant-sized vacuums that clean up after disasters like Hurricane Katrina and

Traps

They're designed to capture and often kill, but they don't always harm their prey. Traps are devices as old as humanity

Nature Tech: Volcanoes

Volcano technology is examined. Included: attempts to monitor and control activity.

Star Wars Tech

In this episode we are presented with the technology and gadgets used while filming Star Wars. It also explores some of

Extreme Aircraft II

Take a supersonic flight through a world of flying machines that are redefining our skies. Pull serious G’s in the U.S

Deep Freeze

Modern Marvels: Deep Freeze takes the technology of cold to the extreme: A 12-story ice box filled with 135 million poun

Acid

It is the most widely produced chemical in the world and possibly the most dangerous. Take a look at the many uses of ac

World's Sharpest

The Katana blade of the Samurai is the world's sharpest sword. We'll craft one from scratch to reveal the secret of its

Engineering Disasters 21

A steam pipe explosion rocks in Midtown Manhattan. In Boston's sections of a tunnel ceiling fall onto the roadway. And i

Environmental Tech II

Take a look at the innovations designed to hold off a global warming meltdown.

Corn

Corn has found its way into over 3,000 different items. Discover how tons of sweet corn make it from the field to a seal

The Pig

A pig is as smart as a three-year-old human. The pancreas, heart valve and intestines of the pig have been transplanted

Rocks

From the Stone Age, to the Space Age, we've built our world from rocks. With moon rocks located at NASA's Johnson Space

Most Shocking

The dangers associated with Electric Shock are real. It kills and injures thousands each year. In the last 100 years we'

Cold Cuts

They're the meat in our sandwiches. We will take you behind the deli counter to reveal the secret ingredients in boloney

Fast Food Tech

Carl's Jr., Jack in the Box, Wendy's, Burger King or McDonald's. Fast food joints dominate the American landscape to the

Milk

Got milk? Billions of pounds of milk are consumed worldwide on a daily basis. Milk is the basis for its own food group,

Carbon

Carbon is the chemical basis of all known life and yet this simple element is also the foundation of modern technology.

90s Tech

The dot.com decade opened up the information superhighway and for the first time, people could shop, search, and surf on

Superhighways

Millions of drivers travel the world's superhighways each year. See a multi-billion dollar expansion project in Houston

World's Strongest III

Witness some mind-blowing feats of strength starting with the world's most powerful elevators. Discover the world's stro

Strange Weapons

Discover microwave-like rays that make the enemy flee; laser weapons mounted on trucks & planes that can blow missiles o

Whiskey

Visit some of the world's finest distilleries to see how each country brews this thousand-year old spirit. Go behind the

Alaskan Fishing

Takes a look inside the amazing ultra-modern world of high stakes commercial fishing where a wrong decision on the capta

Bread

It's the basic source of nourishment for half the world. Bake it, roast it, slice it, or toast it, it's a wonder with th

Gadgets 3

We're living in a gadget revolution. New and unimagined gizmos solve problems that we didn't even know we had. They emer

Locomotives

Race through the French countryside at nearly 300 MPH on the fastest locomotive in the world. Ride on the little engines

Rats

Feared by millions worldwide, rats are some of the most dangerous, destructive and useful animals on Earth.

Mad Electricity

Nikola Tesla's bizarre vision of the future brought him failure, but his genius electrified the world.

Axes

The axe is one of the world's oldest, most dangerous and efficient cutting tools. Visit one of the nation's largest axe

Most Dangerous

Discover that the deadliest snakes, sports and weather events are closer and more treacherous than you think.

Super Hot

Explore the world of extreme temperatures.

Lead

A versatile yet toxic metal, lead has served mankind for 6,000 years.

Corpse Tech

Do you ever wonder what happens to your body after you die? You might be surprised to discover that the human body is ho

Ice Cream

From the gelato of Italy to the French Pot process of the 1800s to numerous assortments of frozen delights being served

Bathroom Tech II

The most used room in the home is the bathroom and it's full of tech. Visit Kohler and see the new digitally controlled

Crashes

Explore collisions that shake our world from the astronomic to the subatomic. Indy car racing; motorcycles; skydiving; m

Underwear

From itchy woolen union suits to comfortable briefs and boxers learn how our undergarments have evolved over the last 10

Batman Tech

He's caped, cowled and the coolest superhero of them all, because underneath that Batsuit, Batman only has his human str

Coin Operated

Every 15 minutes, Americans insert over 3.5 million coins into vending machines. What are they buying? How do the machin

Secrets of Oil

Rubber, plastic, nylon, aerosols, resins, solvents, & lubricants; none can exist without oil. If we stopped driving our

Iron

How iron mined in Minnesota is made into steel; iron weapons revolutionize warfare; military metallurgists customize wea

Wheat

It feeds the world. See how harvesting crews brave months on the road, cutting thousands of acres, tour a pasta plant to

Dangerous Roads

Dangerous roads throughout the world are examined, including Bolivia's "Death Road" and Highway 99 in California. Also:

Mold & Fungus

Learn about fungal organisms that live within our bodies, grow beneath our feet, float in the air and help create some o

Soft Drinks

They account for nearly 30% of all beverages consumed in the U.S. and have been quenching thirst for over a century.

Corrosion & Decompositon

America's aging infrastructure is in danger of collapse due to corrosion, according to engineers; technology for battlin

Bulls-eye

Examining how frequently experts in various disciplines can hit their targets, including archers, sharpshooters and even

Halloween Tech

An inside look at the technology used for the Halloween traditions such as producing latex masks, professional monster m

The Horse

A celebration of the horse, the animal that helped mankind change the world; the thoroughbred racing industry in Kentuck

The Turkey

The turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinners and one of the dumbest birds in the animal kingdom, but it has man

Salt

It's the only rock we eat, and we need it to live. History has shown that those who have salt rule the world--and today,

Car Wash

The car wash's in America are a $25 billion dollars a year industry, with tunnel systems to in-bay automatics, we'll sho

Retro Tech

Rummage around in your garage and you'll likely find remnants of gadgets past: a typewriter, analog TV, LPs, film camera

Super Human

Whether humans have the ability to possess superpowers; a man can strap on an exoskeleton and lift hundreds of pounds wi

Measure It

How do you weigh a whale? How does your speedometer work? Take a look at the five most common areas of measurement: dist

Night

Some activities only occur when the world is dark; fishermen use lights to lure squid to their nets; finding night crawl

Fry It

Fairgrounds fried classics such as funnel cakes and churros; frog legs; Twinkies and Coke; forging a cast iron frying pa

Mega Meals

Preparing meals for large groups is examined. Included: a meal at a U.S. Naval base in Bangor, Wash.; aboard a nuclear s

Library of Congress

Where in Washington DC is the nation's most incredible treasure chest? It's a library unlike any other in the world, the

Dirt

You know the old saying "dull as dirt"…wrong! In Las Vegas we'll see how thousands of tons of dirt transform a stadium

Eggs

Each year in the U.S., 280 million hens lay 80 billion eggs, one of the world's most affordable sources of protein. We'l

The Potato

It is among the most versatile, nutritious, and varied foodstuffs in the world. The Potato is the ultimate comfort food.

Tuna

It's the most popular fish in the American diet. From the school lunch box–to the high end sushi bar–to the outdoor

Winter Tech

From building cutting-edge competition venues to the latest sports science training, winter sports use more technology t

Breaking Point

Frustrations are high in the Myers garage as Burt and Jason have a considerable amount of work to do on their cars after

Chrome

At 4 State Trucks in Missouri, the Chrome Shop Mafia adds some truckers' "bling" to a big rig as viewers tour its 35,000

Start to Finish

What does it take to turn twenty tons of steel into top-notch vehicles in less than a day? How does a pile of lumber bec

Beans

Follow the soybean from field to refinery with CHS, Inc. as they convert billions of soybeans into vegetable oils, flour

Hot & Spicy

Chili head alert! It's time to get hot and spicy. First we'll take you to the home of sizzling Tabasco sauce–McIlhenny

Deliver It

Got something strange to deliver? From pizza to packages, we'll show you how it's packed, labeled and shipped. Head down

Helicopters

In Alabama, fly with the Apache Longbow, the deadliest helicopter in world, and learn how to fly the Blackhawk, one of t

Super Ships

Take a journey into the world of super sized, super strong, super unique ships. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Big & Small

Size does matter. We'll size up the biggest of machines, and their smallest counterparts. First we go to France to find

Keep Out

Either someone has something to protect, or it's dangerous in there. Challenge the world's best safecracker to defeat a

Super Steam

It's full steam ahead when we drop in at Jay Leno's garage as Jay fires up two of his classic steam cars and takes viewe

Doors

Take a look at the tallest doors in the world at the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. Visit a company

The Real National Treasure

Where in Washington D.C. is the nation's most incredible treasure chest? It's a library unlike any other in the world–

Top Ten

We can't live without them and yet they didn't even exist a couple of decades ago. We'll count down our list of the top

Mega Stores

The colossal cornerstones of commerce. Oversized outfitters. Merchandise Moguls. Mega Stores are giant facilities engine

Supersized Food

The US has become the culture of BIG–just look at the importance of size and how it has been infused into the lifestyl

Coin Operated II

Tens of millions of them all over the world–soda and snack machines, parking meters and payphones, video games and ven

Engineering Disasters 22

They are catastrophic failures with deadly consequences. Caused by a single spark or a massive collapse, these disasters

Dogs

Man's best friend–fearless, faithful, determined and swift. They're our sharpest eyes, noses and ears–and among the

Built to Last

Enter the amazing and ingenious ultra-sturdy shelters, machines, containers, materials and packaging designed to deny th

Secret Underground

Just below the surface, there's a whole different America hidden from public view. Take a revealing look at the America

Made in the USA

Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, the United States has stamped, carved, cut, built and assembled its way int

Driver's Seat

Get behind the wheel and take control of the some of the largest, fastest, most powerful machines on the planet. These a

Rice

You can fry it up, eat it for breakfast, or quaff it down on a hot summer day. It's the world's most versatile grain: RI

Packaging

It's all around us–so much a part of our lives that we forget it's there. But try to survive a single day without pack

Grease

In our lifelong battle to fight friction, Grease–in all its forms–is the unsung hero. Journey deep into places few p

Ropes & Chains

From hauling our heaviest gear to mastering the tallest mountains, they have been around for centuries, but we constantl

American Trucking

America would come to a standstill without trucks. Trucks transport a staggering 70 percent of all the nation's goods. E

Inside Your Walls

Don't look now–but there's a lot more to your walls than you'd ever imagine. Take a penetrating look inside something

Built by Hand

We live in a highly mechanized world in which billions of products are made by machines–but there are some things that

Swamp Tech

It's a great American wilderness–millions of acres of wild, primeval land with its own people, its own technology…an

Pocket Tools

Teddy Roosevelt carried a revolver. The night they each died, Abraham Lincoln carried a $5 Confederate note and nine new

Food Trucks

Food Trucks are hitting the big time–across much of America, they're changing the way we eat. From humble beginnings a

Weird Machines

It has been said that necessity is the mother of all invention–but that is not always the case. Some strange machines

More Candy

Candy is America's sweetest guilty pleasure–so appealing that we spend $25 billion annually to experience it. Our came

Battle Ready

U.S. soldiers today face enormous challenges, often stationed in desolate locations behind enemy lines. Keeping them pro

Stink

Just the whiff of a foul odor can make your head spin, your eyes water, your stomach turn–it can even send you hurling

Waterproof

From the beginning of time we've worked to protect ourselves against the very element that keeps us alive…Water. We lo

Wood

Hundreds of years before steel and plastic, wood was the building block of America. But even today, it touches every asp

Convenience Stores

160 million Americans visit a convenience store every day. Why? Because it's fast. But what you probably didn't know is

Tiny Weapons

"Tiny" weapons may not sound impressive…but small can kill, and it can also be easily concealed. From a pocket pistol

Under Pressure

Every aspect of our lives involves pressure. It's what puts the bubbles in soft drinks, propels shaving cream from its c

Shoes

Shoes have come a long way from their humble beginnings as simple leather moccasins. Today footwear is built to withstan

Alaska

Our 49th state is one tough terrain. In the air, on the ground–and deep beneath it–survival here requires an amazing

Mega Speed Countdown

Modern Marvels is going big, and counting down. We take the "best of" Modern Marvels and give you the MEGA Top 10 countd

Mega Machine Countdown

Modern Marvels is going big, and counting down. We take the "best of" Modern Marvels and give you the MEGA Top 10 countd

Mega Weapon Countdown

Modern Marvels is going big, and counting down. We take the "best of" Modern Marvels and give you the MEGA Top 10 countd

Mega Food Countdown

Modern Marvels is going big, and counting down. We take the "best of" Modern Marvels and give you the MEGA Top 10 countd

Mega Snack Countdown

The only thing harder than resisting our favorite snacks is ranking them. But this special episode of Modern Marvels cou

Super Strong Countdown

America has always prided itself on its technological strength–and this countdown embarks on an odyssey featuring the

Amazing Job Countdown

The variety of jobs in America is endless–but some have to be seen to be believed. Our countdown of the top ten most f

Strangest Countdown

This countdown special kisses the conventional goodbye, raiding the Modern Marvels archives for the most bizarre wonders

Hottest Rides Countdown

For this countdown special, we're buckling up and punching it–as we raid the Modern Marvels archives for the hottest r

Amazing Gadgets Countdown

This countdown special goes gaga over gizmos–celebrating the most amazing gadgets Modern Marvels has ever featured. Ou

Panama Canal Supersized

The Panama Canal is considered the 7th wonder of the modern world. But today, it is too small. Now in order to fit the w

Food: Cookies

Adam Richman visits baking behemoth Entenmann’s to see how they keep up with America’s insatiable demand for delicio

Food: Cheese

Things get cheesy when Adam Richman visits a central Pennsylvanian cheese maker with an award-winning mozzarella they in

Food: Ice Cream

We all scream for ice cream when Adam Richman visits the legendary Turkey Hill Dairy to see how they make their famous f

Food: Chocolate

Follow Adam Richman as he visits America’s oldest candy store to see how they craft decadent chocolate treats. Then, d

Food: Snacks

When it comes to snack foods there’s none wiser than Wise! We tag along as Adam Richman gets full access to see how Wi

The Future of Food

Adam Richman travels through time to uncover: the Future of Food! With special security clearance to a U.S. Army lab we

Fast Food

Follow as Adam Richman works the line at America’s original fast-food chain, White Castle, to discover how they grill

Food: Inventions and Innovations

Go behind-the-scenes to see how Jelly Belly creates delicious jellybeans in every flavor imaginable! Then Adam Richman e

Adventure Machines

Adrenaline runs high when Adam Richman visits the factory where Yamaha makes ATVs, Waverunners and more. Then, we get an

Heavy Machinery

Moving America

Adam Richman explores how a legendary long-hauler meticulously custom-builds each truck at Daimler.

Power Tools

Adam Richman visits power tool manufacturing "mecca" Dewalt, where he discovers how they're using cutting edge technolog

Classic Toys

Adam's not playing around, he's working hard to find out how some toys transform into valuable collectibles and become i

Top Toys & Games

Adam Richman visits the legendary factory where one of the most popular board games of all time is made: Monopoly! Then

Wild Rides

Sit tight and belt in because while there are over 230 million licensed drivers in America; we are going way beyond the

Steam Power

Turn up the heat because it's time for Steam Power. From Jay Leno's personal steam cars and 11-ton steam engine to carou

Ultimate Helicopters

Ready to take a ride on the most thrilling helicopters in the sky? From the military's deadliest and most sophisticated

Maximum Horsepower

Buckle up as we take a rip-roaring ride through the world of extreme horsepower! From 8000 horsepower dragsters and hydr

Dangerous Drives

Better buckle up because one of these dangerous drives could be your last! From Bolivia's "Death Road," to California's

Car Wash Tech

Better roll up your windows and put it in neutral as we join the 2 million people who wash their car every single day! F

Freight Trains Plus

Get ready to ride the rails as we take a trip along the greatest freight transportation system in the world! From the ea

Locomotives Plus

All aboard! Modern Marvels takes a ride on the fastest and most powerful locomotives from around the globe. From France'

Harvesting Plus

Let's head to the fields as Modern Marvels takes a fascinating journey from farm to table! From the dizzying heights of

Mad Electricity Plus

Prepare to be shocked and enlightened because it's time to enter the mad world of Nikola Tesla's remarkable inventions!

Tech Treasures

Better be kind and rewind because we're diving into some blasts from technology's past! From unwieldy television sets an

Coin Operated Plus

Time to dig through those sofa cushions as Modern Marvels changes the way you think about coin-operated machines! From p

Bathroom Tech Plus

Get ready for a royal flush as Modern Marvels looks at the latest and greatest in bathroom technology. From the ultimate

Yard Tech Plus

As Modern Marvels disrupts the $100 billion-a-year yard tech industry, it’s time to start the mower and pull those wee