Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World poster
Where to stream

Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World

7.820191 seasonTV-14TV SeriesDocumentary

Take a mind-blowing journey through human history, told through six iconic objects that modern people take for granted, and see how science, invention and technology built on one another to change everything.

DirectorBen Harding
ProducersIain Riddick·Ben Bowie

Where to watch

DocPlayDocPlayDocPlay Amazon ChannelDocPlay Amazon Channel
Availability shown for Australia · rights vary by country

Seasons & Episodes

E1
The Telescope
Apr 21, 2019 9.0
E2
The Airplane
Apr 28, 2019
E3
The Robot
May 5, 2019
E4
The Car
May 12, 2019 9.0
E5
The Rocket
May 19, 2019
E6
The Smartphone
May 26, 2019

Cast · Directed by Ben Harding

JAJim Al-Khalili
Jim Al-Khalili
Self - Presenter
PSPatrick Stewart
Patrick Stewart
Narrator (voice)

More from Jim Al-Khalili · Lead actor

Secrets of the Solar System
Secrets of the Solar System
2020 · 7.5
A Night with the Stars
A Night with the Stars
2011
Genius of Britain
Genius of Britain
2010 · 7.0
Atom
Atom
2007 · 8.3
Everything and Nothing
Everything and Nothing
2011 · 8.5
The Amazing World of Gravity
The Amazing World of Gravity
2017 · 7.0
Fukushima: Is Nuclear Power Safe?
Fukushima: Is Nuclear Power Safe?
2011 · 6.8
Lost Horizons: The Big Bang
Lost Horizons: The Big Bang
2008
Science and Islam
Science and Islam
2009
See all fromJim Al-Khalili

More from Patrick Stewart · Co-star actor

Coronation Street
Coronation Street
1960 · 5.4
The Simpsons
The Simpsons
1989 · 8.0
Family Guy
Family Guy
1999 · 7.4
American Dad!
American Dad!
2005 · 7.0
Futurama
Futurama
1999 · 8.4
Frasier
Frasier
1993 · 7.7
Play for Today
Play for Today
1970 · 6.6
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation
1987 · 8.4
The BBC Television Shakespeare
The BBC Television Shakespeare
1978 · 6.0
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
1993 · 7.9
See all fromPatrick Stewart

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Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World?

Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World is streaming on DocPlay in Australia. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World on Netflix?

No, Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World is not on Netflix in Australia as of September 2026. It's currently on DocPlay.

Is Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World on Amazon Prime Video?

No, Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World isn't on Amazon Prime Video in Australia right now. It's on DocPlay instead.

Where can I watch Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World for free?

Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World is available on DocPlay in Australia, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.

How many seasons are in Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World?

Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World has 1 season in total (6 episodes). The series concluded in 2019.

Are all episodes of Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World out yet?

Yes — all 6 episodes across 1 season of Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World are out and available to stream.

Is there a Season 2 of Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World?

No — Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World ended after 1 season, so there is no Season 2.