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

PBS Documentaries Amazon ChannelPBS Documentaries Amazon Channel
Availability shown for Canada · 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

A Night with the Stars
A Night with the Stars
2011
Atom
Atom
2007 · 8.3
Genius of Britain
Genius of Britain
2010 · 7.0
Secrets of the Solar System
Secrets of the Solar System
2020 · 7.5
Everything and Nothing
Everything and Nothing
2011 · 8.8
Fukushima: Is Nuclear Power Safe?
Fukushima: Is Nuclear Power Safe?
2011 · 6.8
The Amazing World of Gravity
The Amazing World of Gravity
2017 · 7.0
Science and Islam
Science and Islam
2009
Lost Horizons: The Big Bang
Lost Horizons: The Big Bang
2008
See all fromJim Al-Khalili

More from Patrick Stewart · Co-star actor

The Simpsons
The Simpsons
1989 · 8.0
Family Guy
Family Guy
1999 · 7.4
Coronation Street
Coronation Street
1960 · 5.3
American Dad!
American Dad!
2005 · 7.0
Frasier
Frasier
1993 · 7.7
Avengers: Doomsday
Avengers: Doomsday
2026
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation
1987 · 8.4
Futurama
Futurama
1999 · 8.4
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
1993 · 7.9
The Sheep Detectives
The Sheep Detectives
2026 · 7.9
See all fromPatrick Stewart

More like this

Gadget Man
Gadget Man
2012 · 7.0
Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson
Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson
2021 · 7.4
The Food That Built America
The Food That Built America
2019 · 7.9
Mysteries at the Museum
Mysteries at the Museum
2010 · 8.8
American Experience
American Experience
1988 · 6.5
MegaStructures
MegaStructures
2004 · 7.5
STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces
STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces
2024 · 7.8
Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All
Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All
2023 · 8.4
Disney Gallery / Star Wars: The Mandalorian
Disney Gallery / Star Wars: The Mandalorian
2020 · 7.4
Limitless with Chris Hemsworth
Limitless with Chris Hemsworth
2022 · 8.1
Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates
Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates
2019 · 7.3
American Masters
American Masters
1986 · 7.0

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 PBS Documentaries in Canada, and available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store. 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 Canada as of October 2026. It's currently on PBS Documentaries.

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 Canada right now. It's on PBS Documentaries instead.

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

Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World is available on PBS Documentaries in Canada, 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.