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
ProducersTim Green·Iain Riddick

Where to watch

Disney PlusDisney PlusYouTube TVYouTube TVPBS Documentaries Amazon ChannelPBS Documentaries Amazon ChannelThirteenThirteenWETA+WETA+
Availability shown for United States · 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
Genius of Britain
Genius of Britain
2010 · 7.0
Atom
Atom
2007 · 8.3
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
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
Avengers: Doomsday
Avengers: Doomsday
2026
Play for Today
Play for Today
1970 · 6.6
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
Limitless with Chris Hemsworth
Limitless with Chris Hemsworth
2022 · 8.1
Disney Gallery / Star Wars: The Mandalorian
Disney Gallery / Star Wars: The Mandalorian
2020 · 7.4
American Masters
American Masters
1986 · 7.0
Down to Earth with Zac Efron
Down to Earth with Zac Efron
2020 · 7.7
STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces
STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces
2024 · 7.8
History's Greatest Mysteries
History's Greatest Mysteries
2020 · 7.7

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 Disney Plus, YouTube TV and PBS Documentaries in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and 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 United States as of October 2026. It's currently on Disney Plus and YouTube TV.

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

Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United States, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

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

Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World is available on Disney Plus and YouTube TV in United States, 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.