How We Got to Now poster
Where to stream

How We Got to Now

7.920141 seasonTV SeriesDocumentary

How We Got To Now with Steven Johnson is a six part documentary series that reveals the story behind the remarkable ideas that made modern life possible; the unsung heroes that brought them into the world – and the unexpected and bizarre consequences each of these innovations has triggered.

Where to watch

PBS Documentaries Amazon ChannelPBS Documentaries Amazon ChannelThirteenThirteenHooplaHooplaWETA+WETA+
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Seasons & Episodes

E1
Clean
Oct 8, 2014
E2
Time
Oct 15, 2014
E3
Glass
Oct 22, 2014
E4
Light
Oct 29, 2014
E5
Cold
Nov 5, 2014
E6
Sound
Nov 12, 2014

Cast

SJSteven Johnson
Steven Johnson

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How We Got to Now — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams How We Got to Now?

How We Got to Now is streaming on PBS Documentaries, Thirteen and Hoopla in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is How We Got to Now on Netflix?

No, How We Got to Now is not on Netflix in United States as of September 2026. It's currently on PBS Documentaries and Thirteen.

Is How We Got to Now on Amazon Prime Video?

How We Got to Now 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 How We Got to Now for free?

How We Got to Now is available to stream free (with ads) on Hoopla and WETA+ in United States.

How many seasons are in How We Got to Now?

How We Got to Now has 1 season in total (6 episodes). The series concluded in 2014.

Are all episodes of How We Got to Now out yet?

Yes — all 6 episodes across 1 season of How We Got to Now are out and available to stream.

Is there a Season 2 of How We Got to Now?

No — How We Got to Now ended after 1 season, so there is no Season 2.