Modern Marvels (1993)

1. S01E01Grand Coulee DamDecember 10, 1993—The world’s largest concrete dam–and the largest concrete structure in the world–lies on the Columbia River in the State of Washington. B ui
2. S01E02The Empire State BuildingJanuary 21, 1994—The remarkable story of how the landmark New York City skyscraper was constructed during the depths of the Depression. Requiring 10 million
3. S01E03The Panama CanalMarch 4, 1994—Chronicles one of the most incredible engineering feats of all time: construction of the 51-mile canal that took 10 years to build and emplo
4. S01E04Cruise ShipsMarch 20, 1994—A large machine turned water city, cruise ships are exciting and new.
5. S01E05Transatlantic CableMarch 27, 1994—Looks at how one man’s vision and the cooperation between the U.S. and England resulted in an instant, reliable transcontinental mode of com
6. S01E06Mt. Rushmore.March 13, 1994—The incredible tale of how Gutzon Borglum created the world's largest sculpture by carving the faces of four US presidents (George Washingto

Season 1 ranked & reviewed

1. S02E01BalloonsDecember 16, 1994—Join us for a buoyant trip through the history of balloon flight and a tribute to the fearless pilots and engineers brave enough to push the
2. S02E02The Transcontinental RailroadJanuary 1, 1995—With California finally part of the United States, two rail companies raced to connect the monied East and the promising West. Along the way
3. S02E03Las VegasJanuary 15, 1995—Rising from a stretch of desert with nothing but remoteness to recommend it, Las Vegas became a glittering wonderland for dreamers. We’ll ta
4. S02E04The Eiffel TowerJanuary 22, 1995—To the people of France, and to citizens of the world, Gustav Eiffel’s 320-meter Tower is more than an unsurpassed technological and enginee
5. S02E05Domed StadiumsFebruary 5, 1995—The domed structure is one of the earliest forms of shelter–from African mud huts to frozen igloos to holy shrines and cathedrals. As a desi
6. S02E06Gothic CathedralsMarch 19, 1995—Built of stone and glass, persistence and prayer, gothic cathedrals are an epiphany of imagination and an articulation of joy. Featured are
7. S02E07The Golden Gate BridgeMay 21, 1995—More than 50 years after its construction, the Golden Gate remains one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels. It took 25-million man-h
8. S02E08Ocean LinersJune 4, 1995—With technological advances, our ancient struggle against the sea has turned into a luxurious holiday. Come aboard for a peek at the elegant

Season 2 ranked & reviewed

1. S03E01Space ShuttleAugust 20, 1995—Considered by many to be the most astounding machine ever built, this reusable spaceship is the apex of flight technology. This program reco
2. S03E02Brooklyn BridgeOctober 1, 1995—It was an engineering feat of almost miraculous proportions and a design of spectacular elegance. Rare photographs and behind-the-scenes sto
3. S03E03TunnelsOctober 8, 1995—There is no more potent demonstration of man’s resolve than the design and construction of tunnels–avenues that slice through a conspiracy o
4. S03E04Tennessee Valley AuthorityOctober 15, 1995—During the depths of the Great Depression, it was FDR’s greatest triumph: A massive public works project that took a 40,000 square mile, dis
5. S03E05OilOctober 16, 1995—From the first well in Pennsylvania to the gushing Spindletop and modern supertankers, the story of oil is the story of civilization as we k
6. S03E06Silver MinesOctober 1, 1995—It was called the "mother lode", a deposit of silver so massive that it would produce $300-million in its first 25 years of operation, estab
7. S03E07The NYC SubwayOctober 19, 1995—A trip through time on the New York Subway beginning at the beginning– October 1904. We look at New York before the subway–a world of horse
8. S03E08The Railroads That Tamed the WestOctober 20, 1995—The year was 1869 and America had just completed the greatest building achievement in its history–the Transcontinental Railroad. A thin ribb
9. S03E09Paving AmericaOctober 29, 1995—The story of the construction of our grand national highway system, from its beginnings in 1912 (it was conceived by auto and headlight tyco
10. S03E12The Alaskan Oil PipelineNovember 4, 1995—Being starved by an OPEC embargo, America is desperate for oil, and in 1973 construction begins on a 800 mile pipeline, tapping into Alaskan

Season 3 ranked & reviewed

1. S04E01America's HighwaysSeptember 2, 1996—In 1912, a headlight-maker and an auto magnate built the first cross-country road to spur the demand for new cars; 70 years and $125 billion
2. S04E02The TelephoneSeptember 15, 1996—From Alexander Graham Bell’s crude creation, to today’s high-speed wireless networks, we’ll look into the past, present and future of the te
3. S04E03AqueductsOctober 6, 1996—Many rivers quenched the thirst of millions in the American west and around the world. Without these aqueducts, some of the earth’s largest
4. S04E04TelevisionOctober 20, 1996—An exploration of the world’s most popular entertainment, from the boy genius who invented it to the RCA “General” who made it a reality.
5. S04E05The ComputerNovember 24, 1996—A look at the inventions that have revolutionized society as we know it. They began as behemoths which weighed over 2 tons!
6. S04E06Captured LightDecember 15, 1996—A look at the history of photography beginning as early as the eleventh century. Includes the advancements by Niepce and Daguerre in the 19t
7. S04E07Stealth TechnologyFebruary 16, 1997—A look at the F117 Stealth Fighter that led the pack for the Allies in Gulf Wars One and Two and virtually decimated Iraqi Air Defense. Find
8. S04E08Pyramids: Majesty And MysteryMarch 23, 1997—Standing majestically for centuries, the world’s great pyramids have long inspired and mystified scholars. Leading experts and historians ex
9. S04E09Roller CoastersApril 13, 1997—Since the turn of the 20th century, designers have competed to build them faster, taller, and steeper. But as technology pushes the envelope
10. S04E10Observatories: Stonehenge to Space TelescopesJune 8, 1997—From Stonehenge to the Hubble Telescope, man has always been a species of stargazers. Unforgettable film footage and expert accounts reveal
11. S04E11The Great Wall of China.June 22, 1997—Winding 6,000 kilometers through undulating mountains, it is said to be visible with the naked eye from the moon. But who called for the Gre
12. S04E12Air Force One: A HistoryJanuary 1, 1997—A look at the planes that carried the president of the USA. With improvements in technology the planes could change for the security and saf

Season 4 ranked & reviewed

1. S05E01Polio VaccineAugust 17, 1997—When “poliomyelitis” swept the nation, thousands died or were disabled before American ingenuity, trial and error, and blatant acts of despe
2. S05E02The Motion PictureAugust 24, 1997—The complete story of the feuds, the mistakes, ingenuity, and successes that made movies possible–and kept Edison at the front of the invent
3. S05E03Satellites.September 1, 1997—Strong enough to survive their fiery launch into orbit, sophisticated enough to provide life-saving images or relay tens of thousands of pho
4. S05E04Radio: Out Of Thin AirSeptember 7, 1997—To some it was a miracle. Others call it the triumph of illiteracy. Somewhere between adoration and scorn. Somewhere between the carrier pig
5. S05E05The Electric LightSeptember 21, 1997—Probably Thomas Edison’s best-known invention is the electric light. But the familiar light bulb is only the most obvious element of Edison’
6. S05E06The PhonographSeptember 22, 1997—Thomas Edison registered over 1,000 patents, but his favorite invention was one of his first. Rare photographs and early recordings show how
7. S05E07Great Towers in the SkySeptember 28, 1997—Viewer discretion is advised for those with vertigo! Featuring rare construction footage and interviews with steely-nerved iron workers who
8. S05E08Household Wonders.October 5, 1997—Reviews the revolution in home improvement and glimpses the kitchen of tomorrow. Included: the development of the stove, sewing machine, ref
9. S05E09RadarOctober 12, 1997—Examines the history of radar, focusing on its role in the Allies’ victory in WWII–from the Chain Home Network, rudimentary radar towers tha
10. S05E10Forensic Science: The Crime Fighter's Weapon.October 19, 1997—From Sherlock Holmes' examination of the physical evidence at a crime scene to today's DNA technology, we review the history of crime detect
11. S05E11The Stock ExchangeOctober 26, 1997—Welcome to the center of the American economy, where nearly $90-million changes hands each minute. Journey back to the wooden wall, built to
12. S05E12NORAD: The War Game FortressOctober 27, 1997—Journey inside the top-secret headquarters of NORAD–the North American Aerospace Defense Command–a binational military command composed of t
13. S05E13Earthmovers: The Power to Move MountainsOctober 28, 1997—Feel the earth move under your feet and dig into the fascinating history of earthmoving equipment–from invention of the simple spade to toda
14. S05E14International AirportsNovember 3, 1997—Everyday 3-million passengers board the 10,000 aircraft flying at any given moment. Go behind the scenes at international airports to see th
15. S05E15Deep Sea Exploration: Challenging The AbyssNovember 4, 1997—From hollow-reed snorkels to mini-submarines equipped with video cameras, curiosity compelled inventors to conceive of innovative devices to
16. S05E16The Alaskan Oil PipelineJanuary 1, 1998—In 1973, a desperate America, starved by an OPEC embargo, began construction on an 800-mile lifeline for its insatiable oil hunger. We’ll ex
17. S05E17American Steel: Built to Last.January 18, 1998—For over a century, the US steel industry was a powerful symbol of the nation's industrial might. Steel helped explode the stock market into
18. S05E18Battlefield Engineering.February 8, 1998—Meet some of the most important, yet least-recognized, warriors–the battlefield engineers who lay the groundwork for oncoming conflicts. We'
19. S05E19Statue of Liberty.February 15, 1998—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 the US reveals a 20-ye

Season 5 ranked & reviewed

1. S06E01DemolitionJuly 27, 1998—While a civilization’s greatness is reflected in the achievements of architects and engineers, equally impressive are spectacular acts of de
2. S06E02The Atlantic WallAugust 3, 1998—The Atlantic Wall explores the construction of the shore fortifications built by the Nazis during World War II. We highlight the logistics o
3. S06E03History of Tall BuildingsAugust 24, 1998—A look up at the symbol of the American Century–the skyscraper, the construction of which is a triumph of engineering and capitalism. Climb
4. S06E04AquariumsSeptember 28, 1998—Public aquariums have undergone dramatic changes since inception in mid-19th century. A series of technological innovations has transformed
5. S06E05Las Vegas Hotels.October 6, 1998—Out of the bleakness of a vast desert arose a city built on wish fulfillment and indulgence. Unencumbered by tradition or notions of good ta
6. S06E06The Oakland Bay Bridge.October 12, 1998—San Francisco's Oakland Bay Bridge stands as an incredible feat of engineering against the nearly impossible. Once chosen as one of the seve
7. S06E07Monumental StatuesOctober 28, 1998—What inspires societies to create sculptures on a superhuman scale? We’ll examine gigantic statues and the monumental commitment of time, mo
8. S06E08Antibiotics: The Wonder DrugsNovember 3, 1998—In 1941, penicillin was first used to save human life. But now, bacteria has emerged resistant to every known antibiotic, and scientists hav
9. S06E09The Police CarNovember 9, 1998—More than the gun, more than the billy club, it is the critical weapon in law enforcement’s arsenal. But for decades, police have struggled
10. S06E10PlasticsNovember 23, 1998—Plastics are everywhere–the home, the workplace, the car, the human body, outer space, and most conspicuously, the garbage heap and landfill
11. S06E11Medical ImagingDecember 7, 1998—The story of medical imaging, the technology that allows us to see inside the human body, is full of amazing stories. Learn how X-rays were
12. S06E12Extreme Sports GadgetsDecember 16, 1998—To run faster, jump higher, and play longer–the ultimate goal of all athletes. But when training runs its course, science and technology jum
13. S06E13BombsDecember 23, 1998—Bombs…the most feared and powerful weapon in any nation’s arsenal. What began as incendiary devices in the 7th century has evolved into weap
14. S06E14ProstheticsDecember 28, 1998—From the earliest recorded account of an amputation and subsequent prosthesis in ancient Hindu writings, to a 16th-century fully articulated
15. S06E15Weather PredictionJanuary 1, 1999—A study of the discoveries, inventions, and technological advances that have helped us understand and predict weather accurately. From simpl
16. S06E16StereosJanuary 25, 1999—The ability to transmit sound in stereo transformed the music of life into a rich symphony of sound. For over 100 years, enthusiasts and sci
17. S06E17Mail DeliveryFebruary 8, 1999—Through rain, snow, heat, or gloom of night, we expect postmen to deliver the mail. The U.S. Post Office handles over 603-million pieces of
18. S06E18ClocksFebruary 22, 1999—Does anybody really know what time it is? Set your clocks as we explore the relativity of time from antiquity–when man attempted to chart ti
19. S06E19Airships.March 9, 1999—First there were balloons and blimps. Then, visionaries enlarged, reinforced, and motorized them and the airship was born. The biggest aircr
20. S06E20Physical FitnessMarch 15, 1999—Meet the Strong Men and Women who go beyond mere fitness to pursue major muscle mass–from ancient Greeks, to performers in the 1800s astound
21. S06E21Engineering DisastersMarch 30, 1999—Throughout history, the builders and engineers who paved our way out of the caves and into the modern world have also caused some of our wor
22. S06E22City ParksApril 26, 1999—Even in ancient times, city dwellers needed a scenic break from the urban landscape. But parks play a more important role than mere relief f
23. S06E23Spy TechnologyMay 1, 1999—Espionage has been used for at least the last 4,000 years. And where there are spies, you find gadgets! We focus on the last 100 years of cl
24. S06E24Battlefield MedicineMay 25, 1999—“He who would become a surgeon should join the army and follow it,” Hippocrates counseled nearly 2,500 years ago. In this history of medicin
25. S06E25U.S. Mints: Money MachinesJune 21, 1999—Whether it jingles in our pockets or folds in our wallets, it flows by the billions from government factories that have mastered the art of
26. S06E26Rescue EquipmentJuly 6, 1999—Avalanches, earthquakes, hurricanes, bombings–all mean human tragedy unless rescuers respond within a moment’s notice of disaster. Here are
27. S06E27Scuba And Deep Sea DivingJuly 12, 1999—In antiquity, a hollow reed served as an underwater link to oxygen. As in days of old, humans still need self-contained breathing equipment
28. S06E28Offshore Oil DrillingJuly 19, 1999—Offshore drilling is one of the greaest technological dances mankind has ever attempted. From the very beginning of oil discovery, the ocean
29. S06E29Dynamite.July 20, 1999—Join us for a highly charged hour as we see why Alfred Nobel's invention of dynamite took on earthshattering dimensions as his product blast
30. S06E30Hoover Dam.August 2, 1999—The task was monumental: Build the world's largest dam in the middle of the desert, and tame the river that carved the Grand Canyon–all in s
31. S06E31Baseball ParksAugust 9, 1999—Step up to the plate and play ball as we take you on a tour of those amazing edifices of the national pastime–baseball stadiums! From the sa
32. S06E32New York BridgesAugust 23, 1999—Much of New York City’s history can be viewed via its bridges–all 18 that connect Manhattan Island to its neighbors. Join us for a look at t
33. S06E33Crash TestingAugust 31, 1999—Delves into the little-known, hugely important, multi-billion-dollar industry of product testing–where wrinkles get ironed out and goods are
34. S06E34ParachutesSeptember 6, 1999—The idea of floating to earth from great heights dates back centuries, and from the beginning parachutes combined entertainment with life-sa
35. S06E35NewspapersSeptember 13, 1999—Tracks the technological innovations that made newspapers what they are today, while exploring the stories of the publishing tycoons who bec
36. S06E36FireworksSeptember 27, 1999—Since the invention of gunpowder, fireworks have thrilled audiences around the world. We’ll view highlights of fireworks exhibitions through
37. S06E37SimulatorsOctober 11, 1999—Though “simulations” date back to cave paintings, devices for interacting with “synthetic realities” are a recent invention. See how simulat
38. S06E38The Tool Bench: Power ToolsOctober 12, 1999—The history of civilization could easily be measured in terms of our ability to make, use, and improve tools–an activity that is at least 4
39. S06E39The Tool Bench: Hand ToolsOctober 13, 1999—Well over two million years before the evolution of modern man, his primitive ancestors were making tools. The use of tools is thought to be
40. S06E40More Earthmovers.October 18, 1999—Join us for a second look at the big earth-moving machines used to tackle the most challenging jobs on, under, and off Earth! We'll ride on
41. S06E41FortsOctober 25, 1999—The art of fortification evolved along with man’s need to defend his territory from attack. There was no other reason. From hills surrounded
42. S06E42Emergency RoomNovember 8, 1999—Emergency room medicine has only been a recognized specialty since 1989, and it took close to two millennia to get to this point. We’ll exam
43. S06E43MotorcyclesNovember 15, 1999—Set the sedan’s safety brake and hop on your “hog” for a 2-hour high-speed history of the motorcycle–from the 1868 “steam velocipede” to the
44. S06E44Security SystemsNovember 16, 1999—Since civilization’s earliest days, man has sought protection from those who would rob him of riches, knowledge, and even life. This is the
45. S06E45More Engineering Disasters.November 29, 1999—Throughout history the same builders and engineers that paved man's path out of the caves and into the modern world also caused some of mank
46. S06E46Niagara PowerDecember 8, 1999—An exploration of the rich history of one of the world’s greatest technological achievements–the harnessing of power from Niagara Falls. Fro
47. S06E47Casino TechnologyDecember 13, 1999—Place your bets and join us for an exciting spin through the history of the casino. We’ll go behind the neon lights, free drinks, and 24-hou
48. S06E48Lost MarvelsDecember 14, 1999—The very spirit that drives man to dream up ever more fantastic creations can also conceive changes that destroy old treasures. We look at g

Season 6 ranked & reviewed

1. S07E01The City Beneath Our FeetJanuary 3, 2000—Beneath every modern city, hidden by manhole covers, drains, and ventilation grates – lies a labyrinth of tunnels, wires, conduits and pipes
2. S07E02Tower BridgeJanuary 10, 2000—Join us as we span the history of one of the world’s most famous bridges, London’s Tower Bridge. The world’s largest bascule bridge (a count
3. S07E03The ChunnelJanuary 11, 2000—The challenge of linking Britain and France with a tunnel under the English Channel was both monumental and delicate. It took 18 months just
4. S07E04Space Stations.February 3, 2000—Join us on an out-of-this-world exploration of the history of long-duration life in space–from the first Soviet station to Skylab to Mir to
5. S07E05The PentagonMarch 27, 2001—The pentagon…The name alone conjures up an imposing image of American power and prestige. As the largest office building in the world, it se
6. S07E06Bridges.February 29, 2000—From amazing ancient Roman aqueducts and arch bridges, romantic Renaissance spans, 19th-century railroad crossovers, to monumental marvels o
7. S07E07PrisonsMarch 6, 2000—“All hope abandon, ye who enter here!” This sentiment has permeated the masonry and clanging bars of prisons built throughout the ages. We’l
8. S07E08Great InventionsMarch 16, 2000—Join us for a survey of the world’s greatest inventions in which we examine the wheel, steam engine, railroad, automobile, airplane, printin
9. S07E09Office WondersMarch 14, 2000—Don’t look now, but your office is a technological marvel. From the humble paper clip to the revolutionary personal computer, your desk is a
10. S07E10Police TechnologyMarch 15, 2000—When police forces were born in the 1800s, British “bobbies” made due with a billy club. Public wariness and institutional resistance to cha
11. S07E11Disaster TechnologyApril 17, 2000—An examination of the historical development of technological tools that help science mitigate nature’s fury. It’s a survival story that beg
12. S07E12ConcreteMay 8, 2000—Modern Marvels explores how the basic formula of cement, aggregate and water has changed the world. Concrete has enabled us to create every
13. S07E13Camping TechnologyMay 25, 2000—As camping technology develops, it provides greater access to diverse outdoor environments. The earliest camping technology was developed ou
14. S07E14Private PlanesMay 31, 2000—The plane’s on the runway and revving up for our flight of power and whimsy. The panorama reveals some amazing machines–from vintage aircraf
15. S07E15Race CarsJune 6, 2000—Today, race cars tear up the tracks at 300 m.p.h. Computers and space-age composite materials are as much as part of racing as the drivers.
16. S07E16TrafficJune 12, 2000—In less than a century, the world went from dirt tracks to highways, from propeller planes to space travel, from sailboats to supertankers.
17. S07E17BusesJune 19, 2000—The most opulent are wheeled luxury liners with satellite TV and hot tubs–a far cry from the first bus, an 8-passenger carriage! Watch a bus
18. S07E18Gold Mines.June 22, 2000—Around the world and across the eons, gold stands as a symbol of power, wealth, and love. The quest for the yellow metal took men across oce
19. S07E19Banks.July 27, 2000—Backbones of worldwide economics, for centuries banks enabled the creation of wealth, and industry leaders became icons. But modern technolo
20. S07E20The Erie CanalJuly 31, 2000—The Erie Canal was America’s first superhighway. It was a narrow ribbon of water carved through sheer rock and untamed wilderness. It featur
21. S07E21TrucksAugust 3, 2000—Icons of the open road, trucks form the backbone of the construction and transportation industries. The facility to handle nearly any load a
22. S07E22Aswan DamAugust 14, 2000—In 1954, Gamal Abdel Nasser, the Arab Republic of Egypt’s first prime minister, had a plan to bring his poor country into the 20th century.
23. S07E23China's Great DamAugust 22, 2000—When completed, China’s Three Gorges Dam will tower 607 feet in the air and weigh 40 Great Pyramids. Other than China’s Great Wall, it will
24. S07E24The Maginot LineSeptember 10, 2000—The Maginot Line, a defensive string of large and small forts built during the years between World War I and World War II, was intended to f
25. S07E25Video Games: Behind The FunSeptember 12, 2000—A fun-filled glimpse into the not so distant history of video games. Since inception, the gaming industry has been a driving force in comput
26. S07E26The Body ShopSeptember 17, 2000—Host Ron Hazelton and two mechanics dissect a 2000 Ford Taurus to trace the evolution of the automobile’s major systems. This 2-hour nuts-an
27. S07E27Machine ToolsOctober 9, 2000—No one wants a hand-made car or gun or an airplane. We want things made by machines. Machine tools are power–driven machines–of all shapes a
28. S07E28Farming TechnologyOctober 15, 2000—The US agricultural process, from seed to shelf, is so efficient that most people don’t think much about it. But food growing and processing
29. S07E29Assembly LinesOctober 16, 2000—According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, an assembly line is an “industrial arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers for continuous
30. S07E30Suez CanalOctober 17, 2000—Since the ancient pharaohs’ time, the Isthmus of Suez has been the gateway to trade between East and West. It’s thought that the pharaohs co
31. S07E31London UndergroundOctober 18, 2000—Deep beneath London runs a complex network of many miles of tunnels; and, while traffic congests the roads above, hundreds of trains run thr
32. S07E32Combat Training.October 19, 2000—Sign up at the ultimate survival school, where soldiers learn to kill or be killed, and learn how 21st-century warriors are training today f
33. S07E33Remote Operated VehiclesOctober 25, 2000—Remotely operated vehicles allow us to explore the mysteries of inner and outer space, provide firsthand glimpses of the horrors of nuclear
34. S07E34Death DevicesNovember 2, 2000—Since the creation of the first laws, societies have demanded the ultimate punishment for certain capital crimes. Throughout history it has
35. S07E35Power Plants.November 6, 2000—Mankind controls the environment in a variety of ways, whether by capturing the force of a river, harnessing the power in coal or oil, contr
36. S07E36Inventions of War.November 8, 2000—Arising from the horrible carnage, deprivation, and suffering caused by war is a countless array of everyday items–from hairbrushes to micro
37. S07E37Plumbing: The Arteries Of CivilzationNovember 14, 2000—Join us as we take a peek at the plumbing hiding behind your walls and snaking under the floors of your house. We’ll also meet the plumbing
38. S07E38Line of DefenseDecember 5, 2000—Fortification evolved as man tried to defend his territory from attack. From fenced-in hills to walled cities to impenetrable forts, strongh
39. S07E39GadgetsMarch 13, 2000—Close cousins to machines and tools, gadgets are mechanical or electronic devices that make life a bit easier. While they don't always fall

Season 7 ranked & reviewed

1. S08E01Battle Gear.January 8, 2001—From battle armor to bubble gum, you might be surprised by what soldiers have carried into battle–and what they'll carry in future wars. In
2. S08E02Proving GroundsJanuary 16, 2001—Where can you fire a missile without scaring the neighbors? Or lift millions of pounds in pursuit of a couple of ounces of gold? On a provin
3. S08E03Commercial JetsJanuary 22, 2001—Commercial Jets traces the evolution of commercial aviation from the stumbling beginnings of the De Havilland Comet to the wide-body rocket
4. S08E04Apollo 13January 29, 2001—The Apollo 13 mission was intended to be a “routine” trip to the moon. But when an oxygen tank exploded, the spacecraft was crippled and its
5. S08E05Survival TechnologyFebruary 7, 2001—In an historic survey of man’s adaptation to killer environmental conditions, we travel to the desert, the Arctic, the sea, jungle, and spac
6. S08E06Chesapeake Bay Bridge and TunnelFebruary 12, 2001—Named one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern age, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel connects Virginia proper with its eastern
7. S08E07Garage GadgetsFebruary 22, 2001—The household garage serves as the at-home sanctuary for the modern American male. Most men consider themselves to be “handy around the hous
8. S08E08Construction MachinesMarch 1, 2001—Feel the earth move under your feet and dig into the fascinating story of earthmoving equipment–from the simple spade to today’s powerful st
9. S08E09Hadrian's WallMarch 12, 2001—Leonard Nimoy hosts half hour documentaries which explore unusual natural and supernatural phenomena. In this episode, he takes a look at Ha
10. S08E10Monster Trucks.March 19, 2001—Ride shotgun in our rollicking history of the Monster Truck, and meet the father of the mythic beast, Bob Chandler, whose EM Bigfoot /EM gav
11. S08E11LighthousesApril 11, 2001—From the earliest known lighthouses, such as the Pharos of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, to modern-day automate
12. S08E12ComputersApril 16, 2001—From colossal devices designed to save the world to mind-expanding, world-shrinking machines, we trace the evolution of mice and menus. Lear
13. S08E13Engineering Disasters 3.May 7, 2001—When design flaws fell projects, the cost is often exacted in lives as we see in this look at engineering disasters. Why did the Tower of Pi
14. S08E14Chemical And Biological WeaponsMay 14, 2001—This episode of Modern Marvels examines the history and technology of chemical and biological warfare, which can be traced back at least fou
15. S08E15International Airports IIMay 21, 2001—In this history of international airports, we focus on several airports to illustrate the developments and technology of their construction
16. S08E16Codes.June 8, 2001—Whenever a culture reaches a level of sophistication in literacy, science, and language, codes spring up spontaneously. As the social life o
17. S08E17The M-16June 11, 2001—The most powerful assault rifle ever used in combat, the M-16 became the symbol of our lost war–Vietnam–and can easily be called America’s m
18. S08E18The ColosseumJune 19, 2001—Modern Marvels brings the heart of the Roman Empire back to life through the rich history of this famous amphitheater. Built in 70 AD, the R
19. S08E19The World Trade CenterJune 25, 2001 10.0An historical look at the technological engineering of the World Trade Center. The special was completed and the interviews took place befor
20. S08E20Hardware StoresJune 26, 2001—Modern Marvels explores the evolution and future of the things that hold our world together. From the blacksmith to the Home Depot, it’s the
21. S08E21SaloonsJune 27, 2001—From a computerized liquor-dispensing system in modern L.A., to a ladle and a tin cup in an 1850′s mining camp, MODERN MARVELS investigates
22. S08E22More GadgetsJuly 24, 2001—A salute to the tools and toys that have stood the test of time–from the Zippo lighter to the Palm Pilot, the 21st century’s first great gad
23. S08E23Cattle RanchesJuly 25, 2001—From the 19th century’s legendary cattle drives to the million-acre ranch kingdoms that sprang to life with the end of the Open Range to 21s
24. S08E24Cannons.August 21, 2001—Cannons have fired balls of iron and atomic bombs, changed the way wars are fought, and now come equipped with smart weapons. Beginning with
25. S08E25Nuclear SubsAugust 28, 2001—The most priceless jewels in the arsenals of a handful of countries, some nuclear submarines carry more firepower than all the bombs dropped
26. S08E26Air ShowsSeptember 4, 2001—From barnstormers to Blue Angels, antique aircraft to supersonic jets, each year there are an astonishing 425 air shows in America alone, en
27. S08E27West PointSeptember 11, 2001—For nearly 200 years, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, has trained students in the art of war. Located 50 miles north of N
28. S08E28Quarries.September 18, 2001—Dynamite explodes hills to bits, drills divide sheer stone walls, 400,000-pound blocks are pulled from pits by giant cranes, and men work ar
29. S08E29Diamond MinesSeptember 19, 2001—Half a mile below the earth’s surface, men mine for rough diamonds–a pure carbon substance. Brilliant when cut and polished, they are market
30. S08E30The HouseOctober 15, 2001—If walls could speak…And in the next two hours they will, as we build a house literally from the ground up, step by step, room by room. We’l
31. S08E31Work ClothesOctober 16, 2001—From the riveted blue jeans of the old ’49ers, working the gold mines of California, to the million-dollar suits astronauts wear in outer sp
32. S08E32Bunkers.October 17, 2001—From the earliest bunkers of WWI through the ultra-futuristic ones of tomorrow's wars, we trace the story of defensive fortifications. In th
33. S08E33Cemeteries.October 23, 2001—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 percent taking the long g
34. S08E34War GamesOctober 24, 2001—Modern Marvels looks at how army maneuvers have changed from simple “hide and seek” games to extremely complex and sophisticated operations
35. S08E35Drive-ThruNovember 13, 2001—Join us for a ride through the history of car-culture commerce from the first gas station to the drive-thru funeral parlors and wedding chap
36. S08E36Times SquareNovember 27, 2001—The Crossroads of the World, New York City’s Times Square is the screaming marketplace of our culture and time. It’s urban life pushed to th
37. S08E37Los AngelesNovember 29, 2001—Unruly and eclectic, Los Angeles is home to an array of engineering and construction marvels that rivals any city in the world. No single wo
38. S08E38GlassNovember 30, 2001—Glass may be our most versatile material. It sheathes skyscrapers, contains liquids, aids vision, allows communication at unimaginable speed
39. S08E39Firing RangesDecember 1, 2001—Discover how military and police personnel, as well as private citizens, hone their shooting skills with one of the oldest of training techn
40. S08E40The St. Louis ArchDecember 4, 2001—It is a majestic structure that rises boldly over the Mississippi river–40,000 tons of steel and concrete that create the biggest arch of it

Season 8 ranked & reviewed

1. S09E01Breweries.January 2, 2002—From Pilgrim brew masters to early commercial ventures to today's monolithic corporations, we'll imbibe American beer's long history, focusi
2. S09E02War Planes of World War IIJanuary 17, 2002—Flight was born in America at the turn of the 20th century. But WWII saw more planes built in a single year–300,000–than had been built in t
3. S09E03The WinchesterJanuary 28, 2002—Winchester…the name still evokes images of the Wild West and the taming of the frontier–it was the first reliable repeating rifle and settle
4. S09E04Big Rigs of Combat: Tanks and JeepsJanuary 29, 2002—The rousing story of the tank, from its primitive appearance in WWI to the high-tech world of modern tank warfare, with emphasis on the tank
5. S09E05Tunnels of Vietnam.January 30, 2002—Here is the heroic story of a intrepid band of infantry soldiers, the "Tunnel Rats", charged with a daring mission–to search for, find, and
6. S09E06HelicoptersJanuary 31, 2002—From the early “egg beaters” of World War II to the “flying tanks” of Operation Desert Storm, we’ll fly aboard one of the most agile and pot
7. S09E07Private JetsFebruary 1, 2002—From today’s ultra chic, state-of-the-art private jets to Lockheed’s 1957 Jetstar, this 2-hour special investigates the history, the luxury,
8. S09E08James Bond Gadgets.February 19, 2002—His movies are legend, his women beautiful, and his toys the best in the world. Whether James Bond is foiling villains in space-age flying m
9. S09E09Remote ControlFebruary 26, 2002—Press a button and you can soar in the sky, command a virtual pet, adjust the thermostat in your house while driving in your car, and, of co
10. S09E10Million Dollar TechMarch 5, 2002—For millennia, luxury toys have functioned as flashy instruments of affluence, authority, and identity and driven many kingly consumers to c
11. S09E11Pleasure BoatsMarch 12, 2002—As we power-up and unfurl the sails on a magical cruise through time, viewers meet the people who’ve devoted their lives to pleasure boating
12. S09E12Bulletproof.March 19, 2002—How do you stop a speeding bullet? From body armor to armored cars and trucks, we review the history of the race between the bullet and a su
13. S09E13Siege Machines.March 26, 2002—A look at siege machines that convert energy into mechanical force to go over, under, or through fortified or fixed defenses too strong for
14. S09E14The JunkyardApril 9, 2002—It’s the place where one man’s trash is truly another man’s treasure. Enter the strange and mysterious world of the junkyard, where many pie
15. S09E15The F-14April 16, 2002—October 7, 2001: Missiles from lethal U.S. jets rain down onto Afghanistan. One powerful and deadly plane led the majority of the assaults–t
16. S09E16EnginesApril 18, 2002—Story of the development of engines and motors, with particular emphasis on the ones that have profoundly changed society. Beginning with th
17. S09E17The MagnumMay 7, 2002—It’s known as the most powerful handgun in the world, made famous by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry movies. But its origins stretch back
18. S09E18The WheelMay 14, 2002—Spinning your wheels isn’t just going around in circles. In fact, it’s revolutionary–literally. The history of civilization has turned on th
19. S09E19Star CityMay 21, 2002—Star City, the Gagarin Center for Training Cosmonauts, was established by the former Soviet Union in the 1960s as a school for the future co
20. S09E20Ice BreakersJune 2, 2002—They are the toughest ships in the water, plowing headlong into one of nature’s hardest obstacles. Modern icebreakers can smash through 10-f
21. S09E21Fire and Ice.June 4, 2002—Who could imagine life without our "man-made weather"? On cold winter nights and hot summer days, we are forever grateful to the visionaries
22. S09E22Muscle CarsJune 11, 2002—Pop open the hood, check out the carbs, and hear the engines roar as we journey back to a time when gas was cheap, emission controls non-exi
23. S09E23Axes, Swords and Knives.June 12, 2002—Blade implements have been a part of civilized man's arsenal since the Paleolithic Age, when sharp tools were chipped off of flint or obsidi
24. S09E24The World's Biggest Machines.June 18, 2002—Join us for a look at the biggest, heaviest, tallest, longest, meanest machines on the planet! We'll see what these monsters do and how they
25. S09E25Drag RacingJune 20, 2002—Legendary drivers lead us on a record-breaking race through a century-long search for sheer acceleration that began before World War One, wh
26. S09E26The Manhattan Project.June 25, 2002—At 5:30 a.m., July 16, 1945, scientists and dignitaries awaited the detonation of the first atomic bomb in a desolate area of the New Mexico
27. S09E27The Tackle BoxJuly 2, 2002—From ancient Egyptian fishing parties to today's high-tech bass tournaments, we untangle the fascinating technical history of man's quest to
28. S09E28Hunting Gear.July 8, 2002—They are lethal tools that ensured our survival, altered our evolution, and maintained our dominion over other animals. Though hunting techn
29. S09E29CamouflageJuly 15, 2002—From ancient hunters’ camouflage to computer-generated digital pattern uniforms, we uncover the past, present, and future of deception throu
30. S09E30ModelsJuly 16, 2002—Though they duplicate the real world for fun and fantasy, models are not always toys and they’re not always tiny. We explore the magic of th
31. S09E31HangarsJuly 23, 2002—Come in for a smooth landing as we explore the history of hangars–stark, massive structures that house and protect flight vehicles. We visit
32. S09E32Beach TechnologyJuly 24, 2002—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 everything from Japan’
33. S09E33The Big DigAugust 6, 2002—The Massachusetts Central Artery/Tunnel Project, a.k.a. The Big Dig, is the most amazing municipal construction project in U.S. history. Its
34. S09E34Super GunsAugust 8, 2002—They are the cutting edge in firearm technology. They fight simulated battles on computers, decades before a shot is fired. But will they ma
35. S09E35Strategic Air Command.August 13, 2002—With the ironic motto "Peace is our Profession", the Strategic Air Command was in charge of US nuclear forces from 1946 to 1992. SAC was the
36. S09E36GasolineAugust 14, 2002—Traces the history and evolution of the world’s most important fossil fuel. Without gasoline, modern life would grind to a halt. Americans u
37. S09E37Towing.August 15, 2002—Think you know towing? As simple as engaging a tow man when your car is stalled? From mighty tugboats that guide massive ships safely into p
38. S09E38Jet EnginesAugust 21, 2002—This program will tell the story of jet propulsion, which has radically transformed our world since it was first introduced near the end of
39. S09E39NordhausenAugust 27, 2002—It was the world’s largest underground factory–seven miles of tunnels built to manufacture Hitler’s secret weapons, primarily the V-2 rocket
40. S09E40War TrainsAugust 30, 2002—Examines how the great 19th-century peacetime invention developed into a powerful war machine, forever altering how, when, where, and why ba
41. S09E41Liberty Ships of World War IISeptember 10, 2002—Between 1941 and 1945, U.S. shipyards built more shipping tonnage than had been previously produced in the history of the world. American in
42. S09E42MagnetsSeptember 17, 2002—We played with them as children, but the world of magnets isn’t kid’s stuff! The pervasive magnet serves as the underpinning for much of mod
43. S09E43The Chrysler Building.September 18, 2002—The 1,046-foot Chrysler Building in New York City, erected between 1928 and 1930, was the world's tallest edifice–until the Empire State Bui
44. S09E44The AutobahnSeptember 20, 2002—Imagine a superhighway designed for speed…thousands of miles of roadway unhindered by limits of any kind. Buckle up for safety as we take yo
45. S09E45Home TechSeptember 27, 2002—From the outhouse to the smart house, our lives have improved drastically in the last 150 years. Convenience and comfort have always been co
46. S09E46CranesOctober 8, 2002—One of the most useful machines ever created, the crane is a simple but important combination of the pulley and the lever. Though cranes hav
47. S09E47The Internet: Behind The WebOctober 9, 2002—Over 200-million people around the world use the Internet–yet no one owns or controls it. Its phenomenal usage puts it on a par with the pri
48. S09E48Sherman TanksOctober 10, 2002—An exciting series that takes viewers into the heart of action as it focuses on a particular machine from WWII, beginning with the story of
49. S09E49Great Train DisastersOctober 22, 2002—Throughout railroad history, disasters lay at the heart of progress since expansion and profit proved the main goals of management. In 1875
50. S09E50Secret Life Of The Crash Test DummyOctober 28, 2002—The crash test dummy, patron saint of vulnerable motorists, has become a modern icon and is a potent symbol of safety in a risk-obsessed age
51. S09E51High Tech SexOctober 29, 2002—Join us for a walk on the wild side of the history of sexual enhancement and contraception–from Cleopatra’s box of buzzing bees to 17th-cent
52. S09E52The SpitfireOctober 30, 2002—Designed in 1935 by R.J. Mitchell, the Supermarine Spitfire was a revolutionary fighter plane, which proved to be more than a match for its
53. S09E53GarbageNovember 6, 2002—Modern Marvels examines the ever-changing nature of trash, the history of our efforts to dispose of unwanted material, and the evolving tech
54. S09E54More Bond GadgetsNovember 7, 2002—He’s everyone’s favorite spy, the man with a woman in every port and a gadget in every pocket! No villain is too strong, no situation too to
55. S09E55LimosNovember 13, 2002—Limousines have been stretched to greater and greater lengths–as has the notion of what can be done inside them! You can have a rolling disc
56. S09E56Digi-TechNovember 15, 2002—DVD, CD, PDA, HDTV, PVR–they are the ultimate in “gotta have it” gadgets and gizmos and “to die for” technology that populate a digital worl
57. S09E57Salt MinesDecember 2, 2002—It’s the only rock we eat – a priceless commodity essential to our very survival. It has over 14,000 uses – from de-icing our roads to soft
58. S09E58Concept CarsDecember 3, 2002—They were pure fantasy on wheels, machines designed to make the heart race and the mind ask…what if? Explore the world of 1950s concept cars
59. S09E59RunwaysDecember 4, 2002—What do you think about when you gaze out the window as your plane takes off? Probably not about the least heralded part of our infrastructu
60. S09E60Failed Inventions.December 5, 2002 7.0Join us for a salute to the dreamers and schemers who brought the world an odd assortment of flawed ideas–like flying, swimming, and jet-pow

Season 9 ranked & reviewed

1. S10E01Trans-Siberian RailroadJanuary 1, 2003—It’s the longest, most expensive and complicated railroad ever built. Ordered by the Czar in an effort to save his empire and unify his coun
2. S10E02Castles & DungeonsJanuary 7, 2003—Some of the most imposing structures ever built, medieval castles withstood both bloody assaults and the test of time. Designed like machine
3. S10E03Ice Road TruckersJanuary 30, 2003—Based on the book Denison’s Ice Road by Edith Iglauer, the episode detailed the treacherous job of driving trucks over frozen lakes, also kn
4. S10E04Winter WarriorsJanuary 31, 2003—Traces the story of the U.S. Army’s legendary 10th Mountain Division. They were formed after WWII began, specifically to fight in high, rugg
5. S10E05Booby TrapsFebruary 4, 2003—All it takes to set off a booby trap is an unsuspecting victim lifting, moving, or disturbing a harmless-looking object. Booby traps continu
6. S10E06The Alcan HighwayFebruary 11, 2003—Today, vacationers travel from British Columbia north through the Yukon Pass on their way to Fairbanks, Alaska, thanks to one 2-lane roadway
7. S10E07Twin Towers of the EastMarch 4, 2003—Rising almost 1,500 feet high, the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia were named the world’s tallest in 1996 by the Council on Tall Buildings.
8. S10E08The Mackinac BridgeMarch 5, 2003—Until recently, the Mackinac Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. One of the top engineering marvels of the 20th century,
9. S10E09Bullet TrainsMarch 11, 2003—Traveling between 135 and 190 miles per hour with an astonishingly high safety record, bullet trains can be found throughout Europe, Japan,
10. S10E10Non-Lethal WeaponsMarch 13, 2003—They stun, debilitate, immobilize–providing police and peacekeepers with options other than shouting or shooting. From the ancient caltrop–a
11. S10E11Space StationsMarch 14, 2003—
12. S10E12Army Corps of EngineersMarch 18, 2003—Made up of soldiers and civilians, scientists and specialists in an enormous variety of fields, the US Army Corps of Engineers was created o
13. S10E13Black Hawk: Night StalkerMarch 26, 2003—For over 20 years, the Black Hawk has been the U.S. Army’s front-line utility helicopter for air assault, air cavalry, and medical evacuatio
14. S10E14Japanese Guns of WWIIMarch 26, 2003—As Japan bombed its way into the Pacific during WWII, Imperial soldiers carried pride, a sense of invincibility, and an arsenal of clumsy an
15. S10E15Titanic TechApril 1, 2003—Welcome aboard the luxury liner Titanic, the world’s largest ship and pride of the White Star Line. Watertight compartments and a steel-plat
16. S10E16Coal MinesApril 2, 2003—Coal–the fuel responsible for more than half the electricity used daily. We unearth the amazing technological advances that have led to toda
17. S10E17Secrets of the AcropolisApril 10, 2003—With a thrilling combination of dramatic reconstructions and 3-D animation, we step back in time to the Golden Age of Greece and the birth o
18. S10E18Machine GunsApril 30, 2003—
19. S10E19Ball Turret GunnersMay 1, 2003—In war, certain missions demand the most and constitute much of the legends of bravery. Journey back to the Second World War when fearless a
20. S10E20U.S. Guns of World War IIMay 8, 2003—
21. S10E21MiG 15May 10, 2003—After World War I, Russia began building its most prolific aircraft, the MiG line. MiG pilots fought with distinction in WWII, but the MiG h
22. S10E22T-34: Russian VictoryMay 10, 2003—Born out of a desperate need to defend the Motherland, Stalin enlisted the ideas of an American engineer, J. Walter Christie, to develop in
23. S10E23Tank CrewsMay 15, 2003—During WWII, American tank crews duked it out with Nazi Panzers in a high-explosive duel to the death. The German tanks had thicker armor an
24. S10E24Harley-DavidsonMay 21, 2003—From humble beginnings in the Davidson family garage to one of the world's most famous companies and a marketing juggernaut, Harley-Davidson
25. S10E25Torture DevicesMay 22, 2003—For more than 3,000 years, emperors and generals, dictators and police, criminals, clerics, and even medical doctors have created and used a
26. S10E26CosmodromeMay 26, 2003—The story of Russia’s “Crown Jewels”, the finest rocket engines in the world, built under conditions of absolute secrecy to land a man on th
27. S10E27ExterminatorJune 3, 2003—In a raging war for control of Earth, occupying forces buzz and skitter, with some out to draw blood! Termites, mosquitoes, rats, mice, ants
28. S10E28Million Dollar GunsJune 7, 2003—They are the treasures of a select few. Each holds a story of human triumph…epic pagentry or desperate tragedy…cast forever in iron, steel,
29. S10E29High VoltageJune 24, 2003—Look closely at those tall metal towers that span the country and you might see tiny specks climbing up the soaring steel like spiders on an
30. S10E304x4June 22, 2003—In this full immersion journey through the world of maximum off-roading, learn what it’s like to blow the carbon out of your system as we tr
31. S10E31Dangerous CargoJune 25, 2003—Toxic traffic is everywhere! An average of 800,000 shipments of hazardous materials hit our highways and railways daily. From Wild West wood
32. S10E32GunslingersJune 26, 2003—
33. S10E33More Engineering DisastersJuly 2, 2003—
34. S10E34Engineering Disasters 4July 2, 2003—Engineering disasters can result in personal tragedy, national humiliation, and economic ruin. But buried within their wreckage lie lessons
35. S10E35Nature Tech: TsunamisJuly 8, 2003—Among the most mysterious disasters, tsunamis–Japanese for “harbor waves”–claimed over 50,000 lives in the 20th century! Generated by offsho
36. S10E36Logging TechJuly 9, 2003—When Paul Bunyan cried "Timber!", he never foresaw today's cutting-edge, controversial industry that feeds a ravenous, lumber-crazy world–a
37. S10E37Breaking the Sound BarrierJuly 16, 2003—For decades, the sound barrier loomed as an impenetrable wall against manned flight that buffeted planes with shock waves as they approached
38. S10E38Car CrashesJuly 23, 2003—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 road has doubled, but
39. S10E39SandhogsJuly 23, 2003—Sandhogs work hundreds of feet down, where it is dark, damp, and dangerous, challenging nature’s awesome forces to drive tunnels through sol
40. S10E40ConvertiblesJuly 24, 2003—Topless, unobstructed–the convertible completely transforms the driving experience and unlike any other car, sets the driver free. During th
41. S10E41Loading DocksJuly 30, 2003—Each day ships, trains, trucks, and planes haul supplies that keep store shelves full and factories moving. At every stop there’s a loading
42. S10E42Terror Tech: MilitaryAugust 5, 2003—The chance of enemy confrontation by sea, tank, or air battle is small, but terrorist networks operating in the shadows will likely challeng
43. S10E43Nature Tech: TornadoesAugust 5, 2003—How does technology grasp nature’s most violent, chaotic storm? For half a century, U.S. meteorologists have been building a countrywide sys
44. S10E44Military MoversAugust 6, 2003—The challenge: Move millions of soldiers and tons of cargo halfway around the world and into the thick of action. How? Use the biggest ships
45. S10E45Police GunsAugust 7, 2003—
46. S10E46Terror Tech: Defending the HighriseAugust 12, 2003—
47. S10E47BulletsAugust 13, 2003—From "safe" bullets that stop hijackers but leave aircraft unscathed to bullets that chain-saw through steel and "smart" bullets computer-pr
48. S10E48Aircraft CarrierAugust 15, 2003—From the earliest experiments in WWI to the technological wonders that ruled the sea and sky of the Middle East, George C. Scott chronicles
49. S10E49The Gunboats of VietnamAugust 18, 2003—It takes brave sailors to steer their gunboats into waters where larger ships cannot go. In this historic documentary, relive the dramatic r
50. S10E50MetalAugust 19, 2003—They constitute the very essence of the modern world; the cadence of our progress sounds in the measured ring of the blacksmith’s hammer. Fr
51. S10E51LandminesAugust 21, 2003—A major battlefield weapon since the American Civil War and the stuff of nightmares ever since, the civilian toll from landmines remains imm
52. S10E52Space Shuttle ColumbiaAugust 26, 2003—Combination rocket, spacecraft, and airplane, the space shuttle is the most complex vehicle ever built. Long before it ever flew, the shuttl
53. S10E53Overseas HighwaySeptember 3, 2003 9.0A spectacular roadway nearly 120 miles long, the Overseas Highway links mainland Florida with the Florida Keys, and contains 51 bridges, inc
54. S10E54Terror Tech: CivilianSeptember 8, 2003—Witness the construction of a terrorist-proof safe room. Discover how your windows might someday act as biological weapons detectors. Learn
55. S10E55Machu PicchuSeptember 24, 2003—The engineering marvel Machu Picchu sits perched on a ridge in the Peruvian Andes. Originally built by the Incas, this magnificent structure
56. S10E56The PT BoatsSeptember 24, 2003—Pound for pound, the small wooden Patrol Torpedo Boats of WWII were among the most powerful warships of all time. Daring PT vets recall why
57. S10E57The BattleshipsSeptember 24, 2003—General quarters! You’re going into battle aboard the century’s deadliest warships–the Dreadnought, Bismarck, Missouri, Yamato. Follow the 1
58. S10E58Early Machine GunsSeptember 26, 2003—The story of the birth and development of rapid fire weapons from the 14th century until the end of WWI–where on one terrible day the machin
59. S10E59Smart BombsSeptember 30, 2003—Precision-guided munitions, smart bombs were the media buzz of the first Gulf War and a major military and political driving force of the se
60. S10E60Lake Pontchartrain CausewayOctober 15, 2003 8.0In the land of Mardi Gras, jambalaya, and zydeco, exists an engineering marvel called the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway that seems to go on fo
61. S10E61Inviting Disaster 1: Three Mile IslandOctober 21, 2003—They make our lives more comfortable, more rewarding, and more secure. They are the magical machines that have brought us to the edge of the
62. S10E62The LuftwaffeOctober 22, 2003—What if the Nazis had held out and the war in Europe lasted until 1946? We’ll review the remarkable aircraft that Germany had in development
63. S10E63PanzersOctober 22, 2003—The story of a revolutionary breed of tank, a weapon whose speed and power would dominate European battlefields with a new kind of battle, t
64. S10E64U-BoatsOctober 25, 2003—They dominated the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the eastern coast of the U.S. They struck against Allied shipping with near impunity, holdi
65. S10E65Inviting Disaster 2: The KurskOctober 28, 2003—The amazing machines of human invention most often do our bidding with uncomplaining proficiency. But when they go wrong, they exact a terri
66. S10E66FBI's Crime LabOctober 29, 2003—To spearhead its fight against crime and terrorism in the 21st century, the FBI is relying on its $150 million-plus building, the new Crime
67. S10E67Inviting Disaster 3: Challenger and ColumbiaNovember 4, 2003—No program better symbolizes human mastery of machines than does the space shuttle. But the breakups of EM Challenger /EM and EM Columbia re
68. S10E68Inviting Disaster 4, Building FailuresNovember 4, 2003—Based on the popular book, this episode explores historical building collapses–from ancient pyramids to the Cathedral at Beauvais to Kansas
69. S10E69ShipyardsNovember 5, 2003—Shipyards are waterside construction sites where the extraordinary takes shape and where some of the largest tools built by humans help crea
70. S10E70Guns of the SkyNovember 7, 2003—Hop into the cockpit for a daring century-long ride through the history of aircraft weaponry–from the very first handgun fired from a biplan
71. S10E71Extreme TrucksNovember 12, 2003—Hop into the cab for the ride of your life as we examine extreme trucks, including: a jet truck that can travel 300 mph; the Baltimore Techn
72. S10E72Guns of InfamyNovember 17, 2003—
73. S10E73ET TechNovember 25, 2003—In 2003, with Mars closer to Earth than it had been in 60,000 years, scientists launched three life-seeking planetary landers. If the long j
74. S10E74Million Dollar CarsNovember 26, 2003—There is very little that collectors, historians and auctioneers agree about, but they do agree that a few passionate visionaries created a
75. S10E75The Technology of Lewis and ClarkApril 28, 2003—Explore the technology and survival techniques used by the men of Lewis and Clark on their landmark journey to the Pacific. From their 15-to
76. S10E76B-52: StratofortressNovember 28, 2003—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 miles, and ability
77. S10E77Extreme Sports GadgetsDecember 2, 2003—
78. S10E78Rolls RoyceDecember 2, 2003—The world’s most famous brand, Rolls Royce, is owned by the same company that makes Bentley, a luxury leader once known for its prowess on t
79. S10E79TailgatingDecember 3, 2003—At stadiums nationwide, thousands of football fans come together to show team spirit, eat incredible food, and join the community of tailgat
80. S10E80Wheel EstateDecember 3, 2003—Land Yachts, Portable Palaces, Corrugated Condos–whatever the name, travel trailers and RVs have become an American icon–the 20th century’s
81. S10E81Sports CarsDecember 4, 2003—Car aficionados rarely agree on what makes a true sports car, but they concede that in little over a hundred years, they went from crude to
82. S10E82Technology of Kitty HawkDecember 17, 2003—Two brainy bicycle makers…a remote North Carolina moonscape…and an impossible dream. On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright took wi
83. S10E83Egyptian PyramidsDecember 18, 2003—Constructed as tombs for the ancient pharaohs, over 100 pyramids remain in Egypt. Built during a span of well over 1,000 years, they stand a
84. S10E84The Berlin WallDecember 19, 2003—During the Cold War, the Berlin Wall stood as a forbidding barrier in an embattled world. Erected in August 1961, the Wall system stretched
85. S10E85ToysDecember 23, 2003—All aboard the nostalgia express as we take a trip through the past to enjoy toys of our youth–the ones we can't forget and those that some
86. S10E86Engineering Disasters 5December 30, 2003—Examines some of the most notorious engineering failures of recent years and asks what went wrong and what we learned from them. We take vie

Season 10 ranked & reviewed

1. S11E01Guns of the Russian MilitaryJanuary 16, 2004—Forged in Europe’s shadow, Russian small arms were once dismissed as crude copies. Often lacking the finish of Western counterparts, Russian
2. S11E02The F-15January 17, 2004—Built to put U.S. pilots back in charge of the skies, the F-15 Eagle proved its superiority in Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In
3. S11E03The SubmarinesJanuary 22, 2004—
4. S11E04Pacific Coast HighwayFebruary 4, 2004—For 25 years, construction crews dug, blasted, tunneled, and bridged their way up America's West Coast along the California, Oregon, and Was
5. S11E05Gangster GunsFebruary 12, 2004—
6. S11E06Ship of GoldFebruary 13, 2004—
7. S11E07Racetrack TechFebruary 18, 2004—A look at the “science of safety” as applied to Indy or NASCAR racing. From tires to roll-cages to hood flaps, we examine the incredible tec
8. S11E08Oil Fire FightingMarch 3, 2004—When a burning gusher shoots flames into the air, only a handful of men know how to snuff out the monster. Fighting fire with fire, they pla
9. S11E09Command CentralMarch 17, 2004—“Centcom” in Doha, Qatar represents everything a modern military command post can be with the most sophisticated military information system
10. S11E10Front Line ReportingMarch 19, 2004—In March 2003, embedded civilian correspondents rolled along with the U.S. military convoy as it invaded Iraq. Equipped with satellite and v
11. S11E11Nature's EngineersMarch 31, 2004—Towering skyscrapers buzzing with life, intricate tunnels connecting entire communities, mighty dams that tame the wildest rivers–this is co
12. S11E12Bible TechApril 7, 2004—Arguably the most influential book ever written, the Bible provides a glimpse into the origins of ancient technology and its uses. We examin
13. S11E13The Power GridApril 14, 2004—The largest manmade machine ever created, the electric power grid traverses the nation from California to Maine, Florida to Washington State
14. S11E14Bathroom TechApril 21, 2004—From tub to toilet to toothpaste, here's everything you ever wanted to know about the most used and least discussed room in the house. From
15. S11E15Engineering Disasters 6April 28, 2004—An in-depth look at the modern era's most complex, deadly, and controversial engineering failures. With the aid of 3-D animation, forensic e
16. S11E16F-18 HornetApril 30, 2004—One aircraft in the U.S. arsenal best typifies the will to win. Using the latest and most sophisticated computerized technology, the F-18 Ho
17. S11E17HydraulicsMay 12, 2004—The machines that helped build our world have been powered by hydraulics, a compact system of valves, hoses, and pumps that transmits forces
18. S11E18The Subs of WWIIMay 20, 2004—
19. S11E19Plane CrashesMay 26, 2004—When the most sophisticated machines fail, they do so horrifically, plunging to earth with a terrifying loss of life. From the beginning of
20. S11E20D-Day TechJune 3, 2004—Modern Marvels shines the spotlight on the array of inventions that made the epic invasion possible, telling the stories of their developmen
21. S11E21A-10 TankbusterJune 7, 2004—Nicknamed the 'Warthog', the A-10 Tankbuster is one of the U.S. military's most prolific air support fighters. Focuses on its design, produc
22. S11E22RubberJune 9, 2004—The story of rubber is more than tires, toys, gloves, and gum–it’s imbedded in modern life, from the controversial Challenger O-rings to sea
23. S11E23City WaterJune 15, 2004—When you tap your faucet does clean, pure water flow? Can your city supply enough water for industry, firefighting, and street cleaning? U.S
24. S11E24Greatest Movies GadgetsJune 17, 2004—Cars that fly and drive themselves. Spiffy spy tools that see under doors and through walls. Water “Harleys” that fly above and below the su
25. S11E25RobotsJuly 6, 2004—
26. S11E26Nuclear TechJuly 8, 2004—Nuclear research ranges from well-known applications, such as bombs and reactors, to little-known uses in medicine, food preparation, and ra
27. S11E27Apollo 11July 21, 2004—As mankind's greatest achievement of the 20th century, Apollo 11 stood as the apogee of science, exploration, flight, and technological prow
28. S11E28World War I TechJuly 30, 2004—The first bombing airplanes and widespread use of chemical weapons…earliest tanks…submarines. When Industrial-Age technology and war first m
29. S11E29DistilleriesAugust 4, 2004—From water and grain…to mash…still…vat…barrel and bottle–the distilling of alcoholic spirits is a big business and near-sacred religion. Its
30. S11E30Oil TankersAugust 11, 2004—The biggest moving objects ever built by man, oil tankers dominate the world’s waterways, both in size and numbers. Upwards of 10,000 strong
31. S11E31Athens SubwayAugust 18, 2004—Under Athens' bustling metropolis, an unique engineering project transformed the city, building a new underground Metro system, while uncove
32. S11E32Extreme AircraftAugust 25, 2004—Join us for a supersonic look at some of the most cutting-edge aircraft ever developed–from the X-1 that first broke the sound barrier to th
33. S11E33Engineering Disasters 7August 31, 2004—Engineers and architects reveal what went wrong in five engineering disasters, including Baldwin Hills Dam that suddenly gave way, spilling
34. S11E34George Washington BridgeSeptember 1, 2004—When opened on October 25, 1931, the George Washington Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Today, standing as a main traf
35. S11E35Building a Skyscraper: The SkeletonSeptember 7, 2004—What does it take to construct a building that will cover an entire city block? Try 13,000 tons of steel, 36,000 cubic yards of concrete, en
36. S11E36Building a Skyscraper: The ExteriorSeptember 6, 2004—For two years, we’ve followed construction of the new California Department of Transportation headquarters in downtown LA–a massive 700,000
37. S11E37Building a Skyscraper: The Human EnvironmentSeptember 7, 2004—In hour three of our crash course on mega-skyscraper construction, we learn about the human element and development of systems that make us
38. S11E38Building a Skyscraper: The ArteriesSeptember 7, 2004—For two years, we’ve followed the construction of the new California Department of Transportation headquarters in LA to learn the architectu
39. S11E39The Sears TowerSeptember 8, 2004—Some 23,000 people walk through the Sears Tower’s domed entrances daily. 104 elevators (some double-decker), moving at speeds up to 1,600 fe
40. S11E40St. Lawrence SeawaySeptember 15, 2004—The St. Lawrence Seaway is a monumental stairway in water, lifting massive ships hundreds of feet over thousands of miles. It’s the world’s
41. S11E41Guns of WWIISeptember 17, 2004—
42. S11E42St. Lawrence TechSeptember 22, 2004—
43. S11E43Police PursuitSeptember 22, 2004—Join us for a high-speed look at police pursuits in an adrenaline-filled hour focused on the history and evolution of the technologies that
44. S11E44SOS TechSeptember 28, 2004—A look at the technology that changed the serious game of Search and Rescue forever. At the mouth of Oregon’s Columbia River, we visit the C
45. S11E45More of the World's Biggest MachinesSeptember 29, 2004—The ultimate celebration of outsized equipment returns for a second sweep through a world where size is everything.
46. S11E46Firefighting: The Arson DetectivesSeptember 30, 2004—Meet crime fighters who take on fiery killers. In Houston, visit the site of a suspicious fire with Fire Marshall Lalo Torres as he turns as
47. S11E47Guns of IsraelOctober 1, 2004—One of the youngest and smallest nations, Israel has produced some of the world’s fiercest weapons. In 1952, shortly after its War of Indepe
48. S11E48Engineering Disasters 8October 5, 2004—Join us for a devastating but enlightening hour as we delve into complex and often-tragic engineering failures that have shaped our world. F
49. S11E49HarvestingOctober 6, 2004—Cutting, digging, picking, stripping, shaking, and raking–whatever the crop, there's a custom machine to harvest it. It all began with handp
50. S11E50Engineering Disasters 9October 12, 2004—What happens when the calculations of builders and engineers prove wrong and their constructs come tumbling down? In this episode, we examin
51. S11E51Guns of the Civil WarOctober 15, 2004—
52. S11E52Engineering Disasters 10October 19, 2004—Disasters investigated include: the 1984 Union Carbide debacle in Bhopal, India, where a toxic chemical release killed 3,800 people and left
53. S11E53Presidential MoversOctober 20, 2004—The vehicles that transport the President of the United States aren’t your ordinary planes, trains, and automobiles. They are top-secret. An
54. S11E54Gas TechOctober 20, 2004—Gas–it makes a balloon go up, cooks our food, and fills our lungs. But this invisible state of matter does far more, and has a very visible
55. S11E55Engineering Disasters 11October 26, 2004—Disasters profiled are a liquid natural gas explosion in Cleveland, the collapse of the Kansas City Hyatt walkway, flooding of the Yangtze R
56. S11E56The World's Longest BridgeOctober 27, 2004—Bridges are the lifeline of Japan. Since the 1930s, the island nation has dreamt of linking its many parts as a whole. But WWII diverted the
57. S11E57Japanese Sub at Pearl HarborOctober 28, 2004—The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was a move of unprecedented aggression that shook the U.S. out of its peaceful slumber and into WWII. Bu
58. S11E58M1 Abrams Supertank!October 29, 2004—Join us as we penetrate the history of the world’s most sophisticated tank–the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. In the most radical departure in
59. S11E59Engineering Disasters 12November 9, 2004—In Milwaukee, 104 died after drinking contaminated tap water. At Texas A&M;, a tradition turned tragic when a pile of bonfire logs collapsed
60. S11E60Surveillance TechNovember 10, 2004—In the world of surveillance, Big Brother is not only watching, he’s also listening, analyzing, recording, scanning, and tracking every aspe
61. S11E61Engineering Disasters 13November 16, 2004—In this hour, death seeps out of the ground into a neighborhood sitting on a toxic waste dump at Love Canal in New York; soldiers die during
62. S11E62Submarine DisastersNovember 17, 2004—When the men and women aboard a modern submarine hear the command to dive, they can take a measure of comfort in the fact that no US sub has
63. S11E63Engineering Disasters 14November 23, 2004—In this hour, we examine a massive oil tanker explosion that killed nine; a subway tunnel cave-in that swallowed part of Hollywood Boulevard
64. S11E64Movie TheatersNovember 24, 2004—
65. S11E65Washington MonumentDecember 1, 2004—The US capital boasts many memorials, but none with a more bizarre history than the obelisk erected to America's first president. Over 55 st
66. S11E66Engineering Disasters 15December 8, 2004—A series of construction errors causes a devastating flood that brings Chicago to a standstill. A deadly accident traps hundreds in a smoke-
67. S11E67Snack Food TechDecember 16, 2004—Extruders, molds, in-line conveyor belts. Are these machines manufacturing adhesives, plastics, or parts for your car? No, they're making tr
68. S11E68More Dangerous Cargo!December 21, 2004—It comes in many deadly shapes and sizes, and the transportation of dangerous cargo is one of the most meticulously planned procedures in th
69. S11E69Commercial FishingDecember 22, 2004—Battered and fried or simply raw–seafood is a popular dish, no matter how you serve it. Americans consume more than 5-billion pounds yearly,
70. S11E70Ancient Discoveries (1)December 22, 2004—
71. S11E71Ancient Discoveries (2)December 22, 2004—
72. S11E72Ancient Discoveries (3)December 22, 2004—
73. S11E73Engineering Disasters 16December 23, 2004—Chaos in Guadalajara, Mexico, when the city streets explode; an airplane crash outside of Paris that ranks as one of the worst in history; t
74. S11E74Doomsday TechDecember 28, 2004—Doomsday threats range from very real (nuclear arsenals) to controversial (global warming) to futuristic (nanotechnology, cyborgs, and robot
75. S11E75More Doomsday TechDecember 28, 2004—The second deadly hour examines more threats–both natural and manmade–that may endanger civilization. From the far reaches of space to tiny
76. S11E76The ComputerDecember 29, 2004—

Season 11 ranked & reviewed

1. S12E01PoisonJanuary 5, 2005—Since ancient times, man has tried to control the "devil's bounty"–deadly substances found throughout nature. Paradoxically, some of these l
2. S12E02Car Tech of the FutureJanuary 6, 2005—Engage the satellite navigation, fire-up the fuel cell, and activate the radar-guided cruise control! You’re in for the joyride of your life
3. S12E03The ArchJanuary 12, 2005—Join us as we explore the vast and varied world of the arch, one of the strongest and most versatile structures made by man. Deceptively sim
4. S12E04More Nature's EngineersJanuary 18, 2005—Think man is unique within the animal kingdom? You might not after this hour that features an amazing collection of earth's non-human inhabi
5. S12E05World's Biggest Machines 3January 26, 2005—Giant robots on the factory floor and in outer space. A floating fortress that's home to 6,000 military personnel, which is almost as long a
6. S12E06Blackbird StealthFebruary 4, 2005—Designed in the late 1950s by aeronautical genius Kelly Johnson at the mysterious Skunkworks, the SR-71 Blackbird was the world’s first stea
7. S12E07The ButcherFebruary 8, 2005—In a carnivorous world, a butcher is a necessary link in the food chain, carving a carcass of unsavory flesh into mouthwatering cuts. We tra
8. S12E08George Washington Carver TechFebruary 15, 2005—One of the 20th century’s greatest scientists, George Washington Carver’s influence is still felt. Rising from slavery to become one of the
9. S12E09Firefighting!: Extreme ConditionsFebruary 15, 2005—This episode of Modern Marvels examines the most extreme raging fires and the firefighters who tame them. The program features interviews wi
10. S12E10Desert TechFebruary 23, 2005—It’s hot, dry, deadly, and hard to ignore with close to 40% of Earth classified as desert. But in this scorching hour, the desert turns from
11. S12E11Sub ZeroFebruary 23, 2005—Come in from the cold while we explore some of Earth's most frigid places and examine how man copes with sub-zero climates. With the advance
12. S12E12The Great Bridge: 8 Miles of SteelFebruary 23, 2005—The Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco boasts more superlatives than any bridge on earth. Bridge builders of the depression era defied log
13. S12E13Howard Hughes TechFebruary 28, 2005—An in-depth look at the technology conceived or developed by America’s first billionaire. A passionate aviator, Howard Hughes built and flew
14. S12E14Edwards Air Force BaseMarch 2, 2005—Examine the colorful history of the premier flight test center, and America’s most important aviation facility for more than 60 years, Edwar
15. S12E15TaxidermyMarch 9, 2005—It began as a tool used by prehistoric man to attract animals to the hunt. Over time it became an invaluable study aid for the natural scien
16. S12E16SWATMarch 9, 2005—
17. S12E17Deadliest WeaponsMarch 16, 2005—In this fiery hour, we profile five of man's deadliest weapons, focusing on the inventors, battles, and dark technology behind their lethali
18. S12E18The Doomsday ClockApril 7, 2005—Developed in 1947 as an image to symbolize urgency in the Cold War and the threat of nuclear disaster, the mission of the Doomsday Clock has
19. S12E19The BasementApril 26, 2005—Venture down that creaky staircase to explore the most misunderstood room in the house! From Pompeii to Pittsburgh, the dark, cool, and forl
20. S12E20PaintApril 27, 2005—From the Impressionist canvas to the Space Shuttle…from customized hotrods to the brilliant orange hue of the Golden Gate Bridge or tiny ele
21. S12E21Mega MoversApril 27, 2005—
22. S12E22PunishmentApril 28, 2005—
23. S12E23BricksMay 11, 2005—The history of civilization has been built on the back of brick, and it’s been said that “architecture itself began when two bricks were put
24. S12E24GlueMay 18, 2005—It’s Super! It’s Krazy! And it can be found in everything from carpet to computers, books to boats, shoes to the Space Shuttle. It’s even us
25. S12E25F/A-22 RaptorMay 20, 2005—Built around “first look, first shot, first kill” design, the F/A-22 Raptor, the most advanced aircraft of its breed, is set to become the A
26. S12E26Civil War TechMay 25, 2005—America protects its homeland with the most technologically advanced military force ever conceived. Although they fight 21st-century battles
27. S12E27Machines of D-DayJune 3, 2005—June 6, 1944–the greatest machine of World War Two springs into action. It is made up of thousands of ships and aircraft, tens of thousands
28. S12E28John Hancock CenterJune 8, 2005—A steel giant standing 1,107 feet high on broad shoulders, this vertical city houses 1,200 people. Join us as we explore how a young archite
29. S12E29The Cape Cod CanalJune 15, 2005—In a battle against the ferocious Atlantic or safe passage through waters where ships wrecked and lives were lost, it was an engineering fea
30. S12E30Secret Japanese Aircraft of World War IIJune 16, 2005—In the 1930s, Japanese designers created a range of warplanes, culminating in the legendary Ki-43 Oscar and the A6M Zero. As the war turned
31. S12E31Future TechJune 22, 2005—A paper-thin, wall-sized holographic television…a car that runs on processed seawater…an army of robotic killing machines…outer-space luxury
32. S12E32Edison TechJune 28, 2005—He was the father of the future…electric lights, power systems, motion pictures, recorded sound–even the tattoo pen. Life as we know it woul
33. S12E33Secrets of Soviet Space DisastersJuly 1, 2005—SECRETS OF SOVIET SPACE DISASTERS is one of our century’s most shocking hidden stories. Since the end of communism much has come to light ab
34. S12E34Mountain RoadsJuly 5, 2005—Join our journey along monumental feats of engineering that preserved America's natural wonders while paving the way towards her future. Tra
35. S12E35Route 66July 6, 2005—Route 66, encompassing eight states from Illinois to California and 2,400 miles, represented an American myth–that something better lay over
36. S12E36Cowboy TechJuly 20, 2005—Today’s cowboy plants one boot firmly in the traditions of the Old West and the other in the world of modern technology. Beginning in the 19
37. S12E37SewersJuly 27, 2005—A simple flush and it’s forgotten. But haven’t you secretly wondered where it all goes when we go? Join us as we explore this less-than-poli
38. S12E38Challenger TankJuly 29, 2005—When this 60 tons of high-tech military hardware rumbles onto the battlefield at nearly 40 mph, there's nowhere for the enemy to hide. Behin
39. S12E39World's Biggest Machines 4August 2, 2005—An enormous hydraulic machine press that stamps out a pickup truck's doors in seconds... Rock crushers that pulverize 8000 tons of solid gra
40. S12E40DredgingAugust 3, 2005—They dig, scoop, suck, and spew an ocean of silt and sediment. Dredgers are the mechanical beasts that fuel the world's economic engine by c
41. S12E41Lube JobAugust 10, 2005—From chariot wheels of ancient Egypt to hard disks in a computer to the wheels on a Mars rover, machinery can’t function without lubricants.
42. S12E42Secret Luftwaffe Aircraft of World War IIAugust 17, 2005—German military aircraft designs were decades ahead of their Allied counterparts. To insure the Luftwaffe’s air superiority, Germany’s cutti
43. S12E43The World's FastestAugust 24, 2005—Perhaps no field has experienced the revolution in velocity more acutely than transportation. We look at five blazingly fast technological m
44. S12E44The B-2 Stealth BomberAugust 26, 2005—In any battle, the key to victory is the ability to strike the enemy without them knowing what hit them. Within the US arsenal one such weap
45. S12E45High Risk: Helicopter LinemanAugust 31, 2005—
46. S12E46Wiring AmericaAugust 31, 2005—We begin with electrical linemen perched precariously out a helicopter door, repairing 345,000-volt high-tension power lines. They are part
47. S12E47Nature Tech: LightningAugust 31, 2005—Since time immemorial, flashes of light have startled our senses and piqued our imagination. But it’s only in recent years that we’ve begun
48. S12E48HMS VictorySeptember 2, 2005—The HMS Victory would play a crucial role in the foremost naval engagement in 19th century maritime history, the battle of Trafalgar. This v
49. S12E49Engineering an Empire: RomeSeptember 13, 2005—
50. S12E50CoffeeSeptember 14, 2005—Traces the origins of this tasty drink from Ethiopia over 1,000 years ago to the espresso-fueled explosion of specialty coffee stores like S
51. S12E51SugarSeptember 14, 2005—The sugar industry came of age on the backs of slaves toiling in Caribbean fields, and British desire to control production of sugar and its
52. S12E52Cereal: History in a BowlSeptember 14, 2005—Move over pancakes, step aside bacon! Cereal is arguably the true breakfast king, a $9-billion industry with an indisputable place in pop-cu
53. S12E53F-117 Nighthawk StealthSeptember 22, 2005—The project was surrounded by secrecy and dogged by controversy from the very beginning. Starting in the late '70s, engineers at Lockheed's
54. S12E54German Small Arms of World War IISeptember 24, 2005—
55. S12E55The Auto StoreOctober 5, 2005—Need a car part or an accessory to give it personality? Since 1903, when Sears dedicated a portion of its catalog, the automotive after-mark
56. S12E56Secret Allied Aircraft of World War IIOctober 14, 2005—At WWII’s outset, US and UK military aircraft designs were woefully behind Germany’s and Japan’s technologically superior planes. But the ge
57. S12E57Engineering Disasters 17November 2, 2005—It’s another chapter of complex, deadly and controversial engineering failures, using 3-D animation, forensic engineering experts, and foota
58. S12E58BrewingNovember 16, 2005—It's one of the world's oldest and most beloved beverages–revered by Pharaohs and brewed by America's Founding Fathers. Today, brewing the b
59. S12E59The LumberyardNovember 30, 2005—At the center of the American Dream is the home–and at the center of its creation or renovation is the lumberyard. We'll explore the options
60. S12E60Da Vinci TechDecember 4, 2005—Nearly 500 years after his death, Leonardo da Vinci still intrigues us. Most people think of him as a great artist, but he was also a remark
61. S12E61Custom CarsDecember 5, 2005—For most of us, cars are an ordinary fixture of daily life. But then there are custom cars–literal labors of love. Supercharged hot rods, su
62. S12E62More HardwareDecember 6, 2005—The hardware store is the epicenter of the construction world for both the weekend handyman and professional builder. Many of the items foun
63. S12E63Weird Weapons: The AlliesDecember 17, 2005—
64. S12E64More Snack Food TechDecember 20, 2005—They crunch; they ooze; they crackle; they pop–mmmmm, yeah! Soft drinks, donuts, meat snacks, popcorn, and gum. What's your weakness? From t
65. S12E65Walt Disney WorldDecember 25, 2005—Journey underground and backstage at the technological marvel that is Walt Disney World. Enter a make-believe world spanning some 27,000 acr
66. S12E66Nature Tech: HurricanesDecember 29, 2005—They’re nature on a rampage. The size and intensity of hurricanes make them the most feared and destructive of all storms. Explore how hurri
67. S12E70Private CollectionsDecember 6, 2004—Priceless collections. Compilations devoted to with such passion, entire lives have been spent perfecting them. From rescued trash to treasu

Season 12 ranked & reviewed

1. S13E01ContainersJanuary 4, 2006—They hold just about everything we need, from condiments to cargo. Made of steel, aluminum, paper and glass, they protect and preserve. They
2. S13E02FireJanuary 11, 2006—Out of control it’s a monster with a voracious appetite. Properly harnessed it’s a force that has shaped our world. We’ve learned to create
3. S13E03CottonJanuary 18, 2006—Tune in as Modern Marvels looks into the history of cotton, a product used in hundreds of different products, from clothing to lipstick.
4. S13E04Engineering Disasters 18February 8, 2006—Modern Marvels shows more of the world's biggest engineering disasters. We look at faults in the U.S. Army's Stryker Light Armored Vehicle,
5. S13E05CandyFebruary 14, 2006—It pulls, stretches, bubbles, hardens, crunches, and melts! We eat about 7-billion tons of it yearly. We’re talking about Candy–loved by kid
6. S13E06Weird Weapons: The AxisFebruary 21, 2006—Examining unusual World War II weapons that were in the planning or testing stages for use by the Axis powers. Included: an assault rifle th
7. S13E07Nature Tech: AvalanchesFebruary 24, 2006—Examining unusual World War II weapons that were in the planning or testing stages for use by the Allies. Included: floating tanks; pigeon-g
8. S13E08Engineering Disasters: New OrleansFebruary 28, 2006—Modern Marvels examines the destruction Hurricane Katrina caused in New Orleans.
9. S13E09LeatherMarch 8, 2006—Made by the tanning of animal hides, leather has proven to be a versatile and important material. Without it, the Pilgrims may not have surv
10. S13E10Engineering Disasters 19March 22, 2006—More engineering disasters are profiled, including the sinking of SS Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975 in Lake Superior; two Boeing 737 crashes; a d
11. S13E11InsulationApril 26, 2006—Although quite simple in nature, insulation is a very important component in keeping our homes a comfortable temperature. In this episode, w
12. S13E12Hi-Tech HitlerMay 2, 2006—This is the true story of the scientific feats and failures of Hitler's Nazi Germany.
13. S13E13ShovelsMay 3, 2006—Man has always had a need to move large amounts of earth. In this episode, we profile the technological advances which have allowed shovels
14. S13E14DrillingMay 10, 2006—The program features the quest to drill the deepest hole ever and the scientific drill ship expected to perform the feat, and also looks at
15. S13E1580s TechMay 24, 2006—Remember “brick” cell phones, Pac-Man, Rubik’s Cube, Sony Walkman, and the first music CDs? Remember all the new and exciting gadgets of the
16. S13E16Ben Franklin TechMay 25, 2006—One of the most prodigious American inventors, Ben Franklin is credited for creating things like the lightning rod, the armonica, the Frankl
17. S13E17Copper KingsJune 12, 2006—More than a century ago two men controlled nearly all of U.S. copper production, transforming Butte, Montana from a washed-up gold-mining ca
18. S13E18Heavy MetalsJune 14, 2006—They are elements that occupy a select portion of the periodic table and are so essential to America's economic and military might that they
19. S13E19MoneyJune 19, 2006—Visit the United States Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for an inside look into the government facilities where U.S. legal ten
20. S13E20BBQ TechJune 28, 2006—An old-fashioned style of cooking, barbecue has evolved into a modern food craze and spawned a multi-billion dollar industry. We digest famo
21. S13E21American Eats SpecialJuly 2, 2006—
22. S13E22High ExplosivesJuly 3, 2006—Since the creation of black powder in China centuries ago, explosives have been decisive on the battlefield. Follow their incendiary story f
23. S13E23Pirate TechJuly 12, 2006—Bold, cunning, and audacious, pirates are a breed of fighting men and women who have terrorized the high seas since before recorded history.
24. S13E24Boneyard: Where Machines End Their LivesJuly 26, 2006—Where do machines go when they die? From B-52 Bombers to massive aircraft carriers, from passenger cars to Cold War cruise missiles and remn
25. S13E25World's Biggest Machines 5July 26, 2006—Join us for another look at big machines. At NASA's Ames Research Center, we visit the world's biggest wind tunnel, part of the National Ful
26. S13E26Super Tools: SkyscraperJuly 28, 2006—Skyscrapers are an extraordinary feat of human engineering: exposing millions of pounds of concrete and steel to the enemy forces of wind an
27. S13E27The AK-47July 28, 2006—The development of the deadly Avtomat Kalashnikova, 1947, known as the AK-47, is discussed by its inventor, Mikhail Kalashnikov, who talks a
28. S13E28NutsAugust 2, 2006—Pintsized as a pea or big as a bowling ball, nutritional, durable, and versatile, nuts have been a staple of the human diet since time began
29. S13E29Classic CarsAugust 3, 2006—
30. S13E30Making Medieval ArmorAugust 3, 2006—
31. S13E31Rube GoldbergAugust 3, 2006—
32. S13E32BatteriesAugust 3, 2006—Mixtures of metals and caustic chemicals that make our tech, tools and toys surge with energy.
33. S13E33Mummy TechAugust 23, 2006—After thousands of years, Egyptian mummies are speaking from the grave. With the use of state-of-the-art computer tomography scanning we exp
34. S13E34LeveesAugust 30, 2006—From collapsing floodwalls in New Orleans to high-tech mechanical storm surge barriers in Europe, we'll explore the 2,500-year history of ke
35. S13E35WaterSeptember 6, 2006—Water, the most needed substance for life, so powerful it can carve our landscape, yet so nurturing it can spawn life and support its intric
36. S13E36The Cola WarsSeptember 7, 2006—Coke vs Pepsi for world supremacy. Each year, Americans consume more soft drinks than tap water. Available in nearly 200 countries, Coca-Col
37. S13E37CopperSeptember 13, 2006—It transports electricity, water, and heat. It brings music to our ears and beauty to our eyes. Copper--its impressive traits, long history,
38. S13E38ShotgunsSeptember 17, 2006—The first specialized gun, the British upper-class used it to shoot birds and small game for sport. The shotgun took on a variety of roles,
39. S13E39Building In The Name Of GodSeptember 18, 2006—The greatest religious structures are marvels of engineering, technology, and invention, representing not only the glory of God, but also th
40. S13E40HorsepowerSeptember 20, 2006—Buckle up for a rip-roaring ride through the world of extreme horsepower. Experience the fastest accelerating cars on earth. Find out how ho
41. S13E41Renewable EnergySeptember 20, 2006 9.0Take an in-depth look at the most proven and reliable sources: solar, wind, geothermal, biofuels, and tidal power. From the experimental to
42. S13E42Freight TrainsSeptember 20, 2006—Explore the history of freight transportation from its humble beginnings as tramways in mines to complex system of rails that stretches to e
43. S13E43Cities of the UnderworldSeptember 21, 2006—Teamed with leading archeologists and experts, peel back the layers of the past--to reveal a hidden history that hasn't seen the light of da
44. S13E44Atlantic Intracoastal WaterwaySeptember 26, 2006—The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is comprised of a system of canals, land cuts, and a series of natural and artificial barrier islands, wh
45. S13E45Stealth & Beyond: Air StealthSeptember 27, 2006—They are the swarthy eagles of the sky: Past, present, and future advances in stealth military aircraft.
46. S13E46Stealth & Beyond: Sea StealthSeptember 27, 2006—It's one thing to make a 60-foot-long jet aircraft seem invisible, but quite another to hide a 400-foot-long warship from the prying eyes of
47. S13E47InkOctober 4, 2006—Invented by the Chinese in about 3000BC, it spread the word of God and war. It set us free and spelled out our rights. It tells stories, sel
48. S13E48Distilleries 2October 11, 2006—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 celebrated, the distil
49. S13E49World's StrongestOctober 18, 2006—Strength...a powerful word, but what does it mean? How is it measured? Why are some things simply stronger than others. How strong is a rope
50. S13E50Tomcat SunsetNovember 1, 2006—Hosted by Terry Deitz, a former Tomcat pilot, this special explores the legacy of one of the greatest fighter jets ever built. Witness first
51. S13E51TobaccoNovember 8, 2006—Discovered around 18,000 years ago, tobacco was first cultivated in the Andes between 5000 and 3000 B.C. At a modern tobacco farm in North C
52. S13E52The SupermarketNovember 15, 2006—Our basic need and desire for food has made the supermarket one of the great success stories of modern retailing. Making customers' visits t
53. S13E53Breakfast TechNovember 28, 2006—It slices and squeezes, sorts and sizes, mixes and cooks. Every morning we count on it to keep our orange juice fresh, our eggs whole, our c
54. S13E54WineNovember 29, 2006—A glass a day is said to keep the doctor away. A defeated Napoleon drowned his sorrows in it; Thomas Jefferson became obsessed with it. Wine
55. S13E55Harvesting 2November 29, 2006—In America's orchards and farm fields, the constant struggle between hand labor and mechanization has produced dozens of efficient and somet
56. S13E56Engineering Disasters 20December 6, 2006—In March of 2005, the BP Refinery in Texas City, Texas, suffered a series of explosions that decimated a large portion of the facility and k
57. S13E57SnowDecember 10, 2006—It is the bane of every suburban parent and the joy to every school kid. Born in a swirling storm cloud through a process called nucleation,
58. S13E58TeaDecember 13, 2006—After water, tea is the second most popular drink in the world. It has been around as a drink for 5000 years, and 6 billion pounds of tea ar
59. S13E59Christmas TechDecember 20, 2006—Christmas is observed by many people around the world, for both religious reasons and more secular purposes. Trees, lights, ornaments, and w
60. S13E60WindDecember 28, 2006—

Season 13 ranked & reviewed

1. S14E01BallsJanuary 17, 2007—Examining the technology and evolution of balls used in sports. Included: a tour of the Wilson Football Factory Ohio; the Rawlings baseball
2. S14E02Environmental TechJanuary 24, 2007—From the prairies of Saskatchewan to a Manhattan skyscraper we’ll see the 21st Century’s cutting-edge “green” technologies in action. New te
3. S14E03CanningJanuary 31, 2007—It's the unsung essential of modern life. Canning is the method of a preserving and packaging food, without which civilization would never h
4. S14E04PumpsFebruary 7, 2007—The history of the pump is chronicled. Pumps used in water distribution in Southern California - The Colorado River Aqueduct, a robotic cow-
5. S14E05IceFebruary 11, 2007—The solid form of life's precious elixir has played a key role in fashioning our history and is making its mark as an unusual tool of techno
6. S14E06More IceFebruary 11, 2007—It traps a treasure of energy on the ocean floor, and confounds scientists still trying to solve why it’s so slippery. We’ll venture inside
7. S14E07The DestroyerFebruary 13, 2007—The destroyers made during World War II are examined. With interviews with veterans and archival film footage.
8. S14E08Star Trek TechFebruary 18, 2007—In this episode we are presented with the technology and gadgets used while filming the Star Trek series. It also explores some of the real
9. S14E09Weapons of Mass DestructionFebruary 21, 2007—Nuclear and biological Weapons of mass destruction are examined. With a computer-generated depiction of a dirty-bomb attack in Seattle and h
10. S14E10Barbarian Battle TechMarch 7, 2007—It's clear from the bow that nearly brought down Rome, the suspension system that revolutionized the chariot, and the axe that named a count
11. S14E11DamsMarch 28, 2007—Dams - one of man's greatest accomplishments are explored. The history of dams from construction to demolition and their impact on the envir
12. S14E12Yard TechApril 12, 2007—The technology used to keep your lawn green including the lawnmower, riding movers, sod, astro turf, and sprinklers. The state of the art gr
13. S14E13More Military MoversApril 18, 2007—Soldiers, machines, and supplies are only effective if they arrive at the battlefield in time. Explore the history and the technology behind
14. S14E14Deep Sea SalvageMay 2, 2007—Driven by the need for deep sea rescue and salvage capabilities, the US Navy Diving and Salvage Programs have gathered together a highly ski
15. S14E15WeldingMay 9, 2007—It was a science first conjured amid the fiery ovens of ancient blacksmiths; today more than 50% of all U.S. products require some form of w
16. S14E1660s TechMay 16, 2007—A look at the technology behind some of the 1960s greatest inventions. With color television, transistor radios, satellite broadcasting, tou
17. S14E17It Came From Outer SpaceMay 16, 2007—What do remote controlled robots, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, polarized glasses and metallized blankets have in common? They are all civilian i
18. S14E18World's Strongest IIMay 23, 2007—What does it take to become "the world's strongest"? You'll find out on this episode of Modern Marvels. With life-saving boron carbide body
19. S14E19Engineering Disasters of the '70sMay 30, 2007—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 Fitzgerald, the Buff
20. S14E2070s TechMay 30, 2007—The 1970s were a decade of excess. Dust off your mirror ball, put on your leisure suit, and rediscover the gadgets of the era
21. S14E21Truck StopsJune 13, 2007—Join Modern Marvels as we discover how truck stops, serving more than twenty million truckers nationwide, are bigger and better than ever. T
22. S14E22FertilizerJune 20, 2007—Without it one third of us would starve. Modern Marvels: Fertilizer tours the places that harness the vital nutrients that enrich the soil..
23. S14E23CheeseJune 27, 2007—From the giant cheese factories of Wisconsin to the goat farms of Northern California, this episode explores cheese.
24. S14E24SawsJuly 18, 2007—They brought down the forests and built up the pyramids. They're a cut above for construction, salvage, demolition - and they even make musi
25. S14E25AluminumJuly 25, 2007—This useful metal was once considered more valuable than gold. Watch as aluminum is stretched, pounded, melted and turned into foam. Did you
26. S14E26Sticky StuffJuly 30, 2007—A look at everyday stuff that is sticky including VHB tape, velcro, stealth rubber, cling wrap, and asphalt.
27. S14E27ChocolateAugust 6, 2007—It's America's favorite flavor. We eat over three and a half billion pounds of it each year. It satiated the ancients and built modern-day e
28. S14E28Bedroom TechAugust 13, 2007—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 the bed.
29. S14E29VacuumsAugust 23, 2007—On this episode of Modern Marvels we'll see giant-sized vacuums that clean up after disasters like Hurricane Katrina and 9-11. Beneath the s
30. S14E30TrapsAugust 27, 2007—They're designed to capture and often kill, but they don't always harm their prey. Traps are devices as old as humanity itself. We'll trap 4
31. S14E31Nature Tech: VolcanoesAugust 29, 2007—Volcano technology is examined. Included: attempts to monitor and control activity.
32. S14E32Star Wars TechSeptember 3, 2007—In this episode we are presented with the technology and gadgets used while filming Star Wars. It also explores some of the real or possible
33. S14E33Extreme Aircraft IISeptember 20, 2007—Take a supersonic flight through a world of flying machines that are redefining our skies. Pull serious G’s in the U.S. military’s latest fi
34. S14E34Deep FreezeSeptember 25, 2007—Modern Marvels: Deep Freeze takes the technology of cold to the extreme: A 12-story ice box filled with 135 million pounds of ice cream, arc
35. S14E35AcidOctober 1, 2007—It is the most widely produced chemical in the world and possibly the most dangerous. Take a look at the many uses of acid. See how the mili
36. S14E36World's SharpestOctober 11, 2007—The Katana blade of the Samurai is the world's sharpest sword. We'll craft one from scratch to reveal the secret of its legendary cutting ab
37. S14E37Engineering Disasters 21October 25, 2007—A steam pipe explosion rocks in Midtown Manhattan. In Boston's sections of a tunnel ceiling fall onto the roadway. And in Minnesota a bridge
38. S14E38Environmental Tech IINovember 12, 2007—Take a look at the innovations designed to hold off a global warming meltdown.
39. S14E39CornNovember 19, 2007—Corn has found its way into over 3,000 different items. Discover how tons of sweet corn make it from the field to a sealed can within mere h
40. S14E40The PigNovember 27, 2007—A pig is as smart as a three-year-old human. The pancreas, heart valve and intestines of the pig have been transplanted into human bodies. B
41. S14E41RocksDecember 3, 2007—From the Stone Age, to the Space Age, we've built our world from rocks. With moon rocks located at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
42. S14E42Most ShockingDecember 10, 2007—The dangers associated with Electric Shock are real. It kills and injures thousands each year. In the last 100 years we've corralled its pow
43. S14E43Cold CutsDecember 17, 2007—They're the meat in our sandwiches. We will take you behind the deli counter to reveal the secret ingredients in boloney. Watch a master sau
44. S14E44Fast Food TechDecember 24, 2007—Carl's Jr., Jack in the Box, Wendy's, Burger King or McDonald's. Fast food joints dominate the American landscape to the tune of $150 billio

Season 14 ranked & reviewed

1. S15E01MilkJanuary 7, 2008—Got milk? Billions of pounds of milk are consumed worldwide on a daily basis. Milk is the basis for its own food group, and has been around
2. S15E02CarbonJanuary 14, 2008—Carbon is the chemical basis of all known life and yet this simple element is also the foundation of modern technology. Carbon burns hotter,
3. S15E0390s TechFebruary 7, 2008—The dot.com decade opened up the information superhighway and for the first time, people could shop, search, and surf online with the click
4. S15E04SuperhighwaysFebruary 28, 2008—Millions of drivers travel the world's superhighways each year. See a multi-billion dollar expansion project in Houston where a stretch of s
5. S15E05World's Strongest IIIMarch 6, 2008—Witness some mind-blowing feats of strength starting with the world's most powerful elevators. Discover the world's strongest tire, the stro
6. S15E06Strange WeaponsMarch 10, 2008—Discover microwave-like rays that make the enemy flee; laser weapons mounted on trucks & planes that can blow missiles out of the sky; non-l
7. S15E07WhiskeyMarch 17, 2008—Visit some of the world's finest distilleries to see how each country brews this thousand-year old spirit. Go behind the scenes at Jim Beam,
8. S15E08Alaskan FishingMarch 19, 2008—Takes a look inside the amazing ultra-modern world of high stakes commercial fishing where a wrong decision on the captain's part can cost n
9. S15E09BreadMarch 24, 2008—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 three simple ingredien
10. S15E10Gadgets 3April 4, 2008—We're living in a gadget revolution. New and unimagined gizmos solve problems that we didn't even know we had. They emerge from cutting edge
11. S15E11LocomotivesApril 21, 2008—Race through the French countryside at nearly 300 MPH on the fastest locomotive in the world. Ride on the little engines that could as they
12. S15E12RatsApril 30, 2008—Feared by millions worldwide, rats are some of the most dangerous, destructive and useful animals on Earth.
13. S15E13Mad ElectricityMay 14, 2008—Nikola Tesla's bizarre vision of the future brought him failure, but his genius electrified the world.
14. S15E14AxesMay 30, 2008—The axe is one of the world's oldest, most dangerous and efficient cutting tools. Visit one of the nation's largest axe manufacturers, take
15. S15E15Most DangerousJune 6, 2008—Discover that the deadliest snakes, sports and weather events are closer and more treacherous than you think.
16. S15E16Super HotJune 9, 2008—Explore the world of extreme temperatures.
17. S15E17LeadJune 16, 2008—A versatile yet toxic metal, lead has served mankind for 6,000 years.
18. S15E18Corpse TechJune 20, 2008—Do you ever wonder what happens to your body after you die? You might be surprised to discover that the human body is host to a multitude of
19. S15E19Ice CreamJune 23, 2008—From the gelato of Italy to the French Pot process of the 1800s to numerous assortments of frozen delights being served up today, learn the
20. S15E20Bathroom Tech IIJune 30, 2008—The most used room in the home is the bathroom and it's full of tech. Visit Kohler and see the new digitally controlled uber-shower, complet
21. S15E21CrashesJuly 10, 2008—Explore collisions that shake our world from the astronomic to the subatomic. Indy car racing; motorcycles; skydiving; meteorites; and subat
22. S15E22UnderwearJuly 17, 2008—From itchy woolen union suits to comfortable briefs and boxers learn how our undergarments have evolved over the last 100 years.
23. S15E23Batman TechJuly 21, 2008—He's caped, cowled and the coolest superhero of them all, because underneath that Batsuit, Batman only has his human strength and intellect
24. S15E24Coin OperatedJuly 24, 2008—Every 15 minutes, Americans insert over 3.5 million coins into vending machines. What are they buying? How do the machines work?
25. S15E25Secrets of OilJuly 31, 2008—Rubber, plastic, nylon, aerosols, resins, solvents, & lubricants; none can exist without oil. If we stopped driving our cars tomorrow, Ameri
26. S15E26IronAugust 18, 2008—How iron mined in Minnesota is made into steel; iron weapons revolutionize warfare; military metallurgists customize weapons and demonstrate
27. S15E27WheatAugust 21, 2008—It feeds the world. See how harvesting crews brave months on the road, cutting thousands of acres, tour a pasta plant to see how special kin
28. S15E28Dangerous RoadsAugust 28, 2008—Dangerous roads throughout the world are examined, including Bolivia's "Death Road" and Highway 99 in California. Also: a visit to the Feder
29. S15E29Mold & FungusSeptember 18, 2008—Learn about fungal organisms that live within our bodies, grow beneath our feet, float in the air and help create some of the foods and beve
30. S15E30Soft DrinksSeptember 29, 2008—They account for nearly 30% of all beverages consumed in the U.S. and have been quenching thirst for over a century.
31. S15E31Corrosion & DecompositonOctober 13, 2008—America's aging infrastructure is in danger of collapse due to corrosion, according to engineers; technology for battling corrosion; harness
32. S15E32Bulls-eyeOctober 20, 2008—Examining how frequently experts in various disciplines can hit their targets, including archers, sharpshooters and even a billiards player;
33. S15E33Halloween TechOctober 31, 2008—An inside look at the technology used for the Halloween traditions such as producing latex masks, professional monster makeup, carving jack-
34. S15E34The HorseNovember 19, 2008—A celebration of the horse, the animal that helped mankind change the world; the thoroughbred racing industry in Kentucky; how a Minnesota l
35. S15E35The TurkeyNovember 24, 2008—The turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinners and one of the dumbest birds in the animal kingdom, but it has managed to survive sinc
36. S15E36SaltDecember 1, 2008—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, this versatile subs
37. S15E37Car WashDecember 8, 2008—The car wash's in America are a $25 billion dollars a year industry, with tunnel systems to in-bay automatics, we'll show you how America ke
38. S15E38Retro TechDecember 19, 2008—Rummage around in your garage and you'll likely find remnants of gadgets past: a typewriter, analog TV, LPs, film cameras and brick-sized mo
39. S15E39Super HumanDecember 22, 2008—Whether humans have the ability to possess superpowers; a man can strap on an exoskeleton and lift hundreds of pounds with little effort; Mr
40. S15E40Measure ItDecember 23, 2008—How do you weigh a whale? How does your speedometer work? Take a look at the five most common areas of measurement: distance, time, speed, w
41. S15E41NightDecember 26, 2008—Some activities only occur when the world is dark; fishermen use lights to lure squid to their nets; finding night crawlers in Toronto; mili
42. S15E42Fry ItFebruary 10, 2009—Fairgrounds fried classics such as funnel cakes and churros; frog legs; Twinkies and Coke; forging a cast iron frying pan; Kentucky's World
43. S15E43Mega MealsFebruary 17, 2009—Preparing meals for large groups is examined. Included: a meal at a U.S. Naval base in Bangor, Wash.; aboard a nuclear submarine; for crowds
44. S15E44Library of CongressFebruary 19, 2009—Where in Washington DC is the nation's most incredible treasure chest? It's a library unlike any other in the world, the U.S. Library of Con

Season 15 ranked & reviewed

1. S16E01DirtJanuary 14, 2010—You know the old saying "dull as dirt"…wrong! In Las Vegas we'll see how thousands of tons of dirt transform a stadium into a Supercross cou
2. S16E02EggsJanuary 21, 2010—Each year in the U.S., 280 million hens lay 80 billion eggs, one of the world's most affordable sources of protein. We'll chart the "journey
3. S16E03The PotatoJanuary 28, 2010—It is among the most versatile, nutritious, and varied foodstuffs in the world. The Potato is the ultimate comfort food. We'll travel from t
4. S16E04TunaFebruary 4, 2010—It's the most popular fish in the American diet. From the school lunch box–to the high end sushi bar–to the outdoor barbecue, tuna crosses a
5. S16E05Winter TechFebruary 11, 2010—From building cutting-edge competition venues to the latest sports science training, winter sports use more technology than ever. This episo
6. S16E06Breaking PointMarch 2, 2010—Frustrations are high in the Myers garage as Burt and Jason have a considerable amount of work to do on their cars after last week's race. T
7. S16E07ChromeMarch 4, 2010—At 4 State Trucks in Missouri, the Chrome Shop Mafia adds some truckers' "bling" to a big rig as viewers tour its 35,000 square-foot treasur
8. S16E08Start to FinishMarch 11, 2010—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 become a million dollar
9. S16E09BeansMarch 18, 2010—Follow the soybean from field to refinery with CHS, Inc. as they convert billions of soybeans into vegetable oils, flour, and soy meal. Thes
10. S16E10Hot & SpicyApril 15, 2010—Chili head alert! It's time to get hot and spicy. First we'll take you to the home of sizzling Tabasco sauce–McIlhenny Company of Louisiana,
11. S16E11Deliver ItApril 22, 2010—Got something strange to deliver? From pizza to packages, we'll show you how it's packed, labeled and shipped. Head down the highway carryin
12. S16E12HelicoptersApril 29, 2010—In Alabama, fly with the Apache Longbow, the deadliest helicopter in world, and learn how to fly the Blackhawk, one of the most sophisticate
13. S16E13Super ShipsMay 6, 2010—Take a journey into the world of super sized, super strong, super unique ships. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography takes viewers out to
14. S16E14Big & SmallMay 13, 2010—Size does matter. We'll size up the biggest of machines, and their smallest counterparts. First we go to France to find out what goes into a
15. S16E15Keep OutMay 20, 2010—Either someone has something to protect, or it's dangerous in there. Challenge the world's best safecracker to defeat a bank vault, and see
16. S16E16Super SteamMay 27, 2010—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 viewers for a couple of r
17. S16E17DoorsJune 3, 2010—Take a look at the tallest doors in the world at the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. Visit a company that makes blast doo
18. S16E18The Real National TreasureJune 10, 2010—Where in Washington D.C. is the nation's most incredible treasure chest? It's a library unlike any other in the world–the U.S. Library of Co
19. S16E19Top TenJune 17, 2010—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 ten technological in