Inventions That Changed the World Episode Guide

Episode Guide

• Season 1 Episode 5: The Television

  Jeremy Clarkson investigates how the television set revolutionised the way in which people see the world. He chronicles the fortunes of its inventors, John Logie Baird and Philo T Farnsworth, and recalls the TV screen's use as a propaganda tool by the Nazis

• Season 1 Episode 4: The Telephone

  Jeremy Clarkson examines the history of the telephone, from Alexander Graham Bell - the man credited with its invention - to Elisha Gray, who many believe first created the device. He also reveals how the phone has evolved and given rise to many more applications, including mobiles and the Internet

• Season 1 Episode 3: The Jet

  Jeremy Clarkson examines the history of the jet engine, revealing how its creator Frank Whittle failed to benefit from his pioneering invention. Taking a trip around the world, Clarkson investigates its impact on modern life, including the boom in tourism, crashes and jet lag, before offering his own thoughts on its influence

• Season 1 Episode 2: The Computer

  Jeremy Clarkson traces the evolution of the computer, from its earliest days to its future position at the vanguard of technology. He reveals its chequered history, littered with passion, espionage and suicide, asking whether the nightmare envisaged in the Terminator films could come true. Plus, how subsequent developments and innovations may change the world in ways no one could have expected

• Season 1 Episode 1: The Gun

  Jeremy Clarkson analyses the global impact of guns. The desire to build more powerful weapons was a huge factor in the Industrial Revolution, and gave rise to the development of the production line. Their design has led to innovations in car and street light design, while medical science has developed techniques to deal with the damage caused by gunshot wounds