
Modern Marvels — Season 17
These are the foundational pillars of modern commerce – immense retailers, veritable empires of merchandise. Mega Stores are vast complexes built to accommodate America’s expansive consumer culture; they represent the nation’s largest and m…

America has embraced the ethos of “big,” evident in the pervasive emphasis on size that shapes our lives—from sprawling homes to oversized televisions, even extending to extravagant stretch limousines. This fascination hasn’t spared our foo…
Across the globe, tens of millions of machines—from soda dispensers and snack stands to parking meters and payphones, video games and vending kiosks—rely on a simple mechanism: the coin. But for how much longer? This journey explores the ev…
These are devastating incidents, carrying with them tragic consequences. Whether ignited by a single spark or triggered by a widespread structural failure, they underscore the inherent risks within industries we rely on daily. From colossal…

A dog’s loyalty—fearless, steadfast, resolute, and quick—is legendary. They offer us keen sight, scent, and hearing, and stand among the most courageous hunters, soldiers, rescuers, and guardians. Exploring both innate abilities and rigorou…

Step into a world of remarkable ingenuity, where ultra-sturdy shelters, machines, containers, materials, and packaging are conceived to withstand societal collapse. The pursuit of invincibility has fueled some truly astonishing creations: t…
Beneath the familiar landscape lies another America, largely unseen and unknown. Journey into this concealed world, exploring the secrets that lie just below the surface: clandestine military bases, pioneering agricultural research faciliti…
From the outset of the Industrial Revolution, the United States has relentlessly forged its path to global prominence in manufacturing. Yet, over the last two decades, the familiar "Made in America" designation has begun to diminish as indu…
Slip behind the wheel and command some of the largest, fastest, most powerful machines on Earth. These are no ordinary vehicles—experiencing their handling is truly exceptional. However, operating these behemoths requires more than a basic …
You can fry it, enjoy it for breakfast, or savor it on a sweltering summer day. It’s arguably the world's most adaptable grain: rice. There are now upwards of 140,000 varieties—white, brown, long-grain, wild, short-grain, jasmine, Arborio, …
It’s everywhere, so interwoven with our daily routines that we scarcely notice it. Yet, imagine attempting to navigate even a single day without packaging. This program unveils the remarkable technology and ingenuity behind the world of con…
Throughout our constant struggle against friction, grease remains a largely unacknowledged champion. Join us as we explore unseen spaces, venturing into the heart of colossal machines to reveal some surprising applications for this remarkab…
For generations, these essential tools have served us—from transporting our most substantial loads to conquering the loftiest peaks—and we continually refine their design and construction. Join us for a glimpse inside the factories where ev…
America simply wouldn't function without its trucks. They move an astonishing seventy percent of the nation’s goods. Delve into the remarkably varied world of American trucking, and meet the vibrant individuals who navigate it daily. Join c…


