How We Got to Now backdrop
Documentary

The Best Episodes of How We Got to Now

Every episode of How We Got to Now ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of How We Got to Now!

Binge this in 6h 0m•Peaking at 8.1/10

How We Got To Now with Steven Johnson is a six part documentary series that reveals the story behind the remarkable ideas that made modern life possible; the unsung heroes that brought them into the

Airs on
PBS
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons1

All1

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    How We Got to Now Season 1 Episode 3 - Glass
    8.1/10(31 votes)

    #1 - Glass

    S1:E3

    The invention of the mirror gives rise to the Renaissamce; glass lenses reveal worlds within worlds worlds; glass is essential; for communication in the deep ocean; glass lens allows millions to watch a man walk on the moon.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. How We Got to Now Season 1 Episode 1 - Clean
    8.0/10(46 votes)

    #2 - Clean

    S1:E1

    Dirty water is transformed with a series of innovations - Chicago builds America's first sewer system, and Jersey City makes water safe for drinking (and bikinis). Manufacturing is transformed with the elimination of dust.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. How We Got to Now Season 1 Episode 5 - Cold
    8.0/10(29 votes)

    #3 - Cold

    S1:E5

    Ice delivery becomes big business, the father of frozen foods, Clarence Birdseye, and his vision for the future, and penguins who live in the desert.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. How We Got to Now Season 1 Episode 2 - Time
    7.9/10(44 votes)

    #4 - Time

    S1:E2

    With no natural light, submarines re-invent the workday. Frustrated with hundreds of local time zones, a railroad clerk fights to standardize time. Navigation, travel, and technology advances result from unrecognized contributions to time.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. How We Got to Now Season 1 Episode 6 - Sound
    7.8/10(29 votes)

    #5 - Sound

    S1:E6

    30,000 year old traces of a desire to record sound are located in caves, how radio influenced the civil rights movement, the weapon that laid the ground work for today's mobile phones, and the role of the ultrasound in modern medicine.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. How We Got to Now Season 1 Episode 4 - Light
    7.7/10(31 votes)

    #6 - Light

    S1:E4

    The pioneers of light; Edison's light bulb; a French scientist accidentally discovers a neon light.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of How We Got to Now

    READ

Best Episodes Summary

"Glass" is the best rated episode of "How We Got to Now". It scored 8.1/10 based on 31 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 10/22/2014. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Clean".