The Secret Life of Machines

The Secret Life of Machines (1988-1993)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

Tim Hunkin explains how the machines we use every day actually work, using a fascinating combination of experiments, analogies, animation, and larger-than-lifesize working models. The TV series was the outgrowth of a series of cartoons for the Observer newspaper called "The Rudiments of Wisdom", which Tim researched and drew for 14 years. The theme music is a version of Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" by Val Bennett, retitled "The Russians are Coming".

Streaming

Watch Now

Network
Scheduleevery Friday (30 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S03E06The OfficeMar 25, 1993
S03E05The Fax MachineMar 18, 1993
S03E04The PhotocopierMar 11, 1993
S03E03The Electric LightMar 4, 1993
S03E02The Word ProcessorFeb 25, 1993
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did The Secret Life of Machines premiere?

The Secret Life of Machines premiered on January 4th, 1988.

What is The Secret Life of Machines about?

The Secret Life of Machines is a show that explores the history and inner workings of common household appliances and machines.

Who are the hosts of The Secret Life of Machines?

The hosts of The Secret Life of Machines are Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod.

How many episodes are there in The Secret Life of Machines?

There are a total of six episodes in The Secret Life of Machines.

What machines or appliances are covered in the first episode of The Secret Life of Machines?

The first episode of The Secret Life of Machines covers the history and workings of the sewing machine and the central heating system.

What is the name of the episode that covers the history and workings of the telephone, phonograph, and record player?

The name of the episode that covers the telephone, phonograph, and record player is "The Engine."

Who is Tim Hunkin, one of the show's hosts, outside of The Secret Life of Machines?

Tim Hunkin is an engineer, cartoonist, writer, and TV presenter who has written books on making automata and has designed several public engineering-based exhibits.

Who is Rex Garrod, one of the show's hosts, outside of The Secret Life of Machines?

Rex Garrod is an inventor and engineer who has worked on a number of famous engineering projects, such as the Brabham racing team and the K-9 robot.

What is the name of the episode that covers the history and workings of the car?

The name of the episode that covers the car is "The Heart."

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The Diplomat
Running

The Diplomat

In the midst of an international crisis, a career diplomat lands in a high-profile job she's unsuited for, with tectonic implications for her marriage and her political future.

Dark Matter
Running

Dark Matter

Hailed as one of the best sci-fi novels of the decade, Dark Matter is a story about the road not taken. The series follows Jason Dessen, a physicist, professor, and family man who – one night while walking home on the streets of Chicago – is abducted into an alternate version of his life. Wonder quickly turns to nightmare when he tries to return to his reality amid the multiverse of lives he could have lived. In this labyrinth of mind-bending realities, he embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his true family and save them from the most terrifying, unbeatable foe imaginable: himself.

NCIS: Origins
Running

NCIS: Origins

In NCIS: Origins, young Leroy Jethro Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks.

Bob's Burgers
Running

Bob's Burgers

The series follows Bob who runs Bob's Burgers, with the help of his wife and their three kids. Bob has big ideas about burgers, but the rest of the clan falls short on service. Despite the greasy counters and lousy location, the Belchers are determined to make every "Grand Re-Re-Re-opening" a success. Bob's wife, Linda, stands by her man and often does so by bursting into song. Their eldest daughter, 13-year-old Tina has a slight obsession with boys and zombies. Middle child Gene is an aspiring musician with a thirst for life. Louise is the bunny ears-wearing youngest daughter with an off-kilter sense of humor that makes her somewhat of a liability in the kitchen – and with the public.

NCIS: Sydney
Running

NCIS: Sydney

With rising international tensions in the Indo-Pacific, a brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS agents and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are grafted into a multinational taskforce to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet.