Tomorrow's World
Beginning in 1965, the BBC's flagship science programme ran for nearly 40 years. Its mix of quirky film reports and live experiments examined the changing state of current technology and put new inventions to the test. In this collection, we witness a change in how people thought of the future and chart the rise and rise of the computer, guided by presenters who subsequently became household names - such as Raymond Baxter, James Burke, and Judith Hann.
In the Making Today—Tomorrow's World, Series 1
First ever edition of the programme exploring the latest in technology. (1965)
Release date:
![]()
18/11/1965—Tomorrow's World, Series 1
Featuring a live broadcast from an eye surgery procedure in an operating theatre. (1965)
Release date:
![]()
Elliots Light-Pen—Tomorrow's World, Series 2, 22/03/1967
Malcolm Lyall-Watson reports on a 'light-pen' that can draw onto a phosphorescent screen.
Home Computer Terminal—Tomorrow's World, Series 3, 20/09/1967
In this report, Derek Cooper investigates Europe's first home computer terminal.
Barnard Faces His Critics—Tomorrow's World, Series 3
Professor Christiaan Barnard in discussion about his work with heart transplants. (1968)
Release date:
![]()
Plastic Grass—Tomorrow's World, Series 3, 10/04/1968
James Burke explores a garden containing synthetic grass and polypropylene plants.
Nellie: School Computer—Tomorrow's World, Series 4, 05/02/1969
Meet Nellie, the machine that can solve mathematical equations or even play music.
Morse Code and Moon Rocks—Tomorrow's World, Series 4, 05/03/1969
Reporting on new tests that will supposedly show if there has ever been life on the moon.
Office of the Future—Tomorrow's World, Series 4, 16/04/1969
James Burke becomes an executive in a futuristic office - with a robot for a secretary.
Moog Synthesiser—Tomorrow's World, Series 5, 30/09/1969
Testing the Moog synthesiser, an instrument that can mimic instruments electronically.
New Banking—Tomorrow's World, Series 5, 09/12/1969
Derek Cooper reports on developments in computers that could revolutionise banking.
Executive Toys—Tomorrow's World, Series 6, 26/02/1971
A look at some new toys designed to eradicate boredom from the lives of lonely executives.
Cowboy School—Tomorrow's World, Series 14, 07/09/1978
Tomorrow's World visits a cowboy college in Dallas - featuring mechanical bucking broncos.
Mobile Phone—Tomorrow's World, Series 15, 13/09/1979
Michael Rodd examines a cordless telephone that allows users to make calls from anywhere.
27/12/1979—Tomorrow's World, Series 15
In the last edition of the 1970s, the team reviews a selection of past reports. (1979)
Release date:
![]()
18/09/1980—Tomorrow's World, Series 16
The technology magazine takes a look back at some items from the previous series. (1980)
Release date:
![]()
08/01/1981—Tomorrow's World, Series 16
Meeting Hissing Sid, the robotic snooker player. (1981)
Release date:
![]()
13/05/1982—Tomorrow's World, Series 17
Edition of the technology magazine featuring an aquatic monster robot. (1982)
Release date:
![]()
14/10/1982—Tomorrow's World, Series 18
The science magazine looks at computer touchscreen technology for the first time. (1982)
Release date:
![]()
30/12/1982—Tomorrow's World, Series 18
A new method of finger-printing, and a first look at computer animation. (1982)
Release date:
![]()
03/03/1983—Tomorrow's World, Series 18
Reports on trying to cure jet-lag, and an attempt to set fire to £500. (1983)
Release date:
![]()
21st Anniversary—Tomorrow's World, Series 21
A look back at 21 years of developments in technology. (1986)
Release date:
![]()
15/04/1994—Tomorrow's World, Series 29
The modern benefits of clockwork radio, plus space ovens and panoramic cameras. (1994)
Release date:
![]()
