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How We Got to Now

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Join best-selling author Steven Johnson to discover extraordinary stories behind six remarkable ideas that made modern life possible, the unsung heroes who brought them about and the unexpected and bizarre consequences each of these innovations triggered. Explore the history and power of these great ideas: Clean, Time, Glass, Light, Cold, and Sound.

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Cast & Crew See All

Steven Johnson
Self - Host
Gene Chruszcz
Self - Sewer Service Supervisor
Kevin Fitzpatrick
Self - TARP Project Manager

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

Clean

Wed, Oct 15, 201455 mins

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.

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Awards

  • 2015 - Emmy - Outstanding Science and Technology Programming - nominated
  • 2015 - Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Motion Design - winner

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