Prophets of Science Fiction

Season 1

The series covers the life and work of leading science fiction authors of the last couple of centuries. It depicts how they predicted and, accordingly, influenced the development of scientific advancements by inspiring many readers to assist in transforming those futuristic visions into everyday reality.

Where to Watch Season 1

8 Episodes

Mary Shelley
E1
Episode 1Mary ShelleyIt’s alive! Mary Shelley set out to create a monster--along the way she created a masterpiece. In 1816, teenager Mary begins stitching together a patchwork of ancient legend, modern technology, and personal tragedy--giving life to her novel, Frankenstein...and the genre of science fiction.
Philip K. Dick
E2
Episode 2Philip K. DickPhilip K. Dick lived a life straight from the pages of his mind-bending sci-fi stories. His writing inspired Blade Runner and influenced the development of robotics and law enforcement. The troubled sci-fi legend questioned the definition of reality.
H.G. Wells
E3
Episode 3H.G. WellsWith stories like The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds, H.G. Wells established himself as a sci-fi writer of almost clairvoyant talent. But these tales of hi-tech adventure hold an ominous warning - beware the dark side of progress.
Arthur C. Clarke
E4
Episode 4Arthur C. ClarkeSome sci-fi storytellers are content to predict - but Arthur C. Clarke creates. His collaboration with Stanley Kubrick on 2001 predicted videophones, iPads, and commercial spaceflight. His sci-fi legacy inspires us to unveil the mysteries of the universe.
Isaac Asimov
E5
Episode 5Isaac AsimovIsaac Asimov dreamed of a better future where robots can do mankind's dirty work. His I, Robot stories led to the creation of real-life industrial robots--and inspired generations to embrace the science and technology of a robo-friendly world.
Jules Verne
E6
Episode 6Jules VerneHe put a man on the Moon in the Victorian Era. He criticized the Internet...in the 1863. Jules Verne is the ultimate futurist, with a legacy of sci-fi stories predicting everything from fuel cell technology to viral advertising. The extraordinary voyages of Jules Verne span from the center of the Earth to the surface of the Moon, inspiring art, industry, culture, and technology with an enduring question: Where can science take us?
Robert Heinlein
E7
Episode 7Robert HeinleinScience fiction legend Robert Heinlein is a walking contradiction. His stories address themes of patriotism, and duty--while stressing the importance of personal freedom and expression. Heinlein's groundbreaking sci-fi stories like Starship Troopers and Stranger in a Strange Land continue to challenge readers with a steadfast theme: what is freedom?
George Lucas
E8
Episode 8George LucasFrom the light sabre to the Death Star, Star Wars is one of the defining science fiction works of the later 20th century. George Lucas' imagination has inspired generations of scientists and engineers to push the envelope of technology.