Connections (TV series)

Connections (TV series). A groundbreaking BBC documentary series first broadcast in 1978, created and presented by James Burke. The program explores the intricate and often surprising historical links between technological innovations, scientific discoveries, and societal changes, arguing against a linear view of progress. Its unique approach to the history of science and technology made it an internationally influential and acclaimed series.

Premise and format

The central premise challenges the Great Man theory of history by demonstrating how progress stems from a web of interconnected events. Each episode typically begins with a modern technology, such as the computer or the jet engine, and traces a path backward through centuries, uncovering a chain of seemingly unrelated inventions and ideas. Burke serves as both narrator and on-screen guide, filming in locations worldwide like the CERN laboratory and the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. The format is highly narrative, weaving together stories involving figures from Leonardo da Vinci to Michael Faraday, and events from the Black Death to the Space Race.

Production and broadcast history

The series was produced for the BBC by Mick Jackson, with John M. Kennedy serving as producer. It was filmed over an extensive period across numerous international locations, including the United States, France, and Italy. First aired on BBC Two in the United Kingdom in 1978, it was subsequently broadcast in the United States on the PBS network, where it achieved significant popularity. The success of the initial series led to two sequels, Connections² and Connections³, produced in the 1990s. Reruns and home video releases, including DVD and streaming platforms, have maintained its presence for new audiences.

Episodes and narrative structure

The first series consists of ten episodes, each with a thematic title such as "The Trigger Effect" and "Death in the Morning." The narrative structure is non-linear, with Burke employing a Socratic method style of questioning to link disparate developments. For instance, an exploration of the atomic bomb might connect to the invention of the printing press via developments in quantum mechanics and the Industrial Revolution. Key episodes examine the role of alchemy in modern chemistry, the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on food canning, and how medieval monasteries contributed to the precision of clocks. This approach highlights the role of serendipity and cross-fertilization across disciplines like astronomy, metallurgy, and ballistics.

Critical reception and legacy

Upon release, the series received widespread critical acclaim for its intellectual ambition and engaging presentation, winning a Royal Television Society award. Critics praised Burke's charismatic performance and the series' ability to make complex historical narratives accessible and thrilling. Its legacy is profound, influencing a generation of documentary makers and educational programming, including later series like The Ascent of Man and Cosmos: A Personal Voyage. The "connections" methodology has been adopted in academic fields studying the history of technology and innovation diffusion. The series is often cited in discussions about interdisciplinary studies and remains a cult classic, with its themes on technological dependency and unintended consequences feeling increasingly relevant.

Related media and adaptations

The success of the television series led directly to a bestselling companion book, also titled Connections, authored by James Burke. The sequel series, Connections² and Connections³, updated the concept for the 1990s, examining the roots of the Internet and biotechnology. Burke also created a related series, The Day the Universe Changed, which further explored the impact of ideas on civilization. Elements of the series' style can be seen in later documentary projects such as Steven Johnson's How We Got to Now. An interactive CD-ROM version was released in the 1990s, and many episodes are available through the Internet Archive and various educational streaming services.