Prophets of Science Fiction

S01E02: Philip K. Dick

Literary genius, celebrated visionary, paranoid outcast: Writer Philip K. Dick lived a life of ever-shifting realities straight from the pages of his mind-bending sci-fi stories. His books have inspired films like Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report. His ideas have influenced the development of real-life breakthroughs in everything from robotics to law enforcement. The brilliant, troubled sci-fi legend's work confronts readers with a deceptively simple question: What is reality?

Overview

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.

Episodes

Mary Shelley

S01E01 Mary Shelley

November 9, 2011 7.0 45 min
It’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...
Philip K. Dick

S01E02 Philip K. Dick

November 16, 2011 7.0 45 min
Literary genius, celebrated visionary, paranoid outcast: Writer Philip K. Dick lived a life of ever-shifting realities straight from the pages of his mind-bending sci-fi stories. His books have inspired films like Blade Runner, Total Recall,...
H.G. Wells

S01E03 H.G. Wells

November 23, 2011 7.8 45 min
"I told you so..." H.G. Wells' self penned epitaph underscores a lifetime of grim--yet uncanny--prophecy. With stories like The Time Machine, The Invisible Man, The World Set Free, and The War of the Worlds, H.G....
Arthur C. Clarke

S01E04 Arthur C. Clarke

November 30, 2011 7.3 45 min
Some sci-fi storytellers are content to merely predict--but Sir Arthur C. Clarke creates. The writer is single-handedly responsible for the cornerstone of modern telecommunication technology: the satellite. Clarke’s collaboration with director Stanley Kubrick on the...
Isaac Asimov

S01E05 Isaac Asimov

February 1, 2012 6.8 45 min
He saved the future from Evil Robots! Isaac Asimov dreamed a better future where we need not fear our own technology. His I, Robot stories of a sci-fi future where robots can do our jobs...
Jules Verne

S01E06 Jules Verne

February 8, 2012 7.0 45 min
He 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...
Robert Heinlein

S01E07 Robert Heinlein

February 15, 2012 6.7 45 min
Science 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...
George Lucas

S01E08 George Lucas

February 22, 2012 6.7 45 min
From Luke Skywalker's light sabre to Darth Vader's Death Star, the Star Wars franchise is one of the defining science fiction works of the later 20th century. George Lucas' prolific imagination has already inspired two...

Cast

Paul Darrow
Paul Darrow
Himself
Ridley Scott
Ridley Scott
Himself - Presenter
Jonathan Adams
Jonathan Adams
Self - Narrator (voice)

You May Also Like

Revolution

Revolution

2012 6.4
Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones

2011 8.5
Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad

2008 8.9
The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory

2007 7.9
Arcane

Arcane

2021 8.8
Chernobyl

Chernobyl

2019 8.7