How the Universe Works (2010)

A landmark science documentary series guiding viewers through the cosmos, from the Big Bang to the farthest reaches of space.

How the Universe Works - Series Information

  • Original Title: How the Universe Works
  • First Air Year: 2010
  • Last Air Year: 2023
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Documentary
  • Content Rating (US): TV-PG
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 42 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 11
  • Number of Episodes: 93
  • Status: Returning Series
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: April 25, 2010 (United States - TV-G), April 25, 2010 (Germany - 16), April 25, 2010 (France - TP), April 25, 2010 (India - U), April 25, 2010 (Brazil - 12), April 25, 2010 (Mexico - B), April 25, 2010 (Spain - 13)
  • Networks: Science, Discovery
  • Production Companies: Discovery
  • Production Countries: United States of America
  • Alternative Titles: Evrenin İşleyişi (TR), 宇宙有道理 (CN), Så fungerar universum (SE), La historia del universo (ES), Les Clés de l'Univers (FR), ¿Cómo funciona el Universo? (MX)

How the Universe Works - Plot

A users' guide to the cosmos, from the Big Bang to galaxies, stars, planets and moons: where did it all come from and how does it all fit together? A primer for anyone who has ever looked up at the night sky and wondered.

How the Universe Works - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of the cosmos as explored in this series.

Where to Watch How the Universe Works

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How the Universe Works - Cast & Crew

Main Cast

  • Mike Rowe
  • Erik Dellums
  • Michelle Thaller
  • Phil Plait
  • Nina Lanza
  • Hakeem Muata Oluseyi
  • Moogega Cooper
  • Jani Radebaugh
  • Dan Durda
  • Kevin J. Walsh

How the Universe Works - FAQs

Where can you stream How the Universe Works?

How the Universe Works is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max), Discovery+, and Philo. Episodes can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.

How many seasons does How the Universe Works have?

How the Universe Works has 11 seasons and 93 episodes in total, not counting a collection of specials. The series premiered in April 2010 on the Science Channel and remains in production, with Season 11 being the most recent.

Who narrates How the Universe Works?

How the Universe Works is primarily narrated by Mike Rowe, best known for his work on Dirty Jobs. Erik Dellums also serves as a narrator across multiple episodes, lending the series its distinctive, authoritative yet accessible voice throughout its run.

What is How the Universe Works about?

How the Universe Works is a science documentary series that serves as a comprehensive guide to the cosmos. It explores the origins and mechanics of the universe, covering topics from the Big Bang and black holes to galaxies, stars, planets, and moons, featuring commentary from leading astronomers and astrophysicists.

When did How the Universe Works first air?

How the Universe Works first aired on April 25, 2010, in the United States on the Science Channel. The series has continued to release new seasons regularly over more than a decade, with its most recent content airing in 2023.

Is How the Universe Works still being made?

Yes, How the Universe Works is still in production and listed as a returning series. With 11 seasons completed through 2023 and the show continuing to attract strong viewership on the Science Channel and Discovery, new episodes are expected to continue.

What is the content rating for How the Universe Works?

How the Universe Works is rated TV-PG in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences including older children. The series contains no graphic content, focusing entirely on science education, making it an ideal choice for family viewing and classroom use.

What shows are similar to How the Universe Works?

Viewers who enjoy How the Universe Works often appreciate similar science documentaries such as Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, Through the Wormhole, Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking, Wonders of the Universe, and The Secrets of Quantum Physics, all of which explore science and the natural world.

More About How the Universe Works

Explore further details about this series on the following authoritative resources.

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