Watch Beyond the Elements

Beyond the Elements is a new documentary series from PBS featuring journalist and technology expert David Pogue. The show builds on Pogue's earlier series, The Elements, where he explored the periodic table and chemistry in everyday life. In this new show, Pogue turns his attention to the elements beyond the periodic table, including time, light, gravity, and life.

In each episode of Beyond the Elements, Pogue takes viewers on a journey through the mysteries of these fundamental scientific concepts that shape our universe. He visits experts in various fields, conducts experiments, and uses cutting-edge technology to help explain complex concepts in a way that is engaging and accessible to viewers of all ages.

The first episode of Beyond the Elements, titled "Time," explores the concept of time and its different interpretations across cultures and disciplines. Pogue meets with scientists studying the biological clock in animals, interviews astronauts who have experienced time dilation in space, and visits a monastery where monks have been keeping time for centuries. He also conducts experiments to help explain why time seems to go faster or slower depending on our age and experiences.

The second episode, "Light," delves into the physics of light and its impact on our daily lives. Pogue explains how light travels and how our eyes see color, and he visits a high-tech lab where scientists are using lasers to measure the age of the universe. He also investigates the role of light in medicine and explores how we can use light to create energy.

In the third episode, "Gravity," Pogue looks at the mysterious force that holds our planet and everything on it together. He visits a physics lab to witness experiments on the properties of gravity and interviews experts in astrophysics to explore phenomena like black holes and gravitational waves. He also shows how we use gravity to help us explore our own planet, from geology to oceanography.

The final episode of Beyond the Elements, "Life," tackles the question of what it means to be alive. Pogue speaks with biologists and geneticists about the origins of life and the building blocks of DNA, and he investigates the role of microbes in our bodies and the environment. He also examines the ethical questions raised by emerging technologies like gene-editing and artificial intelligence.

Throughout the series, Pogue brings his trademark humor and enthusiasm to each topic, making even the most complicated concepts entertaining and digestible. The show features stunning visuals and animations that help bring each topic to life, and the range of experts and experiments showcased in each episode provides a comprehensive overview of the subject matter.

Beyond the Elements is an engaging and informative series that will appeal to science lovers of all ages. Pogue's infectious energy and passion for the subject matter make even the most complex concepts accessible and fascinating, and the range of topics covered in the series provides an excellent overview of some of the most fundamental ideas in science. Whether you're a seasoned science enthusiast or simply curious about the world around you, Beyond the Elements is a show you won't want to miss.

Beyond the Elements is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between February 3, 2021 and on PBS Documentaries