Watch My Million Dollar Invention

My Million Dollar Invention is an engaging and informative documentary series that aired on Smithsonian CHANNEL in 2015. Hosted by Andrew Parker, the show explored the fascinating stories behind some of the most iconic inventions that made their creators millionaires.

Each episode of the series focused on a different invention, beginning with the background story of the inventor, who overcame numerous obstacles and challenges to bring his or her idea to fruition. Through interviews, re-enactments, and archival footage, the show provided an intimate look at the personal lives and struggles of these brilliant and innovative individuals.

Among the inventions featured on the show were the Polaroid camera, which revolutionized instant photography, and the Post-it Notes, which have become ubiquitous in offices and homes worldwide. The series also explored lesser-known inventions, such as the Slinky, the ubiquitous and colorful spring toy that has been delighting children for generations, and the Super Soaker, the high-powered water gun that became a must-have item for summer fun.

But My Million Dollar Invention did not just focus on the inventions themselves; it also highlighted the often-overlooked role that marketing, branding, and business savvy played in the success of these products. Many of the inventors featured on the show faced tremendous challenges in bringing their ideas to market and convincing consumers to buy their products.

For example, the episode on the Polaroid camera showcased the remarkable success of Edwin Land, who founded Polaroid Corporation in 1937 with the goal of creating a camera that could instantly develop pictures. Land faced numerous obstacles along the way, from the technical challenges of developing the film to convincing investors to back his unusual and untested technology. But he persevered, and in 1948, he introduced the first Polaroid camera to the world. Despite its high price tag, the camera was an instant sensation, spawning a whole new industry of instant photography.

Another standout episode focused on the Post-it Notes, which were invented by Spencer Silver and Arthur Fry in the 1970s. The two men stumbled upon the idea for the product while working at 3M, where Silver had created a new kind of adhesive that could stick to surfaces but was easy to remove. Fry realized the adhesive could be used to create a type of bookmark that would stick to pages without damaging them. But it wasn't until 3M's marketing team figured out how to promote the product as a useful tool for organizing and remembering tasks that it really took off.

Throughout the series, My Million Dollar Invention showcased the ingenuity, creativity, and perseverance of these inventors, revealing the often-untold stories behind some of the most iconic products of our time. It also underscored the importance of persistence, willingness to take risks, and the ability to adapt and innovate in the face of changing markets and technologies.

Overall, My Million Dollar Invention was a compelling and engaging look at the human stories behind some of the most significant inventions of the past century. By highlighting the personalities and struggles of these inventors, the show brought a fresh perspective to the world of innovation and invention, illuminating the human side of a topic that is often dominated by technical jargon and dry statistics.

My Million Dollar Invention is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between June 14, 2015 and on Smithsonian CHANNEL