No denying it is common to find movies about technology, fashion, medicine, and sales, but construction and architecture are rarely covered in films. Streaming platforms, such as YouTube and Netflix are changing this phenomenon, one documentary at a time. Whether you are trying to pass some time or looking for inspiration for your next project, construction TV series and documentaries are an excellent source of education, entertainment, and industry trends. Looking for construction-related programs may indeed be tough, right? Your search ends here.
In this comprehensive blog post, you’ll get valuable insights into the top 12 construction documentaries and TV series you need to watch. So, continue reading ahead for more details!
12 Construction Documentaries And Series To Watch
Wondering about which construction documentaries and series to watch? Check them below;
1. MythBusters (2003-2016)
If you have not watched MythBusters, you could well have been stranded on a deserted island for the past couple of years. Jamie Hyneman and his co-star Adam Savage introduced this TV series with a bunch of explosive and pretty impressive adventures. After that, they tried to test the validity of general cultural and scientific theories. But, how is this all relevant to the construction field? They casually experimented with varied things like attempting to cut an automobile in half with an elevator surrogate. You must watch this TV show as soon as possible.
Number Of Sessions – 15
IMBD User Rating – 8.3
2. Extreme Engineering (2003-2011)
Extreme Engineering was a spectacular documentary TV show aired on the Science and Discovery Channel. In this TV series, you will be able to explore the most magnificent feats of engineering. Here, you can watch wonderful, yet physically possible, infrastructure projects like the over 14km long Gibraltar Bridge and 1200m long Freedom Ship. However, during the years, the name of the show was changed to Build it Bigger. Aside from this, they remained one of the most captivating TV shows about the AEC (Architectural, Engineering, and Construction).
Number Of Sessions – 9
IMBD User Rating – 7.9
3. Treehouse Masters (2013 – Present)
Have you ever heard of the Animal Planet channel? This channel has launched a show named Treehouse Masters. Adding more to this, Pete Nelson and his team work together on this TV series to create some enticing wooden structures.
Guess what? The unique and captivating treehouses shown in each episode are a general reason to keep watching the TV show every week. So, if you’re a construction enthusiast or are working on a building project, it is highly recommended to watch this TV show as it provides you valuable insights into construction.
Number Of Sessions – 8
IMBD User Rating – 7.5
4. How Do They Do It (2006 – Present)
The Discovery and Science Channel has introduced another great show named ‘How Do They Do It.’ Have you ever thought of how lava lamps are built? Or how do hotels of all kinds always have hot water? No need to be worried anymore as here is a perfect chance to learn it. All you need to do is take a brief look at smaller to bigger engineering marvels and become a bit well aware-of what’s going on in your surroundings. Anyhow, this TV series is enough to give you an in-depth understanding of how construction processes are carried out efficiently in real life.
Number Of Sessions – 14
IMBD User Rating – 7.4
5. How It’s Made (2001 – Present)
How It’s Made is another documentary TV show that was launched on the Discovery and Science Channel in the United States and Canada respectively. This TV series allows you to observe how essential items from our daily lives (accessories, bubble gum, clothing, etc.), sporting equipment, and mechanical devices are built. Before you embark on any construction project, it is equally important to know the basics first to end up with a smooth completion. Comprehensively, you must start watching this show to outrank your competitors in the market.
Number Of Sessions – 28
IMBD User Rating – 7.8
6. Modern Marvels (1995 – 2015)
This American Worldwide History Channel and PBS series were continuing for almost two decades. Modern Marvel has come up with well over 650 episodes for subjects such as technology, architecture, science, manufacturing, and mechanics among others. Another interesting show that you cannot afford to miss watching is the sub-series Engineering Disasters. Such examples include collapses of buildings, airplane crashes, and other circumstances which can be described as the loss of technology against the forces of nature.
Number Of Sessions – 19
IMBD User Rating – 8.1
7. Megastructures (2004 – Present)
Megastructures bring a great journey to some of the biggest and most successful construction projects throughout the world. By gaining access to the most spectacular and fascinating construction sites across the globe and learning everything we needed to know about ambitious projects, we were able to explore the AEC industry. This show demonstrates how project managers and construction business owners can ensure flawless and functional buildings by working on their projects with excellence. Anyhow, this project is still telecasted nowadays.
Number Of Sessions – 8
IMBD User Rating – 7.4
8. e2 (2006 – 2008)
This TV series was aired on PBS channel with Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt as its hosts. Guess what? This splendid TV series is all about the pioneers who strive, for the advancement in technology and bringing improvements in the environment. For example, green cities, famous architects, who implement the concept of sustainability in their projects, and other green activities constitute interests in this attractive design. Are you a general contractor or a construction enthusiast? No matter what type of industry I work in, watching this series helps.
Length – 1 hour, 48 minutes
IMBD User Rating – 7.1
9. Mechanical Marvels: Clockwork Dreams
Mechanical Marvels is a nice idea for mechanical engineers and all the lovers of clockwork. This great documentary by BBC Four enables you to learn more about clockwork mechanics. Generally speaking, outstanding mechanic systems of the past centuries are disclosed before our eyes. You might be surprised to know that Professor Simon Schaffer also does an amazing job in presenting the show. This whole TV series revolves around how to help construction businesses streamline their projects’s efficiencies. I suggest you should never miss watching this TV show.
Length – 1 hour
IMBD User Rating – 8.0
10. Five Master Houses Of The World (2009)
How would you feel if you got the opportunity to travel around different continents and get to know five fabulous houses by the five great architects? Well, Rax Rinnekangas did it and the final result is magnificent. Organizing an international conference is tight work, as everyone knows, but Rax Rinnekangas succeeded in it and the final picture looks splendid. This includes some of the best architects of the last 100 years and you can have a glimpse of their creations in this Documentary film series, which has 5 parts. Videotaped responses are listed. The five films are all in English. This is one of the best TV construction shows and documentaries to watch.
Length – 60 Minutes
IMBD User Rating – Not Rated
11. Rotterdam 2040
The past is the basis for the future, right? The reconstruction of Rotterdam 2040 could be no exception. The story begins just before the time of the bombings and extends into the present as well as the future of Rotterdam’s architecture. Anyhow, the last stop of the whole trip is 2040 when Rotterdam’s people will celebrate both the 100th anniversary of the bombings and the 700th anniversary of their city. Through architecture and civil regeneration, the film truly focuses on people. If you work in the construction industry, you should watch this TV series.
Length – 1 Hour 32 Minutes
IMBD User Rating – 6.4
12. Engineer Guy
The last show is more or less for those who would like to pass the time on YouTube. Bill Hammack has created quite an interesting engineering channel where he discusses a few varied technological creations. This kind of technology shows you the chemical history in the candle, the story in an alignment optical telescope, or the working of a film projector. Watching these videos is not more than getting valuable knowledge on the crucial aspects of construction. So, we highly recommend watching the ‘Engineer Guy’ whenever you get your spare time at your work.
