Shows Like How We Got to Now

If you liked How We Got to Now (2014), a documentary series, here are 20 shows with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
How Do They Do It? (2006)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary
An insider's look at the engineering and scientific miracles behind the things that form the modern world.
2
The World According to Jeff Goldblum (2019)
★ 6.6/10Also documentary
Through the prism of Jeff Goldblum's always inquisitive and highly entertaining mind, nothing is as it seems. Each episode is centered around something we all love — like sneakers or ice cream — as Jeff pulls the…
3
James May's Cars of the People (2014)
★ 7.8/10Also documentary
James May takes a look at the 'peoples car'. Covering every form of cars for the masses - from the Beetle to the Kei Car, May looks at the many forms of people's car, their origins and their effect on history. Each…
4
Horizon (1964)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary
Horizon tells amazing science stories, unravels mysteries and reveals worlds you've never seen before.
5
Last Chance U (2016)
★ 7.2/10Also documentary
In a docuseries set at one of NCAA football's most fertile recruiting grounds, guys with red flags seek to prove their worth on the field and in class.
6
History 101 (2020)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary
Infographics and archival footage deliver bite-size history lessons on scientific breakthroughs, social movements and world-changing discoveries.
7
Down to Earth with Zac Efron (2020)
★ 7.7/10Also documentary
Actor Zac Efron journeys around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien in a travel show that explores healthy, sustainable ways to live.
8
Welcome to Earth (2021)
★ 7.6/10Also documentary
Will Smith whose curiosity and wonder is positively infectious—is guided by National Geographic Explorers traveling to different corners of the world to get up close and personal with the weirdest, most unusual…
9
Doctor Who Confidential (2005)
★ 8/10Also documentary
Doctor Who Confidential is a documentary to complement the revival of the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Each episode was broadcast on BBC Three on Saturdays, immediately after the…
10
Earth at Night in Colour (2020)
★ 8.1/10Also documentary
Filmed across six continents, this docuseries uses cutting-edge camera technology to capture animals' nocturnal lives, revealing new behaviours filmed in full color like never before.
11
NOVA (1974)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary
PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines. Along the way, NOVA demystifies science and technology, and highlights the people involved in scientific pursuits.
12
MegaStructures (2004)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary
MegaStructures is a documentary television series appearing on the National Geographic Channel in the United States and the United Kingdom, Channel 5 in the United Kingdom, France 5 in France, and 7mate in Australia…
13
Through the Wormhole (2010)
★ 7.7/10Also documentary
Hosted by Morgan Freeman, Through the Wormhole explores the deepest mysteries of existence - the questions that have puzzled mankind for eternity. What are we made of? What was there before the beginning? Are we really…
14
STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces (2024)
★ 7.8/10Also documentary
Steve Martin is one of the most beloved and enigmatic figures in entertainment. Dive into his extraordinary story from two distinct points of view—past and present—as Martin reflects on how his beginnings led to his…
15
The New York Times Presents (2020)
★ 7/10Also documentary
A series of standalone documentaries powered by the unparalleled journalism and insight of The New York Times, bringing viewers close to the essential stories of our time.
16
Top Gear (1978)
★ 8/10Also documentary
Motoring programme featuring reviews of and reports about cars of all types.
17
Marvel's 616 (2020)
★ 7.4/10Also documentary
Explore Marvel’s rich legacy of pioneering characters, creators and storytelling to reflect the world outside your window. Each documentary, helmed by a unique filmmaker, showcases the intersections of storytelling…
18
Natural World (1983)
★ 7.4/10Also documentary
Natural World is a nature documentary television series broadcast annually on BBC Two and regarded by the BBC as its flagship natural history brand. It is currently the longest-running series in its genre on British…
19
Prop Culture (2020)
★ 7.8/10Also documentary
Film historian and prop collector Dan Lanigan reunites iconic Disney movie props with the filmmakers, actors, and crew who created and used them in some of Disney’s most beloved films. Throughout this journey, Dan will…
20
Modern Marvels (1993)
★ 8.1/10Also documentary
HISTORY’s longest-running series moves to H2. Modern Marvels celebrates the ingenuity, invention and imagination found in the world around us. From commonplace items like ink and coffee to architectural masterpieces…