Oops! I Changed The World
Curiosity Stream | Arrow Media | Distributed by: Fremantle International
Genre: Unscripted / Popular Science / History | Episodes: 15 x 60 mins | 2022
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Oops! I Changed The World is a fun, fast-paced series uncovering the incredible true stories behind the world’s most surprising inventions. From bubble wrap to Viagra, pacemakers to Teflon, each episode reveals how accidents, mishaps, and chance encounters reshaped science, health, warfare, and daily life. Combining archival footage, animation, expert commentary, and witty storytelling, this series transforms seemingly trivial moments into pivotal breakthroughs that changed human history.
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Natasha Billson appears as one of the expert contributors across the series. As an archaeological scientist and public historian, Natasha helps unpack the more profound historical impact behind some of humanity's most curious discoveries. Filmed in both green screen and studio settings, her commentary brings energy and accessible insight to a show designed to engage all ages. Her appearances blend humour with historical context, making complex stories both memorable and enjoyable.
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Episode List
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​S1.E1 – Conditioned
Pavlov’s dog inspires phone addiction. A damaged crate leads to dynamite. A chance meeting inspires WiFi. Teflon is born from a refrigerant experiment.
S1.E2 – Blue Genes
Botched fashion and sausage poisoning influence DNA, plastics, Hollywood, and national revolutions.
S1.E3 – The Beat Goes On
Mishaps lead to vulcanized rubber, pacemakers, fire safety, and a peek into distant galaxies.
S1.E4 – Flash of Success
Microwaves, Scotchgard, Viagra, and photography emerge from smoke, snacks, and experiments gone wrong.
S1.E5 – Sweet Success
Kevlar, saccharin, LEDs, and penicillin—all born from happy lab accidents.
S1.E6 – Acid Test
Lithium, LSD, TNT, and the peanut butter & jelly sandwich—surprising chemical origins.
S1.E7 – Hair Raising Science
Blood pressure meds cure baldness. Toys create X-rays. Misprints invent air conditioning.
S1.E8 – Discovering Drink
Neuroscience, beer, superglue, and hair relaxants all owe their creation to fortunate blunders.
S1.E9 – Bigger Bang
Bubble wrap, MDMA, and gun cotton – explosive ideas from kitchen and lab chaos.
S1.E10 – Laxative Lunacy
Post-it notes, Graphene, Ex-Lax, and a snowy near-Armageddon moment.
S1.E11 – Get a Grip
Surgical steel, telescopes, and anti-aging bacteria—all sparked by unlikely sources.
S1.E12 – How Saran Wrap Saved D-Day
Dyes, dry-cleaning fluid, and sanitary pads revolutionize D-Day logistics and modern life.
S1.E13 – Sleeping on the Job
Anaesthetics, phones, smart dust, and tofu—all from sleepy or strange inspirations.
S1.E14 – Teas & Tipple
Teabags, gin & tonic, and women in politics meet in this quirky invention line-up.
S1.E15 – Lenin to Lady Gaga
From bulletproof glass to the theremin, a mix of music, war, and strange chemistry.
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How to Watch
You can stream Oops! I Changed The World on Curiosity Stream, Amazon Prime channels or Apple TV.
Check regional listings or streaming platforms distributed via Fremantle International for availability in your area.