TV series

Building the Impossible

Name: Building the Impossible
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2020-03-15
Rating: 7
Cast: Rob Bell

20203 seasons7.0 / 10

Presenter Rob Bell takes us on a voyage around Britain and Ireland to reveal the hidden secrets that make offshore lighthouses such extraordinary feats of engineering.

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Availability

Not streaming in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

Building the Impossible premiered March 15, 2020. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.

Synopsis

Presenter Rob Bell takes us on a voyage around Britain and Ireland to reveal the hidden secrets that make offshore lighthouses such extraordinary feats of engineering.

Season 3 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

← Season 2

Episode 1

Oil Rig

Oct 28, 202245m

Rob discovers the story of the British oil industry through its incredible engineering - from the first oil find to today's innovative rigs.

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Episode 2

Hoover Dam

Nov 11, 202245mmid season

From stormy seas to the land-locked Mojave Desert, Rob Bell discovers the amazing story of how the mighty Colorado river was tamed and the Hoover Dam built.

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Episode 3

Panama Canal

Mar 13, 202645m

Rob travels the Panama Canal to learn how the seemingly unconquerable isthmus was bent to the will of determined engineers, creating one of seven wonders of the new world.

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Episode 4

Beachy Head Lighthouse

Mar 20, 202645m

Rob heads to England's south coast where he explores a trio of lighthouses built to protect vessels. He also experiences gravity-defying Victorian innovation.

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Episode 5

Muckle Flugga Lighthouse

Mar 27, 202646m

Rob visits the Impossible Lighthouse at Muckle Flugga in the Shetland Islands.

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Episode 6

Boston Light Lighthouse

Apr 10, 202645mfinale

Rob travels to New England, sailing in the slipstream of the pilgrims and landing in Boston Harbor to discover the allegedly cursed beacon, Boston Light. America's first lighthouse is a story of civil war and personal tragedy, incredible innovation, and pioneering technology and Rob discovers the hidden stories of a nation's light-keeping unsung heroes.

Where to watch Building the Impossible

Episode information updated Jul 25, 2026

Available now in United States

TV series · 2018★ 7.0

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More about Building the Impossible

Cast

Rob BellSelf - Narrator

Production details

Status: Returning Series
Series type: Documentary
Episodes: 12
Original language: English

Networks & production

5United Kingdom
October FilmsUnited Kingdom

Themes

ambitioncoastalconstructioneducationalengineeringhistoricalinformativeinnovation