TV series

Guns Germs & Steel

2005NR1 season6.5 / 10

A PBS documentary concerning Jared Diamond's theory on why there is such disparity between those who have advanced technology and those who still live primitively. He argues it is due to the acquisition of guns and steel and the changes brought about by germs.

See similar shows

Availability

Not streaming in United States

Guns Germs & Steel premiered July 11, 2005. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.

Synopsis

Season 1 episodes

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

Episode 1

Out of Eden

Jul 11, 20051h

Jared Diamond’s journey of discovery began on the island of Papua New Guinea

Where to watch Guns Germs & Steel

Episode 2

Conquest

Jul 11, 20051h

On November 15th 1532, 168 Spanish conquistadors arrive in the holy city of Cajamarca, at the heart of the Inca Empire, in Peru. They are exhausted, outnumbered and terrified – ahead of them are camped 80,000 Inca troops and the entourage of the Emperor himself. Yet, within just 24 hours, more than 7,000 Inca warriors lie slaughtered; the Emperor languishes in chains; and the victorious Europeans begin a reign of colonial terror which will sweep through the entire American continent.

Where to watch Guns Germs & Steel

Episode 3

Into the Tropics

Jul 10, 20051hfinale

So far, Jared Diamond has demonstrated how geography favoured one group of people – Europeans – endowing them with agents of conquest ahead of their rivals around the world.

Where to watch Guns Germs & Steel

Episode information updated Sep 19, 2026

Available now in United States