Episode 1
Panama Canal, Waste Disposal
22m
Learning how large ships make their way through the Panama Canal; technology assists in waste management.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?
TV series
How Do They Do It?
2006TV-G17 seasons7.5 / 10
An insider's look at the engineering and scientific miracles behind the things that form the modern world.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
How Do They Do It? is available to stream on DirecTV On Demand, Discovery+, Discovery+ (Via Amazon Prime), HBO (Via Hulu), HBO Max, Max (Via Amazon Prime), Philo, Prime Video, Amazon Freevee, Hoopla, Plex, Spectrum On Demand, The Roku Channel, and Tubi in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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Synopsis
An insider's look at the engineering and scientific miracles behind the things that form the modern world.
Season 5 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
World's Strongest Knife, Diamonds, Bricks
22m
The world's strongest knives; growing diamonds in a laboratory; producing enough bricks to build the modern world.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 3
Electricity, Floating Crane
22m
The science behind electricity; the world's largest floating cranes.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 4
Drinking Water, Television Screens, Family Cars
22m
Providing fresh drinking water in the desert; LED television screens; Ferrari sports cars.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 5
Overnight Parcel Delivery, Coal Mining
22m
Discover how packages are shipped worldwide in less than 24 hours; mining enough coal to feed the world's power stations.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 6
Tetra Pak, Pre-Fab Houses, Ambulances
22m
Manufacturing drink cartons; prefabricated homes; mobile intensive-care vehicles.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 7
Weather Forcasting, Hovercrafts
22m
How meteorologists forecast the weather; the Swedish armed forces use hovercrafts to carry troops and equipment over many types of surfaces.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 8
Freeways, Minting Coins
22m
Constructing freeways to handle a quarter of a million cars each day; minting coins.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 9
Container Ships, Peterbilt Trucks
22m
Large cargo ships transport goods around the world; Peterbilt makes large, custom built trucks.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 10
Windshield Wipers, Space Shuttle, Binoculars
22m
The rockets that launch the space shuttle; binocular lenses; windshield wiper blades.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 11
Transporting Oil Rigs, Electric Razors
22m
Transporting oil rigs long distances; making electric shavers.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 12
Halogen Light Bulbs, Mufflers, Locks
22m
Manufacturing halogen light bulbs; car mufflers; creating unique lock and key sets.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 13
Airbus, Chainsaws
22m
How the latest generation of passenger aircraft are assembled; a lightweight chainsaw can have more muscle and a sharper bite than a great white shark.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 14
Hydroelectric Dam, Silicon Chips
22m
Generating power from hydroelectric dams; manufacturing powerful computer microchips.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 15
Refine Crude Oil, Swiss Army Knife
22m
How gasoline is delivered to the pumps; the making of Swiss Army knives.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 16
Carpets, LEGO
22m
The making of wool carpeting and LEGO children's toys.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 17
High-Speed Trains, Ballpoint Pens
22m
The technology behind high-speed trains; manufacturing ballpoint pens.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 18
Mirrors, 2D and 3D Vehicle Wrapping
22m
The secrets behind the manufacturing of mirrors; creating a two-dimensional design for a 3-D car.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 19
Durable Jeans, Perfect Wine Glasses
22m
Manufacturing durable jeans; creating the perfect wine glass.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode 20
Aluminium Foil, GPS Systems
22mfinale
Turning sand into aluminum foil; how a GPS (global positioning system) guides people to a specific destination.
Where to watch How Do They Do It?Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
More about How Do They Do It?
Cast
Rupert Degas
Robert LlewellynNaz OsmanogluSelf
Jeff Wilburn
Production details
- Status
- Returning Series
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 287
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
DiscoveryUnited States- WAGtv
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