James May's Big Ideas
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About
James May's Big Ideas is a three-part British television miniseries in which James May, a journalist and self-acknowledged geek travels the globe in search of implementations for concepts widely considered science fiction, or his big ideas. The series is produced by the BBC and the Open University and began airing at 8pm on Sundays on 28 September 2008. The first episode documents his search for the ultimate form of personal transport, ranging from jetpacks to flying cars. In the second episode, May looks at bionics and robotics and if robots can exceed the boundaries of their programming. The third episode focuses on energy.
Cast
Seasons
Episodes
Season 1
Come Fly with Me
In the first of a new series James May travels the globe in search of his ultimate flying machine. He begins by heading into the frozen wastes of Russia to pilot one of the best kept secrets of the Cold War. He then heads to the US to fly the world's only surviving flying car. In Japan he watches a man struggle with his tiny chopper, before returning to the suburban gardens of Sussex where James turns himself into a human rocket - all in pursuit of finding a better way to get from A to B. Finally, in California, James encounters his ultimate dream - a flying car capable of vertical take off, and one so simple that anyone can pilot it, but is the world ready for a flying car?
Man Machine
As a child, James May dreamed of a world populated by humanoid robots. Robots which would tidy his room and do the washing up. In the second programme of his Big Ideas series, he sets off to discover how close his vision of a robot-world is to becoming a reality and in doing so enters an intriguing, mysterious and often rather strange world. In Japan, James meets the closest thing to Robocop. It’s a woman who can double her strength thanks to an extraordinary electro-mechanical jumpsuit, but what will this bizarre mix of human intelligence and machine brawn be used for? He also has a close encounter of the weird kind with the most disturbing robot he has ever seen – a robot designed to look and behave exactly like its creator. Continuing his travels James heads to the US, to explore the possibilities of bionic implants and talks to the doctor who is making them a reality, and in doing so has created a real 2 million dollar bionic woman. And finally, in the unlikeliest of laboratories he encounters the world’s most advanced walking robot: Asimo – it can tackle stairs and has even mastered running, however when faced with a closed door, the robot proves he isn’t all that smart. Cue Asimo’s twin brother, who has learnt to recognise everyday objects. But will he amaze James when asked to identify a Mini car? And is this all enough to restore James’s vision of a robot filled future world?
Power to the People
In the last of his Big Ideas journeys, James May sets off to find smarter, brighter and bolder ways of powering the planet for future generations. James begins his journey by looking at the energy produced by the sun. In a unique experiment, he tries a solar-powered car. It might have raced thousands of miles across the Australian desert - but just how far will a solar car travel in Guildford at night? In Seville, James visits the world’s first solar power station. This extraordinary cathedral of lights towers over the Spanish countryside, but for all its high tech glory, James discovers a curiously low tech Achilles’ heel. Continuing his journey to the US, James encounters a group of dedicated aerospace engineers who are planning to make a lift that will reach 20,000 miles into the skies. Their idea is to build a power station in space. James watches enthralled as they take their first tentative steps towards their goal - and a crack at a $2million [£1million] prize. While in Holland, James meets the first Dutchman who once travelled into space. This man has now put away his rockets and spacesuit, swapping them instead for kites in an attempt to harvest the powerful winds of a high-altitude jetstream. And finally, James heads off into the deserts of New Mexico to seek out some modern-day alchemists. This group of scientists are hoping to conjure petrol out of thin air, with the help of only a few mirrors.
Where does James May's Big Ideas rank today?
James May's Big Ideas is #10000 on the Bowood.TV Daily Streaming Charts today.
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Watch James May's Big Ideas Online Free — All Episodes in HD
Stream James May's Big Ideas online free in HD on Bowood.TV. A popular documentary series originally produced in English and released in 2008, it's earned a solid 6.0/10 from 1 viewers worldwide.
About James May's Big Ideas
James May's Big Ideas is a three-part British television miniseries in which James May, a journalist and self-acknowledged geek travels the globe in search of implementations for concepts widely considered science fiction, or his big ideas. The series is produced by the BBC and the Open University and began airing at 8pm on Sundays on 28 September 2008. The first episode documents his search for the ultimate form of personal transport, ranging from jetpacks to flying cars. In the second episode, May looks at bionics and robotics and if robots can exceed the boundaries of their programming. The third episode focuses on energy. Across 1 season and 3 episodes, originally airing on BBC Two.
James May's Big Ideas Cast and Characters
The cast features James May (as Self - Presenter). Their performances are a major reason James May's Big Ideas has built such a passionate audience.
Where to Watch James May's Big Ideas Online
On Bowood.TV you can watch James May's Big Ideas free — no account, no credit card, no ads in the middle of the show. We stream the full series in 720p / 1080p HD, with subtitles when available, on any device: phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV browser.
▶ Watch James May's Big Ideas NowWhy People Are Watching James May's Big Ideas
James May's Big Ideas flies under the radar but it deserves your attention. What makes it work is a tone and style that's hard to find elsewhere. If you enjoy English storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about James May's Big Ideas
Where can I watch James May's Big Ideas online for free?
You can watch James May's Big Ideas online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How many episodes does James May's Big Ideas have?
James May's Big Ideas has 3 episodes across 1 season. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.
Is James May's Big Ideas good? What's the rating?
James May's Big Ideas holds a 6.0/10 rating based on 1 reviews — a solid pick if the genre interests you.
Who is in the cast of James May's Big Ideas?
The main cast includes James May.
Is James May's Big Ideas available in English?
Yes — James May's Big Ideas was originally produced in English and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV.
When was James May's Big Ideas released?
James May's Big Ideas first aired in 2008.
Do I need an account to watch James May's Big Ideas on Bowood.TV?
No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch James May's Big Ideas without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch James May's Big Ideas for free?
You can watch James May's Big Ideas online for free on Bowood.TV. All 3 episodes across 1 season are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.
How many seasons and episodes does James May's Big Ideas have?
James May's Big Ideas currently has 1 season and a total of 3 episodes. The series status is "Ended", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.
What is James May's Big Ideas about?
James May's Big Ideas is a three-part British television miniseries in which James May, a journalist and self-acknowledged geek travels the globe in search of implementations for concepts widely considered science fiction, or his big ideas. The series is produced by the BBC and the Open University and began airing a… It belongs to the Documentary genre.
In which language is James May's Big Ideas originally available?
James May's Big Ideas was originally produced in English. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original English audio, which is the most authentic way to experience the dialogue, music, and performances. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.
When was James May's Big Ideas first released?
James May's Big Ideas first premiered on September 28, 2008 (2008). The series has since concluded its run.
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