The Secret Life of Machines
Series Overview
The Secret Life of Machines is an educational television series presented by Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod, in which the two explain the inner workings and history of common household and office machinery. According to Hunkin, the show's creator, the programme was developed from his comic strip The Rudiments of Wisdom, which he researched and drew for the Observer newspaper over a period of 14 years. Three separate groupings of the broadcast were produced and originally shown between 1988 and 1993 on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom, with the production subsequently airing on The Learning Channel and the Discovery Channel.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
3 Seasons • 18 Episodes
25–30 min per episode
1988 – 1993
Premiered: 15/11/1988
Tim HunkinLatest Aired Episode
Season 3, Episode 6: “The Secret Life of the Office”
Today, over 50% of jobs are in offices, but 160 years ago the figure was only 1%, and the only office workers were 'Dickensian' clerks. They had considerable status and freedom to organise their work, and kept financial ledgers, but there were no forms, memos, reports, etc. Episode Contents: Guests: The suspended ceiling conceals all the ventilation and lighting systems. A tour of the inner workings of a typical office building. Films: Cartoons about what makes a good office. Gilbreth's time and motion films. An poetic little film from the 40's about progress and change. An excerpt from a goofy 50's educational film regarding the human relations approach to management. Zombies from the 70's demonstrate new computer systems. Extro: An amazingly active office scene where everything (computers, desklamps, binders, papers) seems to be attached to actuators.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
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The Secret Life of the Vacuum Cleaner - Remastered
Type: Clip • Published 2021-03-13
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Tim Hunkin
Tim Hunkin
Department Leadership Roster
Tim Hunkin
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
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U: Universal — Suitable for all audiences.
International Certification Matrix
Universal — Suitable for all audiences.
Production Stills & Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Secret Life of Machines
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What is The Secret Life of Machines about?
The Secret Life of Machines is an educational television series presented by Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod, in which the two explain the inner workings and history of common household and office machinery. According to Hunkin, the show's creator, the programme was developed from his comic strip The Rudiments of Wisdom, which he researched and drew for the Observer newspaper over a period of 14 years. Three separate groupings of the broadcast were produced and originally shown between 1988 and 1993 on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom, with the production subsequently airing on The Learning Channel and the Discovery Channel.
How many seasons does The Secret Life of Machines have?
The Secret Life of Machines comprises 3 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in The Secret Life of Machines?
Key cast members in The Secret Life of Machines include Tim Hunkin, Rex Garrod.
Who created or directed The Secret Life of Machines?
The Secret Life of Machines was developed and directed by Tim Hunkin.