The Secret Genius of Modern Life returns to our screens with Professor Hannah Fry delving into the mysteries of modern technology to uncover the fascinating stories behind the everyday objects that we take for granted.

We don’t often stop to think about it, but we’re all living in a golden age of technology. From domestic appliances with motors faster than F1 cars, to smart devices with the power of supercomputers: our homes and our pockets are filled with gadgets and inventions that, 20 years ago, would have been the stuff of science fiction. They’ve become such an integral part of our lives, we’ve forgotten to notice how clever they are.

Following on from the huge success of series 1 which was loved by viewers and critics alike, racking up millions of views on social media as well as on BBC Two and iPlayer, Hannah once again takes us on a deep dive to uncover the unbelievable, and sometimes hilarious, stories behind modern day technology.

Taking apart a different piece of technology in each episode, with exclusive access to major technology companies like Samsung and Dyson and speaking to some of the world’s leading innovators, the second series of The Secret Genius of Modern Life sees Hannah uncover:

How catching a French 19th century serial killer helped shape the modern-day passport control. The key component in vacuum cleaners developed for a secret atomic bomb lab. How a Mormon preacher’s sermon was crucial to the development of today’s headphones. How South Korean sausages shed new light on the inner workings of our smartphones. A Professor of Mathematics, Hannah has spent years working with engineers, physicists and computer scientists to understand how technology shapes lives.

Hannah says: “We are living through a golden age of technology and yet we’ve forgotten to remember how clever the objects we surround ourselves with are. Behind everything that you touch and everything that you see someone had to come up with that idea and this is a show about those people and their incredible innovations that make modern life possible”.

Executive Producer Paul Overton said: “It’s staggering what technology can now do and yet most of us have no idea how any of it works or where it came from. We’re delighted to be demystifying the amazing science behind more everyday objects and uncovering their incredible origin stories. And Hannah Fry is the perfect guide to help make sense of the modern world in both a thought-provoking and fun way.”

Commissioning Editor Tom Coveney said: I can’t think of another programme that combines everything from particle physics to the history of AI and Korean sausages in such an entertaining and insightful manner. I’m excited to see what Hannah and the team have produced.”

The Secret Genius Of Modern Life, a 6x60’ series for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, is made by BBC Studios Science Unit in partnership with The Open University. It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. The Executive Producer is Paul Overton and the Commissioning Editor is Tom Coveney.