Science Fiction in the Atomic Age

The origins of sci-fi, early apocalyptic visions, and the influence of the atomic age. This episode explores early science-fiction writers, including Mary Shelley (Frankenstein), Jules Verne (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) and HG Wells (Things to Come and The Time Machine). Plus, the possibility of nuclear apocalypse, as portrayed works including Herman Kahn's On Thermonuclear War, Stanley Kubrick's Dr Strangelove, Sidney Lumet's Fail Safe, Nevil Shute's On the Beach and Peter Watkins' The War Game.

The golden age of sci-fi, the Space Race, and dystopian cautionary tales. Arthur C Clarke to Ray Bradbury: Explore how WWII shifted national literature and media power, with American tradition dominating post-war in influence and success. This episode focuses on the work of authors including Arthur C Clarke and Ray Bradbury.

The rise of feminist, diverse, and socially conscious science fiction. A look at the genre's ability to foretell the shape of future society, touching on the works of Canadian novelist and poet Margaret Atwood and American writer Ted Chiang. Atwood's A Handmaid's Tale created a more political, dystopian model to illustrate relations between genders becoming oppressive. Though not a prolific author, Chiang has produced prestigious works such as Arrival, Understand and Division by Zero.

The impact of film and television on the perception of science fiction.