Duration
30 minutes
Series Info
Season 1 Episode 3

Quick Summary

TOOTHPICKS, ACRYLIC BATHTUBS, HELICOPTERS & BEER - This Quest programming documentary series delivers a quick overview at a glance of how humble toothpicks, sleek acrylic baths, modern helicopters and craft beer have gone from hand‑crafted roots to high‑tech, AI‑driven production lines, with programme highlights that blend drama and pure entertainment for UK television viewers. Each episode offers British TV fans a punchy, at‑a‑glance look that will spark curiosity in any television guide.

About This Program

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW TOOTHPICKS, ACRYLIC BATHTUBS, HELICOPTERS & BEER: THE MAKING OF EVERYDAY MARVELS is a bold new documentary series that pulls back the curtain on four seemingly unrelated products and reveals the fascinating engineering, chemistry and craft behind their creation. Across four hour‑long episodes the series charts the journey from raw material to finished good, showing how humble toothpicks, sleek acrylic baths, high‑tech helicopters and beloved British beer have been transformed by innovation, regulation and market demand. This programme promises a fresh perspective for UK television lovers who enjoy a blend of industrial history and modern manufacturing drama. WHAT TO EXPECT Each episode delivers an in‑depth review of a specific product line, beginning with the early, labour‑intensive methods of the nineteenth century and moving through the digital age of computer‑aided design and automation. Viewers will see archival footage of early wooden‑toothpick factories, the first hand‑blown acrylic moulds, the pioneering rotor‑craft of the post‑war era, and the traditional brewing vats of historic British breweries. Contemporary scenes follow cutting‑edge factories where robotics, sustainable materials and data analytics shape the next generation of these everyday items. The series balances technical detail with human stories, featuring engineers, artisans and historians who explain the science in clear, engaging language. KEY FEATURES The series stands out for its high production values, cinematic cinematography and a charismatic presenting team that includes a veteran BBC science journalist, a former aerospace engineer and a celebrated craft brewer. Unique selling points are the immersive factory tours, interactive graphics that visualise molecular changes in acrylic and the aerodynamic forces on helicopter blades, and the occasional hands‑on demonstration where presenters craft a toothpick or brew a miniature batch of ale. The documentary style is complemented by a subtle drama‑like narrative arc, making each episode feel like a compelling story rather than a simple instructional guide. WHY WATCH UK viewers who appreciate quality British TV will find this series a perfect blend of education and entertainment. It offers a comprehensive guide to the hidden worlds that power daily life, satisfying curiosity while highlighting the importance of British manufacturing heritage and modern innovation. The programme fits neatly into any television guide as a flagship documentary that promises full details, rich visual storytelling and a fresh take on subjects that are often taken for granted. Whether you are a fan of engineering, design, food and drink, or simply love a well‑crafted series, this show delivers depth, insight and a genuine sense of wonder. Quest CONTEXT TOOTHPICKS, ACRYLIC BATHTUBS, HELICOPTERS & BEER will join the distinguished line‑up of Quest programming, sitting comfortably alongside other acclaimed documentary series that celebrate British ingenuity. Its slot on the Sunday evening schedule ensures it reaches a broad audience of UK television enthusiasts looking for thoughtful, high‑quality entertainment. The series reinforces the BBC’s commitment to delivering in‑depth, factual content that both informs and inspires, making it a must‑watch addition to any British TV lover’s weekly viewing plan.

How It's Made broadcasts on Quest at 3:30am, Saturday, 20 September 2025. (Subtitles)