How the Universe Works

Secrets of Time Travel is a one‑off documentary episode that aired on Channel 4 earlier this year. It’s presented by physicist Dr Jane Smith and historian Dr Mark Patel, who guide us through a tidy studio set peppered with chalk‑board sketches and archival footage. Think of it as a proper “my‑thesis‑on‑time‑travel” session, but with a dash of TV polish. The programme walks us through the big ideas – from Einstein’s relativity and wormholes to the paradoxes that keep sci‑fi writers busy. We hear from a quantum‑mechanics professor, a NASA engineer and even a novelist who’s obsessed with the bootstrap paradox. Each segment asks whether the maths could ever be more than a plot device, and the hosts keep the jargon surprisingly accessible, so you never feel lost in a sea of equations. Honestly, it’s not a thriller, and the pacing does drag a bit when the experts get into the nitty‑gritty of particle accelerators. The visual effects look a touch ropy compared with the slickness of “Through the Wormhole”, but the interview clips are genuinely interesting and the occasional “what‑if” scenario feels surprisingly good. If you enjoy a measured, fact‑led look at the subject – think “Doctor Who” meets “Cosmos” – it’s worth a sit‑down; otherwise you might find it a bit too academic. Rated PG, with mild intellectual frustration for younger viewers and a few moments of “mind‑blown” intensity. First terrestrial broadcast was 12 Nov 2023, and it’s now available on the channel’s on‑demand service. Fair warning: you’ll need a cuppa and a willingness to tolerate a few long‑winded explanations.