
Series exploring topical scientific issues examines Professor Stephen Hawking's most controversial theory and possibly his greatest mistake. \n\nFor 30 years the most famous scientist in the world defended an extraordinary idea, an idea some claimed would undermine the whole of science. It was called the information paradox and it led one opponent to dub Hawking 'the most stubborn man in the universe'. But finally Hawking had to admit that he'd been wrong all along. Now, as he nears the end of his extraordinary career, Hawking's scientific legacy is being called into question like never before.\n\nFor a year Horizon filmed behind the scenes with Hawking as he struggled to finish what many thought was going to be his last scientific paper. If he succeeded he would potentially end his career on a high, confirming his status as one of the great figures in physics. But the odds were against him, as his physical health continued to decline.\n\nThis is an extraordinary story of one man's defiance of disability and his peers. It is a story that ranges from the beginning of the universe, which Hawking explored, to the intensive care unit of Addenbrookes, where he was taken and was critically ill for three months. On his hospital bed he had an insight which he hoped would form the basis of his latest comeback.
Source: BBC 2
2022: How To Sleep Well With Michael Mosley
A third of the population regularly struggle with our sleep, which rose to one in two during the pandemic - the highest it’s ever been. However, as more and more people se ...
07-01-2026
BBC 2
2020: Hubble: The Wonders Of Space Revealed
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of its launch, this film tells the remarkable story of how Hubble revealed the awe and wonder of our universe and how a team of daring astronau ...
24-04-2025
BBC 2
2020: What's The Matter With Tony Slattery?
Tony Slattery was one of the most gifted TV comedians of the late 80s and early 90s. One of the Cambridge Footlight set that included Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson, ...
10-02-2025
BBC 2
Life Story: A Horizon Special
It's 1951. There's a race on, and two of the brightest and brashest young men in Cambridge are determined to win it. The prize is glittering. Eternal fame, glory and almost cert ...
11-12-2024
BBC 2
2020: Pluto: Back From The Dead
The incredible story of how Pluto has been propelled from an unremarkable ball of ice on the edge of the solar system to a world of unimaginable complexity - where some form of ...
28-10-2024
BBC 2
2018: 9. Body Clock: What Makes Us Tick?
We all have a biological clock ticking away inside us that governs our daily rhythms. This affects our health as much as our diet and whether we exercise. So what can we do to m ...
04-02-2020
BBC 2
2014-2015 - Inside The Dark Web
Series exploring topical scientific issues. With many concerned about internet surveillance, Horizon meets the hackers and scientists whose technology is fighting back.
03-09-2014
BBC 2
2018: 4. Spina Bifida & Me
One in every 1,000 pregnancies in Britain has a spine or brain defect like spina bifida. Thirty years ago, actress Ruth Madeley was one of them. Despite having spina bifida hers ...
26-07-2018
BBC 2
2014-2015 - Should I Eat Meat? - The Big Health Dilemma
Series exploring topical scientific issues. Dr Michael Mosley investigates the latest science on eating meat and puts the studies to the test by going on a high-meat diet.
18-08-2014
BBC 2
2018: 6. Stopping Male Suicide
Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK - causing more deaths in this group than car accidents, and even more than cancer. This means that the most likely thing ...
12-05-2021
BBC 2