The critically acclaimed documentary series The Secret Genius of Modern Life makes its triumphant return for a third season, premiering April 2, 2025 on BBC Two and iPlayer. Once again, the brilliant Hannah Fry guides viewers through the fascinating, often overlooked engineering marvels that shape our daily lives. This season promises to delve even deeper into the hidden systems and technologies that power our modern world, blending Fry’s signature wit with mind-blowing scientific revelations.
Behind the scenes, the same award-winning production team returns to deliver the series’ trademark blend of accessible science and captivating storytelling. From everyday objects to city-spanning infrastructures, Season 3 will uncover surprising truths about the designed world around us, proving once again why this series has become essential viewing for curious minds across the UK.
The Secret Genius of Modern Life Season 3: Stars & Roles
1. Hannah Fry as Self – Presenter
Professor Hannah Fry returns as the inimitable host of The Secret Genius of Modern Life, bringing her rare combination of academic rigor and infectious enthusiasm to Season 3. The mathematician and science communicator, known for her work on The Joy of Data and Contagion!, has become one of Britain’s most trusted voices in making complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining. Her ability to find wonder in the mundane transforms ordinary objects into fascinating subjects of exploration.
This season sees Fry expanding her investigations beyond physical objects to examine the invisible systems that govern modern life. Whether she’s dismantling household gadgets or tracing supply chains across continents, Fry’s genuine curiosity and sharp wit make every revelation feel like a shared discovery with the audience. Her presentation remains the beating heart of the series’ success.
2. Fay Finlay as Director
Fay Finlay returns to direct Season 3, bringing her distinctive visual style that has become synonymous with the series’ success. With a background in science programming including Horizon and The Planets, Finlay has a remarkable talent for transforming abstract concepts into compelling visual narratives. Her direction ensures each episode maintains the perfect balance between education and entertainment.
Finlay’s innovative approach to filming technology – using macro photography, CGI, and creative staging – makes the invisible workings of everyday objects suddenly visible and thrilling. Her collaboration with Fry has developed into one of television’s most productive presenter-director partnerships, with Season 3 promising their most ambitious visual storytelling yet.
3. Sam Breslin as Production Manager
Sam Breslin once again oversees the complex logistics that bring The Secret Genius of Modern Life to screens. With experience managing productions for QI and The Infinite Monkey Cage, Breslin’s organizational skills ensure the team can access everything from semiconductor clean rooms to shipping container terminals. His ability to coordinate between scientists, locations and the production team makes these global investigations possible.
Breslin’s behind-the-scenes work is particularly crucial this season as the production visits more international locations than ever before. From Japanese robotics labs to German engineering facilities, his management keeps the ambitious production running smoothly while maintaining the series’ trademark attention to detail.
4. Eileen Inkson as Executive Producer
Eileen Inkson continues as executive producer, bringing her decades of experience in science programming to shape the direction of Season 3. The BAFTA-winning producer, whose credits include Bang Goes the Theory and Dara Ó Briain’s Science Club, ensures the series remains both intellectually rigorous and wildly entertaining. Her leadership maintains the perfect alchemy of education and entertainment.
Inkson has pushed the team to explore more unexpected topics this season, challenging viewers’ assumptions about the technology surrounding them. Under her guidance, the series continues to evolve while staying true to its core mission of revealing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
5. Paul Overton as Executive Producer
Paul Overton completes the executive production team, bringing his expertise in factual entertainment to the series. With credits including James May’s Things You Need to Know and The Code, Overton specializes in making complex information irresistibly watchable. His influence ensures each episode delivers multiple “aha moments” that will have viewers looking at their world differently.
For Season 3, Overton has focused on expanding the series’ global perspective, exploring how different cultures approach technological challenges. His commitment to international storytelling brings fresh perspectives to the series while maintaining its distinctly British charm.
A New Season of Revelations
With its dream team of on-screen talent and production expertise, The Secret Genius of Modern Life Season 3 promises to continue its tradition of turning the mundane into the extraordinary. Prepare to see your world anew when the series returns to BBC Two and iPlayer on April 2, 2025. From the smartphone in your pocket to the infrastructure beneath your feet, nothing will seem ordinary again after Fry and team reveal its hidden genius.
