44 minSeason 15 • Episode 12
LatestExploring a secret subterranean network in London that inspired James Bond author Ian Fleming, and an Italian country retreat that was designed to brainwash a generation of children.
These are some of the most spectacular examples of abandoned engineering the world has ever known. The series explores how and why they were built, consider the financial and social costs of their failure and examine the environmental and ecological impacts. The series also explores how experts came up with plans to make something beautiful or useful from the ruins.
Cinematography
Drone shots of decay that make rust look frankly gorgeous.
Production
Access to places literally falling apart — real urban exploration without the trespassing.
Writing
Tom Ward's narration hits 'melancholy poet' more than 'dry historian'.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The show films in genuinely dangerous locations — crew members have fallen through floors that looked 'mostly solid.'
'Ruin porn' tourism became so problematic in Detroit that locals now side-eye any camera crew — this series had to build community trust first.
GB
