Skip to main content
Access to this video is a benefit for members through PBS Passport.

Up Next

Ancient Earth: Humans

Ancient Earth: Humans

Season 50 Episode 15
53:15
Inside China's Tech Boom

Inside China's Tech Boom

Season 50 Episode 16
53:20
The Battle to Beat Malaria

The Battle to Beat Malaria

Season 50 Episode 17
53:54
NOVA Season 50

Lee and Liza's Family Tree

Season 50 Episode 18
53:30
When Whales Could Walk

When Whales Could Walk

Season 51 Episode 1
53:31
Easter Island Origins

Easter Island Origins

Season 51 Episode 2
53:17
Building the Eiffel Tower

Building the Eiffel Tower

Season 51 Episode 3
53:15
Hunt for the Oldest DNA

Hunt for the Oldest DNA

Season 51 Episode 4
53:10
A.I. Revolution

A.I. Revolution

Season 51 Episode 5
53:30
Great American Eclipse

Great American Eclipse

Season 51 Episode 6
53:34
Secrets in Your Data

Secrets in Your Data

Season 51 Episode 7
53:40
Decoding the Universe: Cosmos

Decoding the Universe: Cosmos

Season 51 Episode 8
53:38
Back to Show
NOVA

Ancient Earth: Inferno

Season 50 Episode 14

252 million years ago, a devastating mass extinction wiped out about 90% of all species on Earth. Follow scientists as they piece together evidence to discover how life survived and set the stage for a new dominant life form: the dinosaurs.

Watch Preview
Support Provided By
Season
Nature's Fear Factor
53:21
Can bringing predators—and fear—back into an ecosystem help restore its natural balance?
Cat Tales
53:21
Goddess, demon, house pet? What does science say about the human relationship with cats?
Polar Extremes
1:52:46
Paleontologist Kirk Johnson explores the dynamic history—and future—of ice at the poles.
Decoding da Vinci
53:30
Discover the science behind Leonardo da Vinci's masterpieces—and Mona Lisa's iconic smile.
Why Bridges Collapse
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:25
Can new engineering techniques help prevent deadly bridge collapses?
Rise of the Mammals
53:15
Amazing fossils reveal how mammals took over after an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs.
Back to the Moon
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:32
Discover why scientists and entrepreneurs alike have their sights set on the Moon again.
The Next Pompeii
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:22
In the shadow of Vesuvius and Pompeii, a lesser-known volcano puts Naples at risk.
Rise of the Rockets
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:34
New technologies are promising a new renaissance in space travel.
Decoding the Great Pyramid
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:23
New archeological evidence shows the stunning engineering of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Einstein's Quantum Riddle
53:51
Join scientists as they grab light from across the universe to prove quantum entanglement.
Operation Bridge Rescue
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:21
Follow engineers and woodworkers as they rebuild an iconic American covered bridge.
Active loading indicator