Plot Synopsis

Hosted by futurist Ari Wallach, A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE is a six-part documentary that challenges the dystopian framework embraced by popular culture by offering a refreshing take on the future exploring potential solutions to our existential threats. The program invites viewers to imagine a world that is full of discovery, hope, and possibility -- inspiring each of us to understand our power to shape the future that future generations need us to so they can flourish. The series weaves together history, science, and unexpected storytelling to expand our understanding about the impact that the choices we make today will have on our tomorrows. Each episode follows those who are working to solve our greatest challenges. The series also features valuable insights from a wide range of thinkers, scientists, developers and storytellers including French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur, musician Grimes, architect Bjarke Ingels, climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, legendary soccer player Kylian Mbappe, and more. Episodes include:

"Beyond the Now" (Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 9pm): Join Ari Wallach on his journey to seek the individuals and ideas that can shape a better, more sustainable future for each generation to build upon.

"Chaos & Complexity" (Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 9pm): Why are many of us feeling overwhelmed and afraid in this historically transformational moment in time? Ari Wallach explores how it offers unprecedented possibilities for new and needed futures we can create together.

"Once Upon a Time" (Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 9pm): How do stories shape the boundaries of belief about what is possible? Ari Wallach dives into the fundamental role storytelling plays in our lives and their potential to unleash the power of human imagination and creativity moving forward.

"Human" (Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 9pm): Ari Wallach investigates the human ability to increase empathy and compassion, what values we are instilling into artificial intelligence technologies, and creating a better world for human life to flourish on this planet.

"Together" (Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 9pm): Throughout history, humans' unique capacity for cooperation has set us apart. Ari Wallach explores the internal changes we enact that have the potential to impact those around us, our broader communities, and societies.

"Tomorrow" (Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 9pm): Ari Wallach examines the ways we often see the concept of the future, the crucial need to think much, much bigger about what could come next, and how we all have more personal agency than we realize.