Dark Marvels: Killing Machines

2023•1 series

Available on

Interviews, recreations, archival footage and 3D graphics are used to explore the history and engineering behind the world's most diabolical inventions, from torture and death devices, to weapons of war, sinister spy tools, and games that kill.

Episode 1Death Devices

Witness the dark origin stories behind some of history's most notorious methods of execution, from the guillotine to the electric chair. (S1, ep 1)

Episode 2Temples of Doom

From the terrifying Tower of London to a hotel of horrors, discover the dark secrets hidden within these foreboding fortresses. (S1, ep 2)

Episode 3Treacherous Traps

Examine a variety of diabolical booby traps used to ensnare treasure hunters, outwit body snatchers or gravely harm wartime enemies. (S1, ep 3)

Episode 4Pain and Punishment

Witness the twisted origin stories of some of history's most diabolically creative and brutal torture devices, from the Iron Maiden to the Pear of Anguish. (S1, ep 4)

Episode 5Blades of Fury

From the destructive Viking axe to the sacred but deadly Samurai katana, razor-sharp blades wielded by fearsome warriors have spilled blood and forged empires. (S1, ep 5)

Episode 6Superweapons of Fear

From the world's largest trebuchet to Nazi super cannons, these are the deadly weapons that rain destruction and spread fear on the battlefield. (S1, ep 6)