Dr Karl's How Things Work
Dr Karl lifts the lid on how some of Australia's best loved products are made, stepping behind factory lines to uncover the intricate workings of some of our most productive manufacturing plants.
Seasons
1. Toilet Paper
Air Date: 2025-01-07
The battle for bog roll during the Covid 19 years showed us just how much we Aussies value the stuff. In this episode Dr Karl lifts the lid to discover how recycled toilet paper is made at the Encore toilet paper factory.
2. Chocolate
Air Date: 2025-01-14
At the Haigh's chocolate factory, Dr Karl gets the full Willy Wonka experience of how this sweet treat is made. Following it from bean to bar he discovers that the future of chocolate is in jeopardy.
3. Ginger Beer
Air Date: 2025-01-21
Dr Karl takes a peek inside the Bundaberg Ginger Beer Master Brewery. From the ginger farm to the packing line, he examines how this iconic soft drink - made from a spice and then fermented - is produced.
4. Cricket Balls
Air Date: 2025-01-28
Dr Karl visits the Kookaburra Sport cricket ball factory in Melbourne and learns how this global symbol of Australian sport is crafted from humble beginnings.
5. Lollies
Air Date: 2025-02-04
We know we shouldn't, but most of us can't resist the temptation of a lolly. At the Allen's factory, Dr Karl steps onto the factory floor to see how Snakes Alive are made - spoiler alert, the most popular flavour is red.
6. Cheese
Air Date: 2025-02-11
In this peep behind Bega's factory doors, Dr Karl learns how cheese is made... and it would appear that he knows more about String Theory, than he does string cheese.
1. Chips
Air Date: 2026-01-06
Dr Karl crunches into the crispy, salty, science packed world of chips, proving there's more to one of the nation's favourite treats than meets the mouth.
2. Aussie Rules Football
Air Date: 2026-01-06
Dr Karl unravels how leather, laces, and over a century of craft produce the sacred ball at the centrepiece of the nation's favourite game, Aussie Rules Football.
3. Pies
Air Date: 2026-01-13
Guided by a pie-tastic team in Perth, Dr Karl embarks on a culinary odyssey to uncover how Australia's iconic meat pies are made.
4. Guitars
Air Date: 2026-01-20
Dr Karl slides behind the doors of a guitar factory to see how Australia's favourite instrument is made.
5. Bread
Air Date: 2026-01-27
It's an early rise for Dr Karl as he starts the day at the Goodman Fielder bakery in Burleigh Heads where they bake 100,000 loaves of bread every day.
6. Boots
Air Date: 2026-02-03
Dr Karl visits eight new factories to find out how some of Australia's best-known products are made. With an access all areas pass to see how everyday items like books, guitars and chips are made, he'll discover the secrets of modern manufacturing.
7. Ice Cream
Air Date: 2026-02-10
Dr Karl visits eight new factories to find out how some of Australia's best-known products are made. With an access all areas pass to see how everyday items like books, guitars and chips are made, he'll discover the secrets of modern manufacturing.
8. Books
Air Date: 2026-02-17
Dr Karl visits eight new factories to find out how some of Australia's best-known products are made. With an access all areas pass to see how everyday items like books, guitars and chips are made, he'll discover the secrets of modern manufacturing.
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Rating
4.0/10
Release Date
2025-01-07
Episodes
14 (2 seasons)
Status
Returning Series
Cast
Videos
Production Companies
Australian Broadcasting Corporation