Watch Calculating Ada

"Calculating Ada" is a fascinating documentary series that recounts the life of Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer. The six-part series explores Lovelace's impact on computing and mathematics, delving into her personal life, her academic pursuits, and her legacy.

At its core, "Calculating Ada" is a biography of Lovelace. Born in 1815 to a famous poet father and aristocratic mother, Lovelace had a privileged upbringing but suffered from poor health throughout her life. Despite her health challenges, she was a brilliant thinker and pursued education in an era when it was difficult for women to do so.

From a young age, Lovelace showed a talent for mathematics, which her mother encouraged. She was introduced to Charles Babbage, the inventor of the first mechanical computer, and became fascinated with his work. Lovelace saw the potential for Babbage's machine to do more than simple calculations; she imagined it could be used to solve complex problems and create new products.

The series explores Lovelace's collaboration with Babbage, which resulted in her writing the first-ever algorithm designed for a machine. Lovelace's algorithm was meant for Babbage's Analytical Engine, a sophisticated machine that was never built during Lovelace's lifetime. She envisioned the Analytical Engine as being capable of tasks like composing music and generating complex graphics. Her algorithm played a role in inspiring modern computing as we know it today.

Beyond Lovelace's contributions to computer science, "Calculating Ada" also uncovers her personal life, which was marked by tragedy and illness. She was married to William King, a nobleman, and had three children, but struggled with various health issues throughout her life. Lovelace also had a close relationship with her mother, Lady Byron, who had a tumultuous marriage to Lovelace's father and ultimately separated from him. Lovelace and her mother corresponded often and shared a deep interest in mathematics.

The show provides an engaging look at the societal norms and challenges faced by Lovelace as a woman in the male-dominated field of mathematics. It highlights the persistence with which she pursued her interests despite the societal obstacles in her way. Lovelace's contributions to computing were groundbreaking and unrecognized during her lifetime, but her legacy has continued to grow as computing technology has advanced.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to interviews with leading experts in computer science and mathematics, who offer commentary on Lovelace's work and its impact on the field. The show also features reenactments of Lovelace's life, bringing her story to life in a compelling way. The production values are excellent, and the attention to detail is impressive.

"Calculating Ada" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of computing, the role of women in science, and the personalities that shaped our technological world. It is a compelling, well-produced series that sheds light on an important but overlooked figure in computing history. The show's blend of personal and professional insights gives viewers a well-rounded look at Lovelace's life and contributions, and it offers a sense of awe for the brilliance and foresight of Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer.

Calculating Ada is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (1 episodes). The series first aired on February 3, 2016.