Back in its heyday, the BBC’s Tomorrow’s World captured the imagination of millions, blending cutting-edge science with bold predictions about the future.
The show aired from 1965 to 2003 and became a cornerstone of British television.
Known for its tech showcases and bold futurism, it occasionally hit the mark—and sometimes missed entirely.
Let’s take a stroll through some of the most fascinating predictions the show made in 1995 about life in 2025 and see how close they got.
Internet Chaos and the Fear of Cyber Riots
In 1995, the internet was still finding its feet, but Tomorrow’s World was already envisioning a darker side.
The show foresaw a future where “business barons” would dominate the web, turning it into a controlled “supernet.”
Frustrated users, they suggested, would push back with riots and a wave of devastating cyberattacks.
Even Professor Stephen Hawking chimed in, likening the internet to a primordial ocean where computer viruses—seen as a new form of life—could replicate and wreak havoc.
His words hinted at a future where these digital threats might spiral out of control.
The Reality
Thankfully, we’ve avoided internet riots or a monopolistic supernet.
However, cybercrime is a real and growing concern.
State-backed hackers, like those allegedly operating from Russia, have targeted critical infrastructure.
High-profile ransomware attacks on UK hospitals in recent years are a sobering reminder of the risks.
Asteroid Mining and Tackling Space Junk
The show had big dreams for space, predicting that mining asteroids for precious metals would be a billion-dollar industry by 2025.
They also tackled the growing concern of space debris, proposing a solution involving a futuristic foam gel to trap and destroy the orbiting junk.
The Reality
While asteroid mining remains a concept, it hasn’t materialized yet.
NASA has made progress with asteroid missions, showing it’s possible to land on and study these celestial objects.
Space junk, however, is an escalating issue, with millions of debris pieces orbiting Earth.
Sadly, no magical foam exists yet to clean up the mess.
Robot Surgeons and Holographic Patients
Imagine this: a patient’s hologram projected into an operating theater, where a skilled surgeon performs surgery remotely using robotic arms.
Tomorrow’s World predicted that by 2004, advanced robotics and holography would revolutionize healthcare, allowing top surgeons to operate anywhere in the world without leaving their homes.
The Reality
Holographic surgeries are still science fiction, but robotic surgery is now a reality.
Systems like the da Vinci Surgical System are widely used, allowing surgeons to perform precise procedures from a console.
While it’s not the exact scenario the show envisioned, technology has undoubtedly transformed healthcare.
Banking with Microchips in Your Arm
One particularly futuristic idea from the show involved implanted microchips for financial transactions.
They envisioned people scanning their arms to withdraw cash or make payments, eliminating the need for wallets or bank staff.
The Reality
While microchips for banking haven’t gone mainstream, digital payments and biometrics have come a long way.
Mobile apps now use facial recognition and fingerprint scans, making transactions seamless.
A niche group in some countries experiments with microchip implants, but it’s far from widespread.
Self-Driving Cars and Smart Highways
The show predicted that by 2025, automated highways and self-driving cars would dominate transportation.
Cars would communicate via sensors, ensuring smooth traffic flow and perfect harmony on the roads.
The Reality
Self-driving cars are no longer just a dream, with companies like Tesla and Waymo leading the charge.
Smart motorways, equipped with sensors to manage traffic, are gradually being introduced in the UK.
While we’re not quite at the level of fully automated highways, the prediction wasn’t far off.
Virtual Reality and Talking Smart Speakers
In one memorable scene, Tomorrow’s World depicted a man wearing a VR headset in a futuristic London.
He interacts with a smart speaker featuring a floating holographic assistant who suggests travel plans, including a rapid shuttle to Bangalore.
The Reality
Virtual reality has indeed become mainstream, with millions of headsets sold worldwide.
However, holographic assistants and ultra-fast global travel remain far-fetched ideas—at least for now.
Reflections on a Bold Vision
Tomorrow’s World captured the spirit of its time, balancing optimism and caution about the future.
While not all of its predictions came true, many were remarkably insightful, providing a glimpse into the possibilities of human ingenuity.
As we continue to innovate, the show’s legacy reminds us to dream big while staying grounded in reality.