My Million Dollar Invention

Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse and Charles Goodyear are among the visionaries who have come up with inventions that have changed people's lives for generations. Those three are among the inventors profiled on this documentary series that tells the story behind major innovations and the people behind them, some more famous than others. Each hourlong episode -- focused around a theme such as speed or crime -- takes a look at the history of four inventions, including what it took for them to be brought to life and the legacy each has left on the world. In addition to creations from well-known people, innovations from more obscure individuals -- one-hit wonders, to borrow a term from the music industry -- are also included. An example of a lesser-known individual is underwear manufacturer LaMarcus Thompson, who helped bring about the advent of roller coasters through his ideas.