Everyday Edisons

Everyday Edisons is an inspiring reality television series that first aired on the PBS network in 2007. This captivating series brings to life the spirit of invention and innovation, providing everyday people with the opportunity to turn their ideas into lucrative, patented products. Produced by Bouncing Brain Productions, Everyday Edisons showcases the innovation process from idea conception to market reality, leaving viewers not only entertained but also educated.

The show ushers viewers into an engaging world where the ideas of ordinary folk are transformed into tangible products. The process is extensive, moving from the initial assessment, through product development, manufacturing, marketing, and onto the store shelves. Through this exposure, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the sometimes complex and challenging process of turning an idea into reality.

Everyday Edisons brings together a team of industry professionals who collaborate with the inventors to bring their ideas to life. This team includes design experts, marketing professionals, patent attorneys, and business strategists. These professionals play an instrumental role in determining which ventures offer the most promising potential. Their combined experience offers inventors much-needed insight and guidance, helping them navigate the often complex and intimidating world of product development.

Each episode of Everyday Edisons focuses on a specific inventor and their idea. Uniquely, however, they are not competing against each other for an ultimate prize or investment. Instead, each inventor is treated individually and given the time and resources to work with experts to develop their product. The viewers get to witness the excitement, fears, challenges, and triumphs of the individual inventors as they journey from obscurity towards the potential of substantial success.

Inventors on the show range from stay-at-home-moms and retirees to engineers and science teachers. The ideas they bring to the table are diverse: from simple household items to ambitious technological devices. One of the main strengths of Everyday Edisons is its ability to uncover hidden gems among mist of common, ordinary individuals. The series demonstrates that everyone is capable of significant contributions to the world of innovation. It reinforces the idea that anyone, in any walk of life, can be an 'Edison'.

The first season saw more than 4,000 hopeful inventors auditions across the country. These auditions were open to anyone with an idea and the courage to present it. From this pool of candidates, a selection of 14 was chosen to take part in the series. Some participants had no more than a penciled sketch of their idea, while others brought more elaborate concepts. Regardless of their starting point, these individuals went through an intense journey of prototype development, patent searches, and product testing and maturation.

A critical feature of Everyday Edisons is its educational value. Often, inventors enter the business world with no understanding of how to navigate it. In the series, the inventors not only receive a crash course in product development but also learn about patent regulations, marketing strategies, and the general business know-how. It's an intense, high-value business education brilliantly captured and shared with the TV audience.

In an age where reality shows often hone in on drama and competition, Everyday Edisons provides a refreshing alternative. It emphasizes innovation, learning, and the power of the human mind. This show is not just for those who fancy the idea of inventing something. It caters to anyone curious about how new products are conceived and brought to market, those fascinated by creativity and innovation, or entrepreneurs looking to understand more about the journey of product development.

Aside from the core inventors, the audience becomes a significant contributor to the entire process. Watching the show, you can't help but be inspired by the resourcefulness and resilience of these Everyday Edisons, feel invested in their success, and learn from their journey in the world of innovation.

In summary, Everyday Edisons is an unconventional, compelling reality TV show that engages, educates, and inspires. It beautifully fuses entertainment with education, providing a dynamic platform that thoroughly explores the transformation of an idea into a product. It's a brilliant testament to the inventiveness of the human race, showcasing that indeed, there are 'Everyday Edisons' among us, waiting to bring their brilliant innovations to life.