Internet Vs Ocean: the essential wires we never think about

Did you know that the internet is held together by a network of undersea cables? And did you also know that these cables can trace their origin back to 1850s? What has and hasn’t changed in the last 150 years may surprise you.

BUY MAP MEN MUGS, T-SHIRTS, POSTERS ETC...

SEE NEW EPISODES EARLY, AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXTRAS...

Written and presented by

Director/DOP

Edited by
JAY FOREMAN

Runner
ABBY TIMMS

VFX

Additional Graphics

[sudorandom]

Small correction. The “America to America” example cable mentioned at 7:34 doesn’t exist because it’s cheaper or faster to send data from Texas to Mississippi with an undersea cable. This cable is called the “Gulf of Mexico Fiber Optic Network” and it exists to provide internet to offshore drilling rigs along the path of the cable. Because of this, it’s probably one of the more interesting cables on the map!

Sometimes it’s about the journey, not the destination.

[ardendarling]

I love the running gag about "the beginning of the internet", because it highlights how technologies build and improve on one another, and which should be counted as the true "beginning" of some modern technology is largely subjective, down to the personal views of the presenter and which technological features they consider to be important.

[sssdddkkksss]

8:43 I just noticed the gag where the random items you list that would be impossible to buy without the internet, ARE ALL ACTUALLY IN THE SHOP FRONT WINDOW. "Pink Suitcases, Teddy Bears, Funny Hats, and Basketballs"
This is why this channel is so rewatchable and awesome.

[TheDarkfighter]

The way Jay controls the slight smirk on his face to straight deadpan after the globes fall is the mark of a professional comedian.

[ElysiumCreator]

Honestly didn’t realise how much I loved Map Men, until the time between episodes seemed so long
Edit: Hello Chris

[PanekPL]

When describing the distance between the UK and the USA and how long the first transatlantic telegraph cable needed to be, at 3:33 Jay says the word "very" 8 times (the subtitles say it 10 times). Then, at 3:46, Cyrus figured out that he needs to repeat the word "very" 7 times (the subs again say something different, this time going for 9). Afterwards it's back to Jay, who says "very" 9 times (the subtitles go for 12 for some reason).

According to Wikipedia, the length of the cable was 2, 500 nautical miles.

Therefore, one "very" in the Map Men universe equals between 277.77 nautical miles (319.65 regular ol' miles) and 357.14 nautical miles (410.98 miles).

[shokmunky]

as a radio host who struggles to fight through a monologue when something funny happens, I have the deepest respect for you both managing to hold your composure when the globes fell 😂

[stuartrockin]

Can't believe Samuel Morse named himself after the Morse code and took all the credit. Surprised there's been no backlash against Dave Internet yet.

[market_car]

I absolutely love the bit at 1:36 with the olden version of Google Maps. This kind of unnecessary and funny attention to detail is exactly why everyone loves to watch this channel. Thanks Jay!

[mhardisty]

In the mid/late 90's, we needed to send a build of a game across from the UK to the publisher in New York. This involved me burning it on disks, getting on a plane, flying to New York, getting a (nice) stretch Limo to the Publishers offices, and handing over the disks to their QA (testers)
This was an enjoyable experience that now can be done in about 2 minutes via the power of the internet.
This was the beginning of the internet!!!

[CinemaDemocratica]

If I could do what Jay does when those globes fall off the wall, my entire life would have played out differently.

[FedeGuiance]

Love these videos. Binged all of "Unfinished London" before my first ever trip to the capital a few weeks ago. Second day there, walking to Piccadilly via Regent Street, and I see the man himself in his impecable suit rushing towards Soho. It made my trip even if I could not stop you for a photo, Jay!

[supremesantos]

8:44 I appreciate that the list of 'pink suit cases, teddy bears, funny hats or basket balls' are all things in the shop window behind him

[Mike-kcew]

As someone who works in IT, I can say that this was actually very well researched and communicated, with a great critical thinking message of what those who "provide us the internet" may be asking for in return. Plus, all the visual gags were the best! Map Men is seriously one of the best Youtube series out there!

[katieorsomething]

i love how all of your videos feel like they were made 6 years ago. they're great

[SivleFred]

0:41 That slight quiver makes me think the globes falling was not scripted.

[rowanmichaels]

A "human garden hose" implies Jay is aware of garden hoses made by other species.

[randomuploadsism]

This is one of the best YouTube channels out there. Even at 1.4M subs I'd still say it is very underrated. The content is fascinating, concise and funny. The bit about "I need to get those globes up that fell off the wall "without even blinking, is a testimony to your skills as performers. So glad I found this channel.

[adenrius]

Was the falling globe thing improvised? Because it was perfect.

[LegendaryHewy]

Tell me the globes falling wasn't a planned bit. If it isn't, Jay's ability to effortlessly work it into the take as if it was part of the video is commendable.