Smithsonian Channel Documentaries
Season 2011
The content of these documentaries are inspired by the Smithsonian Institution’s museums, research facilities and magazines – and feature original non-fiction programming that cover a wide range of historical, scientific and cultural subjects.
Where to Watch Smithsonian Channel Documentaries • Season 2011
25 Episodes
- 9/11 - Day That Changed The World
E29/11 - Day That Changed The WorldTen years later, the events of September 11, 2001, still resonate - especially for the people who were in critical leadership positions on that fateful day. Hear intimate accounts from New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and the chiefs of the NYPD and FDNY, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Vice President Dick Cheney and many others who found themselves at the center of the action. Unprecedented decisions. Unimaginable tragedy. This is the definitive story, from 6 am to midnight, of a day that changed the world. - 9/11 - Stories in Fragments
E39/11 - Stories in FragmentsHow do you grasp an event as enormous as September 11? At the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, you start small: A briefcase, a Blackberry, a victim's sweatshirt, and a hero's nametag. Simple objects that tell personal stories, recounted in the donors' own words. Stories from New York, the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA remind us that the legacy of 9/11 is not fear - it's friendship, courage, and ordinary people pushed by extraordinary circumstances. Their stories deserve to be remembered across decades and generations. By telling them, we triumph over tragedy. - Doomsday in Tunguska
E4Doomsday in TunguskaOn June 30, 1908, one of the biggest explosions in history rocked a forested region in Siberia. The theories of what happened are as widespread as the damage the fireball caused. Some speculate asteroids, space aliens and black holes were the culprit. Others focus on the earth, pinning the blame on everything from subterranean volcanoes to acclaimed physicist Nikola Tesla. Join the ongoing investigation over what caused one of the biggest explosions in history. - The Origins of OzE5
The Origins of OzFollow the yellow brick road as we take a journey into the life of the man who created the first genuinely American fairy tale. L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” has been read by millions. The film adaptation has been seen by more people more times than any other film in the history of cinema. But little is known about the man behind it all, and how the people, places and circumstances in his life influenced this timeless tale. Discover a new perspective on this much-loved classic as we pull the curtain back on this wonderful writer. No other American children’s story has been as enthusiastically embraced by young and old alike as L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The “Harry Potter” of its day, it has been adapted and re-invented by every generation since the book was first published in 1899. But how did this classic tale come to be? Visit the locations that inspired Baum’s Land of Oz, witness his family’s archival collection, and hear interviews with fans, historians, and the author’s family as we share this heart-warming story of the man behind the classic. - Angkor Land of the Gods Part I Empire RisingE6
Angkor Land of the Gods Part I Empire RisingAngkor Wat is the largest temple on the face of the Earth and is a symbol of one of the greatest empires in the history of Southeast Asia. And yet, for centuries, the sacred structure remained lost within the tropical forests of Cambodia, along with the history of the young king who built the temple. Discover the story of Suryavarman II and how he ushered in the golden age of the Khmer Empire. See how Angkor Wat was constructed over four backbreaking decades, and witness the monument in its true glory and splendor, as it appeared 900 years ago. - Angkor Land of the Gods Part II Throne of PowerE7
Angkor Land of the Gods Part II Throne of PowerThe most spectacular architectural wonders in Cambodia's ancient city of Angkor were built after its darkest days. Journey with us as we trace the rise of Jayavarman VII who, after being exiled, became king of the Khmer Empire following his defeat of the Champa kingdom. See how the sprawling city complex of Angkor Thom grew under his rule to support the vibrant and thriving Khmer civilization. Witness the palaces and temples he built, as they first appeared hundreds of years ago, before time and nature took its toll on this once great city. - Amazon River CrocsE10
Amazon River Crocs Ultimate predators of the Amazon rainforest, black caiman grow over twenty feet long and weigh in at one ton. Seeing these massive reptiles in the wild would send most people running in the other direction, but filmmaker and biologist Rainer Bergomaz and forest ranger Yung Sandy are on a mission that will bring them closer to these behemoths than anyone has ever dared before. Take a thrilling journey up Guyana's Essequibo River as these wildlife experts leave civilization in their wake and enter the lair of the Amazon Basin's most feared predator. (Source: The Smithsonian Channel) - Phil Collins: Going Back to DetroitE11
Phil Collins: Going Back to DetroitIn 1959, a new record label changed the sound of pop music forever. Berry Gordy's Motown label brought the world the Jackson Five, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and more. The legendary artists' unique blend of soul and pop influenced future musical idols from all over the world, including a young Phil Collins, who 50 years later, is still a fan. Join him as he teams up with Detroit session guitarists the Funk Brothers to record a tribute to Motown and prepare for the accompanying tour. - Kuru: the Science and the SorceryE13
Kuru: the Science and the SorceryAustralian scientist Michael Alpers dedicated over 50 years to researching Kuru, an obscure and incurable brain disease unique to the Fore people of New Guinea. Kuru was once thought to be a psychosomatic illness, an infection, a genetic disorder, even a sorcerer's curse, but Alpers' findings pointed to cannibalism as the culprit. Yet a recent discovery has proven to be even more disturbing: the malady is linked to mad cow disease and its human equivalent, variant CJD. With a decades-long incubation period, could a larger outbreak be on its way? - Secrets of the Taj MahalE14
Secrets of the Taj MahalIt is considered a wonder of the world, and one of the most popular tourist attractions on Earth, but few realize that the Taj Mahal was built as a monument to eternal love. This is the story of Shah Jahan, ruler of India's mighty Mogul Empire, and his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, and of a love too perfect to survive. The Queen's tragic death moved Jahan to construct a shrine worthy of her name, but with this iconic structure, he would ultimately pay a terrible price to complete his life's work. - In Search of Santa Claus
E15In Search of Santa ClausSaint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Santa Claus - From Armenia (Gaghant Baba) to China (Dun Che Lao Ren), India (Ganesha) and Yugoslavia (Deda Mraz), this beloved and iconic symbol of holiday cheer is known by dozens of names. But who was he? Was he the 4th-century miracle worker Bishop Nicholas of Myra in modern day Turkey? Or the 6th-century Abbot Nicholas of Zion? Did these Middle Eastern holy men become the jolly old Saint Nick of popular lore? Is our modern-day image of Santa the brain child of Civil War-era cartoonist Thomas Nast, looking to comfort weary soldiers during the holidays - and of savvy Coca Cola ad men who adopted the image 50 years later? - World War II: Final Days Part 1E16
World War II: Final Days Part 1Eyewitnesses tel firsthand stories of the conquest of Italy by Allied forces and the capture and murder of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini during the last days of World War II as troops began the final, unstoppable push toward berlin - Hunt for the Double Eagle
E18Hunt for the Double EagleThe 1933 Double Eagle is more than just a rare coin. It's a lightening rod for history, greed and corruption. Never officially issued, the coin was slated for destruction after being minted, but some Double Eagles escaped the meltdown and immediately became the obsession of billionaires, kings and criminal investigators. Join us as we recreate the story of the world's most valuable coin, a journey that takes us to an Egyptian King's palace, a Secret Service sting operation and the most extraordinary auction of the century. - Cheetah: Price of SpeedE19
Cheetah: Price of SpeedThe cheetah excels at acceleration, gathering speeds of over 60 MPH in just a few strides. It runs down high-speed prey faster than any mammal on Earth, but its quickness comes at a cost. For one mother raising three cubs, the stakes are especially high. Her lack of stamina results in many failed attempts to capture prey, and as a single parent, hunting means leaving her cubs unattended and vulnerable to other predators of the Serengeti. The race for survival is on. The cheetah has the speed, but does she have the endurance to make it? - Nature's MatchmakerE21
Nature's MatchmakerThe business of the birds and the bees gets more complicated when it comes to the endangered species of the world. Female giant pandas are only fertile once a year, for 48 hours. Male clouded leopards often try to kill their mates. But when nature fails, science steps in. Join us as we follow Dr. JoGayle Howard, matchmaker, surgeon, and reproductive sleuth on her mission to stave off extinction one litter at a time. - Earth Under WaterE22
Earth Under WaterThe story of how the world is threatened by rising sea levels due to carbon dioxide emissions and rising global temperatures. If Antarctica and Greenland melted, the world's oceans would rise by 230ft. Using current climate models, scientists predict a maximum six-foot sea-level rise this century - enough to flood Miami and displace millions of people everywhere from New Orleans to Bangladesh. The efforts to use engineering to save cities like London and New Orleans are revealed. - Big Cats of the Savannah
E23Big Cats of the SavannahThe grasslands of Africa are a banquet for feline predators. The unique grasses attract herbivores by the millions including herds of wildebeests and zebras who come to graze in spite of the danger of being eaten themselves. Take a closer look at the African savannah as we explore the hunting and nurturing habits of lions, leopards and cheetahs inside one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth. - Mystery of the Hope DiamondE24
Mystery of the Hope DiamondEmbark on an epic journey of Hope. The legend is as massive and multifaceted as the gem itself, spanning one billion years, three continents and leaving a trail of intrigue, envy and death.We uncover the science and secrets of history's most famous jewel by visiting different countries and getting expert opinions from forensic scientists and history scholars. Learn why the Hope Diamond has inspired superstition, passion and interest since its discovery, and witness the unveiling of Hope in its new limited-edition setting, designed by Harry Winston and chosen by the American public. - The Hunt for Escobar's HipposE25
The Hunt for Escobar's HipposHacienda Nápoles in rural Colombia was once the haunt of billionaire psychopath Pablo Escobar, who just so happened to have a soft spot for exotic animals – particularly Hippopotami! During the excesses of his reign of terror, extorting billions of dollars from the illicit trafficking of cocaine to the USA, he ordered his henchmen to organise four of these gigantic beasts to be captured in Africa and delivered by plane to his notorious playboy ranch. The hippos were to be shown off as a 'novelty act' to impress and entertain his drug cartel cronies. In so doing, Pablo Escobar unwittingly spawned a Colombian alien animal invasion; a real life Jurassic Park-story (all complete with concrete dinosaur statues!) - with potentially terrifying consequences. Having broken down the fences and escaped the notorious drug baron's exotic zoo, one of the most deadly animals on Earth is now running riot on the streets and infiltrating the wilderness of Colombia. Today, rumours circulate that as many as 100 hippos occupy the country; creatures that kill more people in Africa than any other megafauna including elephants, rhinos and lions! Having broken down the fences and escaped the notorious drug baron's exotic zoo, one of the most deadly animals on Earth is now running riot on the streets and infiltrating the wilderness of Colombia. Today, rumours circulate that as many as 100 hippos occupy the country; creatures that kill more people in Africa than any other megafauna including elephants, rhinos and lions! Compounding the problem, Colombia is proving to be a paradise for African hippos as there are no natural predators and a year-round abundance of water and luscious grass to feed on. In fact, the conditions are proving so favourable that Pablo's so-called "Cocaine Hippos" are believed to be breeding at twice the underlying rate of their African cousins! The Colombian hippo situation is a ticking ecological time bomb in urgent need of defusing. As the largest alie