Smithsonian Channel Documentaries
Season 2018
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 2018
21 Episodes
- Escape to the Great Dismal SwampE1
Escape to the Great Dismal SwampIn the 1800s, southern newspapers ran ads seeking runaway slaves suspected of taking refuge in a vast wetland called the Great Dismal Swamp. For decades, scholars have sought proof that the reports were true, and now they finally have it. See how a team of archaeologists is using new discoveries and modern dating methods to piece together this lost part of American history. Then discover what life was like for these brave men and women, who chose to suffer in the swamp and keep their freedom rather than live under the conditions of slavery. - Earth from Outer Space
E2Earth from Outer SpaceIn just half a century, the human population has doubled to 7.4 billion, and during that time, astronaut and satellite photos have been capturing the startling changes on our planet. See how humans have made their mark reshaping the planet in our quest for new sources of food, power, and shelter. From glimmering new megacities like Shenzhen, China to areas affected by climate change like Mt. Kilimanjaro and Florida, witness Earth's changing look--the spectacular and the shocking--from 250 miles up. - The Mountain Lion and Me
E3The Mountain Lion and MeOn the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park is Paradise Valley, Montana, an animal so secretive few people ever get to see it. Wildlife filmmaker Casey Anderson became one of those lucky few after following the tracks of the elusive cat from his backyard into the world of a mother and her three cubs. - Finding Life in Outer SpaceE4
Finding Life in Outer SpaceA documentary that explores the origins of life on Earth and the evolution of the cosmos from the Big Bang onwards; travels to extreme locations such as hydrothermal pools in Chile's Atacama Desert and the world's northernmost science facility, high in the Arctic Circle, to learn how life survives in seemingly inhospitable conditions, and discusses how this may help us find life on other planets. Learn how the Earth's magnetic field protects life from harmful solar radiation, resulting in the fantastical aurora borealis. This is part of a set of back-to-back space documentaries. - Waco: The Longest Siege
E6Waco: The Longest SiegeIt began as a raid, turned into a 51-day standoff, and ended with the destruction of a five-story building and 75 people dead. The 1993 Waco siege of the compound belonging to the Branch Davidians riveted the nation and drew swarms of media from around the globe. Now, a quarter century later, we revisit the American tragedy through rarely seen footage and interviews with local journalists, federal agents, and former and current members of the sect. - Ice Bridge: The Impossible JourneyE7
Ice Bridge: The Impossible JourneyIs it possible that Ice Age people succeeded in crossing the frozen Atlantic Ocean to North America, thousands of years before the Vikings and Columbus? Two archaeologists believe so after discovering artifacts in Chesapeake Bay that bear an inexplicable resemblance to those from prehistoric Europe. Follow them as they combine old-fashioned excavations with exciting new DNA testing to prove their theory, answer their critics, and rewrite the history books. - Rise of Tokyo
E8Rise of TokyoIt's a city that transformed itself from a sprawl of wooden dwellings into a huge modern metropolis. Over 150 years, Tokyo has risen from the ashes twice--from an epic earthquake and a devastating series of bombings--rebuilding itself into the world's largest city. Examine the evolution and modernization of Tokyo through digitally remastered and colorized archival footage. - King of the Desert LionsE9
King of the Desert LionsMeet the "Five Musketeers," five inseparable lion brothers raised in the ancient Namib Desert. When they eventually become independent from their mothers, they venture into the desert in search of their own kingdom--a journey fraught with treacherous terrain and conflict. Follow a remarkable desert coalition and see how one lion, despite hardship and loss, attempts to keep the legacy of the musketeers alive. - Kings of the DesertE10
Kings of the DesertIn the Kalahari Desert, lions grow to be the size of grizzly bears--and they have appetites to match. These big cats need big prey to survive, but hunting giants isn't easy, even for the king of beasts. Follow the unique pride that rules over this desert empire during the worst drought in decades and see how they strategize and use their might to dominate their prey. Dry season is usually a windfall for lions, but this year, it will push these apex predators to the brink. - Gun Trucks of Vietnam
E11Gun Trucks of VietnamFrom M16 rifles to Huey helicopters, the Vietnam War launched weapons that went on to become legendary. This is the untold story of one such weapon built not by the Pentagon, but by teenage soldiers trying to keep themselves alive: the gun truck. Through interviews and home movies, meet the U.S. Army's unsung heroes: the self-made, five-ton, moving monsters that defended convoys from enemy attack and went on to influence today's combat tactics. - Laws of the lizardE12
Laws of the lizardBiologists and wildlife filmmakers Nate Dappen and Neil Losin launch a year-long adventure in search of the secrets of an unassuming reptile. They travel to remote forests and tiny islands across the Caribbean and Latin America to uncover how a tiny reptile can reveal the fundamental rules of nature. Along with Washington University professor and godfather of modern anole research Jonathan Losos, Dappen and Losin investigate the astonishing evolution of this tiny creature - how anoles have followed the same evolutionary paths in different ecosystems, the sheer speed at which anoles can evolve to thrive on fast-changing islands and the surprising adaptations they have used to conquer new environments - including one species' never-before-filmed ability to breathe underwater. They also capture the first footage ever taken of a bizarre new species of anole discovered in the Dominican Republic. - Cave Crocs of GabonE13
Cave Crocs of GabonA caving expedition recently discovered a community of dwarf crocodiles living in the Abanda Caves, Gabon. The crocs are living in pitch darkness, hunt bats and some have bright-orange skin. Part of the original team returns to find out more about this bizarre phenomenon. It's mission impossible to access the crocs world and there's no way of knowing what they might find. - Wolf vs. BearE14
Wolf vs. BearSpring has arrived in Finland's vast forests, and the brown bears have awakened from hibernation to a grand feast of carcasses left over from the brutal winter. From now until late fall, these thousand-pound beasts will rule the land, but they're not alone. A mother gray wolf and her mate have seven pups to feed, and the only source of food is in the heart of bear country. The stage is set for an epic battle of speed, agility, and wit versus size, strength, and very bad tempers. - Volcanoes: Dual DestructionE15
Volcanoes: Dual DestructionIn 2018, two volcanoes unleashed terror on their communities, but in very different ways. Fuego, the Volcano of Fire in Guatemala, sent boiling clouds of gas, ash, and rock down the volcano's slopes and into villages, killing hundreds. In Hawaii, Kilauea spewed out over four billion cubic feet of lava, razing estates, destroying roads, and changing the landscape. Using the latest scientific evidence, we explore what made the eruptions unique, why they were so hard to predict, and whether or not these two catastrophes were somehow connected. - Amazing PigsE16
Amazing PigsForget what you think you know about pigs. These remarkable animals have talents we’re only beginning to understand. See how pigs have conquered nearly every habitat on Earth, thanks to their remarkable senses, intelligence, and adaptability. From the islands of Indonesia to the beaches of the Bahamas to the frozen tundra of Siberia, meet eight-inch pygmy hogs, cheetah-avoiding warthogs, domesticated pigs with super senses, and more. - DC3 Story: The Plane that Changed the WorldE17
DC3 Story: The Plane that Changed the WorldWith more than 16,000 built, the DC-3 became the worlds most successful aircraft and legend in several wars. During both World Wars, the military version of the DC-3 became a crucial factor for success. But by now the Basler factory in Oshkosh near Chicago seems to be an airplane boneyard. Several DC-3 aircrafts seem to be lying about in disrepair. But through 45,000 hours of work, 80 employees hammer, screw, and drill a wreck into a modern aircraft. The DC3 is the only aircraft in the world that can be fully rejuvenated after 80 years of service and then continue to fly for another 50 years or more. - The Leopard RocksE19
The Leopard RocksThe documentary “The Leopard Rocks” accompanies Neelam, a female leopard, as she fights for the lives of her offspring, and provides a fascinating insight into the lives and adventures of one of the world's most interesting big cat species in a unique, unusual environment. - Marilyn Monroe for SaleE20
Marilyn Monroe for SaleIn life, Marilyn Monroe captivated millions across the globe. In death, her mesmerizing spell only grew in size and scope. More than half a century after her passing, her private life goes public in the world's largest auction of Marilyn memorabilia. Examine some of the 1,000 items up for sale, from the gowns worn in her most famous performances to candid photos to private diaries, and see how these objects tell the story of a complex woman whose life was cut tragically short. - Earth From Outer Space
E21Earth From Outer SpaceIn just half a century, the human population has doubled to 7.4 billion, and during that time, astronaut and satellite photos have been capturing the startling changes on our planet. See how humans have made their mark reshaping the planet in our quest for new sources of food, power, and shelter. From glimmering new megacities like Shenzhen, China to areas affected by climate change like Mt. Kilimanjaro and Florida, witness Earth's changing look--the spectacular and the shocking--from 250 miles up.