Smithsonian Channel Documentaries

Name: Smithsonian Channel Documentaries
Genre: Documentary
Rating: 9

9.0/10 Community Score

Overview Episodes Rate ＋ Link

Genres: Documentary

Length: 60 MinStatus: Continuing

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. (Source: thetvdb.com)

Episodes

＋ Add to Watchlist

Season 2014 (show/hide)
21	Stranded: Alpine Air Crash
In November 19, 1946, a U.S. military transport plane goes out of control while flying over the Swiss Alps and crashes high in the mountains. Miraculously, all 12 passengers and crew survive the accident, but their safety is anything but assured. The aircraft has flown miles off course, and its position is unknown. Food supplies are low, the temperature is dropping, and their radio battery is running out of juice. Time is quickly running out. The fate of the survivors will depend on one man, one plane, and one inspired idea.
20	Hitler's Riches	2014-07-15
Months after World War II, an extraordinary discovery was made inside a captured Nazi official's coat lining: the last will and testament of Adolf Hitler. Discover the untold story of the notorious dictator's controversial final document, written just hours before he took his life, and learn the secrets he tried to take to his grave.
19	I Was a Jet Set Stewardess	2014-07-13
In the 1960s, jetliners changed passenger travel forever. They also changed the lives of a few fortunate women. Go back to this golden age of commercial flight, when pilots looked like movie stars, passengers ate seven-course meals, and young, charming stewardesses became the glamorous faces of the industry. Through interviews and anecdotes, we detail the evolution of the "air hostess," how they became icons for a generation and why the jet set era opened new career horizons that many women could only dream of.
18	When Lions Attack	2014-06-12
The dry season in northern Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park is as deadly as any predator. The rains stop, the temperatures rise, and the water sources evaporate, pushing herbivores past the normal boundaries of caution and into dangerous territory. Two lion families patiently await their arrival, one, a team of rookies, the other, seasoned pros, each with one shared goal: to hunt the thirsty herds. Get a remarkable look at their daily battles for survival as we take you on an action-packed journey into one of the wildest springs in Africa.
17	The Real Beauty and the Beast	2014-06-19
It's a condition known as "hypertrichosis" or "Ambras Syndrome," but in the 1500s it would transform one man into a national sensation and iconic fairy-tale character. His name: Petrus Gonsalvus, more commonly known today as the hairy hero of Beauty and the Beast. Discover the facts behind the fable as we follow Petrus's remarkable life with a very rare and hairy genetic condition. Then learn about this medical phenomenon, which continues to fascinate and perplex scientists to this day.
16	The Perfect Runner	2014-04-22
No description available.
15	Crash Test Heroes- The Dummy Revolution
They've been rammed, beaten, dropped, run over, and even decapitated, all in the name of automotive safety. Join us as we track the evolution of the crash test dummy, one spectacular car wreck at a time. We examine each member of the dummy family tree, from 1948's Thin Man, the grandfather of them all, to 1976's industry standard Hybrid III, to today's THOR, the $750,000 god of safety. We also sit in on recent crash test experiments to show how, even decades later, these heroes of the highway show no signs of slowing down.
14	Hunt for the Super Predator	2014-06-25
There's a mysterious predator lurking in the depths of Australia's wild Southern Ocean, a beast that savagely devoured a great white shark in front of cinematographer David Riggs 11 years ago. Riggs's obsession to find the killer leads him to an aquatic battle zone that's remained hidden until now. Here, killer whales, colossal squid and great white sharks face off in an underwater coliseum where only the fiercest creatures of the marine world survive.
13	747: The Jumbo Revolution	2014-06-22
At any given moment hundreds of people are soaring above us in a 747. From the moment the very first jumbo jet took off in 1969, it has been the aircraft against which all others are judged. But its 45-year journey has been anything but smooth. This is the definitive story of the Boeing 747, from its milestones and triumphs to its turning points and disasters. Witness its history through rare archival footage and tales from pilots, engineers, designers, and passengers who were there when it all began.
12	Shark Girl	2014-06-15
For 20-year-old Madison Stewart, nothing feels safer or more natural than diving straight into shark-infested waters. Since childhood, growing up by the Great Barrier Reef, she's treated these predators as family. But they're vanishing from existence, and because of their bad reputation, few people seem to care. Follow Madison on her mission to protect our sharks, a battle that began when she put her studies on hold, grabbed a camera, and set out to save these incredible, misunderstood creatures.
11	A Star Spangled Story: Battle for America	2014-06-15
How America's national anthem came to be. Included: the flag and the battle that inspired it. Guest stars: Anthony S. Pitch, Jeffrey Brodie, Michael Dean, Renée Fleming, Steve Vogel
10	Ninja: Shadow Warriors	2014-04-06
Turn out the lights, hide in the shadows, and enter the secretive realm of the infamous ninja. We explore the untold history of these shadow soldiers; from their formation in the 14th Century to their battles against Samurai forces, led by ninja master Tanba, one of the most feared warriors in ancient Japan. Uncover guarded ninja techniques in spying, sabotage and ruthless undercover warfare, tactics that have earned them a reputation in their homeland as both heroic fighters and cunning, cold-hearted killers.
9	America's Secret D-Day Disaster	2014-06-01
Six weeks before D-Day, British, American, and Canadian soldiers took part in a vigorous and dangerous dress rehearsal for their Normandy invasion. Shockingly, the exercise would ultimately claim more American lives than the attack on Utah Beach. So what happened, exactly? How many Americans actually died? And who is to blame? Join us as we investigate the Exercise Tiger disaster, uncover the veil of secrecy surrounding it, examine the conspiracy theories it has inspired, and for the first time, tell the full story of the catastrophe.
8	The King's Skeleton: Richard III Revealed	2014-04-21
It took more than 500 years to find the remains of King Richard III, and for those who discovered him, the months spent proving his identity felt just as long. This is the inside story of the 2012 unearthing of Britain's much-maligned monarch. Follow the remarkable story from the history-making excavation of a city parking lot, to the battery of tests that followed. From skeletal analysis, to CT scans, to DNA profiling, join scientists as they unlock the skeleton's secrets and confirm the true identity. The clues they discover may reveal what really happened in the King's final, grisly moments
7	The Seven Dwarfs of Auschwitz	2014-05-10
They were a family of seven Jewish dwarfs living under Nazi rule. What happened when they were discovered reaches beyond the imaginings of even the darkest fairy tale. Join actor Warwick Davis as he tells the story of the Ovitz family, a troupe of seven performers who became prisoners and, eventually, guinea pigs to the Nazi's "Angel of Death" Dr. Josef Mengele. Warwick's expedition takes us to Eastern Europe and explores their remarkable, inspirational story of human endurance.
6	Treblinka: Hitler's Killing Machine	2014-05-09
For the first time in 70 years, forensic archaeologists have been granted access to the Treblinka death camp, which suddenly disappeared in 1943, along with some 900,000 victims.
5	The Gospel of Jesus' Wife	2014-05-05
Damaged and fragile, a fragment of ancient papyrus has unleashed a new interpretation of a religious story we thought we knew. In one of the most startling discoveries in recent memory, scholars confirm that a codex written in the ancient Coptic language refers to the wife of Jesus. Dr. Karen King, a Harvard professor, reveals that the papyrus bears the line "Jesus said to them, my wife..." It doesn't prove Jesus was married, but it raises questions about that possibility--and how some early Christians viewed the role of women in the church.
4	Blondie's New York	2014-03-21
In the span of just a few years, Blondie went from a band fighting for punk cred at CBGB to international superstardom, thanks in large part to one album: Parallel Lines. What was the secret behind its success? How did it all come together...and nearly fall apart? Enter the recording studio with Blondie's frontwoman and namesake, Debbie Harry, the rest of the band, and producer Mike Chapman. Their conversations reveal the real stories behind iconic hits like "Heart of Glass" and "One Way or Another" and how they launched punk music into the mainstream.
3	Black Wings	2021-02-01
For early aviators, conquering the forces of gravity was a daunting challenge. But black aviators had an additional challenge - conquering the forces of racism. Meet the men and women who took to the skies throughout the 20th century, proving to a segregated nation that skin color doesn't determine skill level. From biplanes to commercial jets, and from barnstormers to war fighters, meet the path-breaking pilots who opened the skies for all -- and contributed in countless ways to the development of aviation.
2	Samurai Headhunters
No description available.
1	Black Mamba: Kiss of Death
The bite of the black mamba is known by South African locals as the "kiss of death." A single strike can deliver enough neurotoxic venom to kill 15 grown men. It has one of Africa's worst reputations, but does it deserve its bad rap? Behind the bad press lies a mercurial reptile that is quite shy. Follow a female mamba looking for a home to incubate her eggs while avoiding her main enemy: humans. Then join snake bounty hunter Simon Keys, whose black mamba sanctuary offers a unique look at the secret behavior of this much-maligned snake.

Season 2013 (show/hide)
15	The Vaccine According to Bill Gates
To combat the devastating toll of malaria - which leads to 250 million cases and nearly one million deaths per year - scientists all over the world have been working for over 50 years to develop a vaccine. But the malarial parasite is of a formidable and elusive complexity. Today however, three main candidate vaccines are competing to be the world’s first malaria vaccine. Among them, the vaccine developed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in partnership with the global company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is nearing approval for widespread use. Its code name: RTS,S. The clinical trials are immense: more than 15 000 children tested in 7 African countries. But the RTS,S is also at the heart of a fierce political and scientific debate, fueled by researchers from rival teams who are critical of the molecule selected. They predict it will be inefficient in the short- or mediumterm and suspect that GSK and Bill Gates, who invested USD 500 million, are lobbying for their vaccine to be the first on the market regardless of its efficacy. From the plateaux of the Dogon country to the bush of Burkina Faso and laboratories in Europe, like in a scientific thriller, we will follow the fascinating chronicles of the development of this first vaccine and the polemics it will provoke in the months to come.
14	The Day Kennedy Died	2013-11-22
The doctor who tried to save him. The Secret Service agent who was seconds too late. The man wrongly accused of his murder. And the woman who unwittingly sheltered an assassin. The death of JFK has inspired thousands of books and debates over the last 50 years, but the stories of the people there on that day have gone largely untold...until now. Experience November 22, 1963 as it has never been presented before, in this minute-by-minute account of that day, narrated by Academy Award-winner Kevin Spacey, and brought to life through rarely seen footage and rarely heard testimonies.
13	Kennedys Suicide Bomber	2013-11-17
Before Lee Harvey Oswald gunned down a president and stunned the world, another lone assassin had plans of his own to kill JFK. His weapon of choice was not a rifle, but a Buick 8, packed with dynamite and primed for detonation. Discover the story of Richard Pavlick as we go inside the mind of a madman. See what happens when we conduct a test to see if the car bomb would have worked, and the impact it might have had on history if President Kennedy had died three years before November 22, 1963
11	The Incredible Bionic Man	2013-10-20
Meet the Bionic Man: a talking, breathing, walking man, made of the best prosthetic body parts and robotic technology available
10	Samurai Headhunters	2013-09-21
Since the eighth century, the Samurai have held a special place in Japanese history and culture. But over the years, legend has obscured the truth about how these elite knights actually lived, loved, fought, and died. Using rare 16th century war documents, we tell the story of a Samurai coming of age during that time. Witness his rise from peasant boy to foot soldier to ruthless warrior, all brought to life through stunning re-enactments and expert testimony from Japanese and martial arts historians.
8	Jackie Without Jack	2013-09-01
“Never, ever, publish them!” What was it Jackie Kennedy wanted to keep secret? Acclaimed director Patrick Jeudy has access to a series of conversations recorded a few months after her husband’s assassination in Dallas on November 22, 1963. The young widow was then 34, and she recounts the past like a novel about her dream life with her husband John Kennedy. They are conversations about history, and about her own story – including some very intimate secrets and controversial opinions. The Lady in Pink was continually driven by a dual purpose: that of molding her own image, whilst managing that of the president. She cannot change the past, so she may as well rewrite it and start to build the legend of JFK.
6	Arlington Cemetary: Call to Honor	2013-05-13
Every graveyard tells a story, but few can talk to the living like Arlington National Cemetery. Visit the final home of war heroes from the Revolutionary War to 9/11 to the current struggle in Iraq. The American flag flies at half-staff more often than not as more than twenty-seven burials take place daily. Each section of the cemetery reflects a time in history, and each stone signifies a hero. Guest stars: Thom Pinto
3	Venom Islands	2013-02-23
On a string of Southern Indonesian islands, poisonous predators lurk, each with its own toxic cocktail suited to its hunting style. Some bite. Some sting. Some strike quickly, while others deliver their own slow brand of death. Venom expert Dr. Bryan Fry is on a mission to uncover these creatures' poisonous secrets. Join him on a journey fraught with danger as he risks it all to get up close and personal with vipers, stonefish, and more. The ultimate encounter is with the beast sitting on top of the island food chain, the Komodo dragon.
2	Lincoln's Washington at War	2013-02-18
Washington, D.C. in 1861. The Civil War is at the doorstep and the city is bracing for disaster. America is a country torn in two. An untested President Lincoln strives to make the nation's capital the political center of the Union, but finds he is surrounded by Southern sympathies and under constant threat of attack. See how this once sleepy small town grew into the metropolis we know today. A city cast in marble, a symbol of American liberty and a memorial to those who fought tooth and nail to preserve it.
1	Shackleton's Frozen Hell	2013-01-27
In 1914, the world's first trans-Antarctic expedition came to a cold stop. Trapped in ice just 60 miles from their destination, explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew found themselves in a dire situation that would play out as a two-year battle against starvation, sub-zero conditions, and the threat of being swallowed by the unforgiving Southern Ocean. Witness this incredible story of courage and survival, fueled by ship captain Frank Worsley's exceptional navigational skills, the crew's resiliency, and Shackleton's cool-headed leadership

Season 2012 (show/hide)
11	Space Shuttle: Final Countdown
July 21, 2011 marked the end of the space shuttle program, and with it, the end of an era. Over the last 30 years, the shuttles Atlantis, Columbia, Challenger, Discovery and Endeavour have had an enormous impact on humanity, evoking tears of wonder and sorrow, and transforming our understanding of our universe and our planet. Prepare for liftoff as we explore the shuttle program's extraordinary legacy, featuring rare, archival footage and compelling testimonies from the astronauts, NASA scientists, and designers who made it all possible.
10	Secret Life Of The Rainforest
Rainforests cover just six percent of Earth's surface yet contain almost half of the world's plants and animals. With a diversity of mammals, birds, and bugs unrivaled almost anywhere in the world, Panama's Barro Colorado Island is the perfect microcosm of nature. Every year, passionate and dedicated scientists gather to this oasis of life, scaling the treetops, from canopy to forest floor, in an attempt to unlock the secrets of the rainforest. Follow them as they explore how life thrives in one of the most complex habitats on Earth.
8	Silicon Valley Rebels	2012-11-01
Before Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, there was the "Fairchild Eight," a team of young geniuses who discovered an everlasting treasure in the sands of Palo Alto. Travel back to the 1950s and witness the dawn of the electronics revolution, as told by the forefathers who built Silicon Valley from the ground up. This innovative film, by the writer of the Oscar-winning documentary The Cove, reveals how determination, jealousy, and the sheer joy of making the impossible possible drove these men to build the future and reinvent the American Dream.
5	Titanic's Final Mystery	2012-04-05
Author Tim Maltin presents evidence that the seed for the Titanic accident was sown by a bizarre weather condition. Guest stars: Adam Burton, Des O'Malley, Harry Napier, J. Roberts, John Guerrasio, Nick Figgis, Zora Bishop
4	Freud's Naked Truths	2012-03-07
Lucian Freud, the controversial grandson of Sigmund Freud, has been called one of the greatest painters of the 20th century. His extraordinary portraits - of children, lovers, gangsters, supermodels, even the Queen of England - pushed the boundaries of art and broke world records at auction. They also enraged sitters and ended friendships. The royal photographer for The Times of London was so incensed by Freud's picture of the Queen that he said Freud should be thrown from the Tower of London. Freud, who died last summer, was notoriously elusive. Shortly before his death, however, he gave his full backing to this documentary. The film includes the only known footage of him painting on what turned out to be the last day he ever worked. Written by Smithsonian Channel
3	Jefferson's Secret Bible	2012-02-20
Relatively few people know that along with authoring the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson also compiled his own text, drawn carefully from passages extracted out of the New Testament, that he titled "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth." The book, which focused on the ethical teachings of Jesus, was a private undertaking for Jefferson and never made public in his lifetime. Now, experts at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History are meticulously conserving this fragile volume, page by brittle page. Along the way, they discover subtle hidden clues to Jefferson himself.
1	Titanoboa: Monster Snake	2012-01-04
In the pantheon of predators, it's one of the greatest discoveries since the T-Rex: a snake 48 feet long, weighing in at 2,500 pounds. Uncovered from a treasure trove of fossils in a Colombian coal mine, this serpent is revealing a lost world of giant creatures. Travel back to the period following the extinction of dinosaurs and encounter this monster predator.

Season 2011 (show/hide)
23	Big Cats of the Savannah	2011-11-06
The 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.
14	Secrets of the Taj Mahal	2011-09-21
It 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.
13	Kuru: the Science and the Sorcery
Australian 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?
12	Kings of the Prairie	2011-09-07
Millions of American Bison once roamed the Great Plains of North America. Now protected, their very existence relies on their instinct and ability to weather the ravages of the prairie's extreme seasonal shifts.
11	Phil Collins: Going Back to Detroit	2011-10-02
In 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.
10	Amazon River Crocs	2011-11-09
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)
9	Enemies Within: Joe McCarthy
No description available.
8	The King's Speech: Revealed
Mark Logue researches the life of his grandfather Lionel, who provided speech therapy to King George VI.
7	Angkor Land of the Gods Part II Throne of Power
The 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.
6	Angkor Land of the Gods Part I Empire Rising
Angkor 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.
5	The Origins of Oz	2011-12-11
Follow 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.
4	Doomsday in Tunguska
On 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.
3	9/11 - Stories in Fragments	2011-09-06
How 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.
2	9/11 - Day That Changed The World	2011-09-05
Ten 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.
1	Smithsonian Spotlight: Ocean Hall	2011-08-04
No description available.

Season 2010 (show/hide)
19	America's Lost Submarine	2010-08-26
A vacation along Panama's Pearl Islands led archaeologist James Delgado to an astounding discovery, the world's first working submarine, rusting on a remote beach, forgotten for over 135 years. We follow Delgado as he uncovers the mystery surrounding this maritime treasure. How did the vessel work, what killed its inventor and crew, and why did it end up here in this deserted archipelago? We also trace the amazing life of German engineer Julius Kroehl and how he invented a diving craft that was half a century ahead of its time.
11	Stealth: Flying Invisible	2010-01-25
In March 1999, during the Kosovo War, as Lieutenant Colonel Dale Zelko piloted his F-117, he saw two missiles punch through the bottom of the clouds. The unbelievable had happened: A Serbian surface-to-air missile had locked on to his aircraft. Zelko was able to eject, and was rescued shortly after, but Serbian television immediately began broadcasting shots of the wreckage of the F-117 around the world. The U.S. military was stunned. How had the seemingly invulnerable stealth aircraft been targeted and brought down? A recent Smithsonian Channel special, titled Stealth: Flying Invisible, recounts the history of stealth from the advent of radar to the Lockheed Martin F-35, and beyond. Covered are the World War II origins of stealth; the cold war's stealthy U-2 reconnaissance aircraft; and the development of Lockheed's SR-71. (During the Vietnam War, the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa was said to have a sign about the SR-71 that read: "Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death I shall fear no evil, because I'm at 80,000 feet and Mach 3.") After the success of the SR-71, the goal became to build a fighter that was undetectable: hence the F-117. And stealth would ultimately change the battlefield. As Colonel David A. Moore, vice commander of the 49th Fighter Wing says in the episode, "There are some things that the F-117 does that are very unique. I like to describe it as going in to find the needle in the haystack...and then kill it. That is our job."
10	Sound Revolution: Blues Beginning
No description available.
9	Merlin: the Legend
No description available.
8	Electrified: the Guitar Revolution
No description available.
7	The Hittites
No description available.
6	Mission Critical: Amphibian Rescue
The deadly chytrid fungus is ravaging amphibian populations worldwide, leaving behind a destructive path of incurable disease. Frog species that have survived on our planet for more than 200 million years are facing mass extinction at an alarming rate. But an ambitious new plan involving a modern day Noah's Ark, and Smithsonian biologist Brian Gratwicke, just might be a last hope for these species. Venture deep into the Panamanian jungle as scientists search for these endangered frogs and fight to bring them back from the brink of extinction.
5	Tattoo Odyssey	2010-09-26
Chris Rainier is a photographer with a passion for tattoo culture. He has traveled across the world to document was tattoos mean to different people. He has discovered that tattoos are used for an expression of identity. He now visits the Indonesian island of the Mentawai people, where the ancient ritual of tattooing fading away. Guest stars: Chris Rainier
4	World's Smallest Planes	2010-12-10
Watch "pilots of the puny" use their extraordinary ingenuity to create remarkable one-man flying machines. What motivates these seemingly average men, and why do they risk their lives? Soar upwards of ten thousand feet in these impressive machines, and enter the minds of these daredevil designers, builders, and pilots who create and fly the tiniest aircrafts in the world.
3	America's Lost Submarine	2010-08-26
A vacation along Panama's Pearl Islands led archaeologist James Delgado to an astounding discovery, the world's first working submarine, rusting on a remote beach, forgotten for over 135 years. We follow Delgado as he uncovers the mystery surrounding this maritime treasure. How did the vessel work, what killed its inventor and crew, and why did it end up here in this deserted archipelago? We also trace the amazing life of German engineer Julius Kroehl and how he invented a diving craft that was half a century ahead of its time.
2	Concorde: Flying Supersonic	2010-07-09
This is the definitive story of the world's first and last supersonic passenger jet, exploring the defining moments in Concorde's history and revealing the untold story behind the devastating crash of Flight AF4590 in 2000. Ten years on arguments still rage about what caused the crash that helped seal Concorde's fate, but could Concorde still be flying today? What really destroyed the most ambitious dream in aviation history?
1	The Vampire Princess	2010-05-03
Picture a spectacular vampire attack at the tomb of an Austrian princess. A scene from Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series? No. It's the deleted opening to Bram Stoker's "Dracula," a horror classic that many experts believe was actually based on a woman. Archaeologists, historians, and forensic scientists revisit the days of vampire hysteria in the eighteenth century Czech Republic and re-open the unholy grave of dark princess Eleonore von Schwarzenberg. They uncover her story, once buried and long forgotten, now raised from the dead.

Season 2009 (show/hide)
7	Making the Monkees	2009-01-10
A look at the rise and fall of the Monkees, pop's first manufactured sensation. Two child actors, a folk singer, and a country guitarist answered a newspaper advertisement casting "4 insane boys, age 17–21," and quickly found themselves TV and music superstars in the late 1960s, before it all came to a screeching halt. Guest stars: Bob Rafelson, Bobby Hart, Davy Jones, Don Kirshner, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork
2	Gallipoli
No description available.
1	Footprints on the Water: The Nan Hauser Story
Her dream job happens to be one of the most dangerous pursuits on earth. Meet Nan Hauser: whale expert, conservationist, and champion to the giants of the deep. From grueling days on the ocean, to taking on the U.S. Navy, to swimming with the graceful but highly unpredictable ten-ton cetaceans, she's made it her life's work to understand and preserve the whales and dolphins of Oceania. Her groundbreaking work and dedication prove that one person can make a difference.

Season 2008 (show/hide)
3	Stonehenge Deciphered
No description available.
2	America in Space
Explore NASA's development from its founding in 1958 to its preparation for a moon landing. The beginning of space exploration was full of questions and unknowns; until they started sending living organisms into orbit, no one knew if the vacuum of outer space would be deadly. This film provides a 10-year history of National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) role in the exploration of space. It describes major accomplishments in aeronautics, atmospheric research, the use of scientific and applications satellites, studies of the moon and planets, and manned space flight. Originally released in 1968, this film is more than an account of hardware evolution. Tracing back to the birth of American space exploration, it recounts the unshakable optimism of a time when space seemed to offer unlimited opportunities.
1	Wings of Honor
Wings of Honor tells the stories of three men who fought in World War II and follows them as they fly to Washington DC to visit a monument built in their honor. They return to a celebration - and that long awaited welcome home.

Season 2007 (show/hide)
14	The Big Blue	1970-01-01
For years, fishermen have known of a unique spot in the ocean off southern Australia, a place of amazing catches and a huge luminescent blue creature of the deep. As much as one hundred feet long, weighing up to 180-tons, with a heart the size of a Volkswagen, and a tongue that weighs more than an elephant, the blue whale is a sight to behold. Join Smithsonian Networks as HD cameras capture the planet's largest living creature having a feeding frenzy.
7	Bombs, Bullets and Fraud
The Postal Inspections Unit is one of the oldest, least known and most dangerous areas of law enforcement in the country. These agents are no ordinary government workers; they carry badges and high-powered guns and deal with serial killers, bootleggers and con artists. They solved America's last stagecoach robbery, guard the transfer of the nation's gold reserve to Fort Knox, and captured the Unabomber. From snail mail to email, these agents literally put their lives on the line to protect us.
6	When Pigs Fly	2007-09-06
If you've ever used the phrase "when pigs fly" to describe something that'll never happen, you may want to reach back into your bag of idioms. A team of flying experts has tackled the challenge of designing a pig that can actually take to the skies. To them, nothing is impossible. See the unique aerodynamics needed to get things in the air and unusual flying machines that look like doghouses, lawn mowers, and pigs. Guest stars: robert fiveson
5	America's Greatest Monuments	2007-11-11
They are studied in school and visited by millions. They are world-renowned symbols of our nation. But they are also shrouded in misinformation, mystery, and mythology. How much do we really know about America's greatest monuments? From war memorials, to monuments honoring America's founding fathers, to Arlington's eternal flame, these soaring tributes in stone, steel, soil, and sky have amazing stories to tell. They are a permanent record of our nation's history and our evolution into the world's greatest democracy-a country of the people.
4	America's Hangar	2007-11-01
The famous aircrafts of the first century of flight can only be seen at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, housed in Washington, DC, and in the Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum (established in 1946), also known as America's Hangar, houses over 300,000-square-feet of aircraft and is the world's most-visited museum. It has preserved and displays many of the world's most- renowned historic aircraft. From the first airplane, commercial aircraft and spacecraft to take an American into orbit, Smithsonian Channel takes you on a personal tour of the collections of the National Air and Space Museum, chronicling the first century of flight.
3	The True Story of the Mary Celeste	2007-11-04
On December 4, 1872, the unmanned Mary Celeste was found adrift in the Atlantic with its cargo fully intact. The mystery of this "ghost ship" remained unanswered for over 135 years. What happened to the Mary Celeste is widely regarded as the most famous mystery of the sea. Watch it unfold to its stunning conclusion, at last.
2	Smithsonian's Weirdest	2007-11-02
Children love the gross and the icky – and who knew that the Smithsonian was a repository for so much that is not only gross and icky, but also weird? In this show, we take a fun and informative look at ten wondrous and unusual artefacts drawn from the Smithsonian’s collections. Includes: Soap Man (a man from Philadelphia mummified in soap), the world’s longest tapeworm (18ft), a giant squid and a million year old sample of Giant Sloth dung.

Season 2006 (show/hide)
1	Secrets of the Great Barrier Reef	2006-01-01
No description available.

Season 1992 (show/hide)
1	Dream Window: Reflections on the Japanese Garden	1992-07-13
A journey through some of the most beautiful gardens in the world, revealing the secrets of both classical and contemporary Japanese gardens. Experiencing a Japanese garden is a journey towards better understanding of the Japanese people. Filmed on location in Japan, the program reveals the secrets of both traditional and contemporary Japanese gardens including those of the legendary Moss Temple of Saiho-ji, Katsura Imperial Villa, Tenryu-ji, the Ken Domon Museum of Photography, and Sogetsu Hall. For the film's producers, an intimate look at the gardens provided an unusual opportunity to shed new light on Japanese culture. To truly experience the Japanese garden, the production team decided to organize the film much like the gardens themselves--natural in appearance and flow, yet completely controlled.

Season 0 (show/hide)
20	Malaysia 370: The Plane That Vanished	2014-04-06
Smithsonian Channel explores one of the great aviation mysteries of our time MALAYSIA 370: THE PLANE THAT VANISHED. At a time when speculation is rife, the special dives deep into the detail of the Boeing 777, the technologies involved in the search, and aviation procedures that may be transformed in The Aftermath of this disaster.
19	Zambezi
Raging rapids, unforgiving sandbanks, and marauding hippos are just a few of the challenges an international team of philanthropists face as they travel the entire length of Africa's Zambezi River. Riding fast, inflatable boats, the team meets communities devastated by malaria, and health workers struggling to cope. The team's mission was to change lives, but by the end of the two-month expedition, team members discover their own lives have been profoundly affected.
18	Unbelievable Flying Objects
In the history of aviation, there were some ideas that didn't quite...fly. From the bizarre vertical "Pogo" plane to the disastrous Goblin, nicknamed the "Flying Egg," we take an in-depth probe of some magnificent men and their not so magnificent flying machines.
17	South Sea Pearls
Deep beneath the surface of the South Seas, divers risk their lives each year to pursue a miraculous gem. The industry of pearl farming in Northern Australia is as miraculous as it is mysterious. We explore the well-guarded and delicate process of harvesting and cultivating the giant oyster, as divers, scientists, and technicians work tirelessly to produce nature's gift to humankind.
16	Smithsonian's Wierdest
Look beyond the Hope Diamond and Lincoln's stove top hat, and you'll discover that, along with beautiful and celebrated treasures, the Smithsonian Institution also houses items that are bizarre, revolting, and downright weird. Take a fun and informative look at ten wondrous and unusual artifacts, from the Soap Man (a man mummified in soap) to a million-year-old sample of giant sloth dung!
15	Skin Deep
Skin color both unites and divides us. For centuries, it has been used as a marker of race, but groundbreaking research is changing the way we see ourselves, and each other. Join anthropologist Nina Jablonski and scientists around the world as they uncover the intricate relationship between our pigment and our environment. We reveal how the world's sepia rainbow of skin color is an adaptation to the sun's UV rays and our diet. Exposing the fact, that in a time of mass migration, we must address the mismatches between our color and our new surroundings.
14	Seed Hunter
Embark on a remarkable journey from the drought-ravaged farms of Australia, to the heart of the Middle East, to the mountains of Tajikistan, as charismatic Australian scientist Dr. Ken Street-a real life version of Indiana Jones-and his team of "gene detectives" hunt for plant genes that will help our food withstand the impact of twenty-first century global warming.
13	MLK- The Assassination Tapes
April 4, 1968. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is gunned down on the balcony of a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. It was all caught on film, tape and audio. So why have we seen so little of it? The well-known photograph of Dr. King's aides pointing toward the direction of the gunfire is iconic, but tells only part of the story. For the first time, a remarkable collection of recently rediscovered footage has been chronologically reassembled. The resulting documentary allows us to revisit the tumultuous events surrounding one of the most shocking assassinations in America and relive history through the voices of the era.
12	King's Of The Prairie
Millions of American Bison once roamed the Great Plains of North America. The imposing mammal reigned supreme over the grassland before they were hunted to the edge of extinction. Now protected, their very existence relies on their instinct and ability to weather the ravages of the prairie's extreme seasonal shifts. Spend a year where the buffalo roam. Witness their seasonal battle for survival alongside the Great Plain's neighboring residents: prairie dogs, burrowing owls, camel crickets and many other grassland dwellers.
11	Kingfisher
Along the Chitose River in Hokkaido, Japan, lives a bird that the world knows little about. The kingfisher, a small, mysterious bird, is a high-precision hunter that plucks tiny fish out of the river at breakneck speeds. Photographing them requires great equipment, great patience, and often, great luck. Wildlife photographer Tadashi Shimada observes three species of kingfishers over the course of a year, tracking their hunting, courting and rearing skills. He takes us underwater and into their cave-like nests to show these flying jewels as they've never been seen before.
10	Haunt Of The Harpy
With talons bigger than a grizzly bear's and the sharpest eye and beak in nature, the harpy eagle rules the canopy of the unspoiled South American rainforest. But little is known about this powerful raptor, specifically its mating and rearing habits. That's because finding them in the dense and often treacherous Amazon requires great experience, endurance, patience and courage. Join wildlife experts Rainer Bergomaz and Yung Sandy as they leave civilization behind and brave perilous rapids and poisonous reptiles on their hunt for the harpy.
9	Goshawk- Soul Of The Wind
Attila the Hun wore its image on his helmet. The South Korean Air Force has adopted its brazen hatchlings as its mascot. The Goshawk is a national treasure that reigns over the mountains of Korea. Speeding through woodlands, its four-foot wingspan, long tail, razor-sharp talons and extraordinary eyesight allows it to ambush its prey with precision. But the Goshawk will be tested as a hunter, struggling to survive a harsh winter, and as a parent watching over its vulnerable hatchlings, which will live or die by their ability to hunt.
8	Greatest Mysteries
No description available.
7	Cheetah- Race To Rule
Meet Gunner, a Cheetah born into the grassland killing fields of Botswana, home to Africa's fiercest predators. He's also the runt of the litter, more interested in playing tag than hunting. Gunner's two brothers often protect him, but when they're tragically killed, he's forced to grow up. But he better learn quickly—another coalition of cheetahs has plans to take over Gunner’s territory at all costs. If this runt has any hopes of surviving, he’s going to have to do it alone.
6	Cheetah- Price Of Speed
The 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
5	Animals Aloft
From the first passenger-carrying balloon to the space race, animals have been aviation pioneers. Discover their incredible war stories, barnstorming adventures, and out-of-this-world experiences, told through restored archival footage and rare photographs.
4	Animal Winter Games
The torch has been lit, and the battle for Winter Games supremacy is on. Join us as we determine who the world's greatest winter athletes truly are, pitting gold medal champions against animals from all icy corners of the earth. May the best man or reindeer or emperor penguin or sockeye salmon win.
3	America's Treasures
From the desk on which Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence to Dorothy's ruby slippers, the National Museum of American History houses many of America's greatest treasures and icons. Learn the stories of how they came to be a part of the museum's collection, and meet the people who have restored some of these treasures.
2	Amazing Plants
Do you talk to your plants? Think of the stories they could tell if only they could talk back. The seemingly peaceful world of plants is actually a battlefield and a constant struggle for survival. See how some predatory plants use trapdoors and enticing, beautiful flowers to trap their prey, while others shrivel up or emit odors to fend off their enemy. Experts uncover the most fascinating secrets of the world of plants-roots and all.
1	21st Century Elephant
Elephants live a privileged life in the wild, surrounded by a strong family unit and threatened by very few predators. However, in areas where they live side by side with humans, it's a much different story. We track land's biggest mammal around the globe to see how they cope in our modern world, and how man impacts their lives in both negative and positive ways. From the giant bulls of the African bushveld to the timber elephants of Asia, we follow these gentle giants and the dedicated men and women helping them to change with the times.

(Source: thetvdb.com)

FAQ about Smithsonian Channel Documentaries

What can I do on this page?

You can rate Smithsonian Channel Documentaries, write why you like it, and suggest similar series so other users discover new recommendations.

How do I add Smithsonian Channel Documentaries to my watchlist?

Simply click the "＋ Add to Watchlist" button. You need to be logged in. If you don't have an account yet, registration is free.

Where can I find more series like Smithsonian Channel Documentaries?

Check out our Series Charts for top series in the same genre, or rate more series to get personalised recommendations.

Report an error or problem.

Smithsonian Channel Documentaries

Episodes

Add legal streaming link

How good do you like this serie?

Why do you like this serie?

Which series are similar?

FAQ about Smithsonian Channel Documentaries