5 Documentary Series About Disasters Around The World
Disaster is something that can be fascinating, whether for education or to simply watch what had taken place in the past. There are a number of shows out there that showcase a variety of disasters. Some shows are short-lived but still interesting to watch. Disasters are part of our lives and our history, watching shows on what has happened can help us to learn about the future. It is also entertaining to see how each show goes about detailing each disaster.
1. Mayday Air Crash Investigation
This series has been popular for quite some time. It has already reached its 20th season. Though, each season has a varying amount of episodes, ranging from only two to almost thirty depending on the season.
It was originally known as Mayday and is Canadian-made. The show is examining numerous air crashes, near-crashes, hijackings, bombings, and other aircraft-related disasters. Mayday uses re-enactments and computer-generated imagery to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to each disaster. There are a number of people interviewed for each episode such as survivors, aviation experts, retired pilots, and crash investigators are interviewed. They help to explain how the disasters and near-disasters came about, how they were investigated, the survival in some cases and the grief felt in others and how they might have been prevented.
The acting in the dramatic reenactments is quite good and seems very real. As of June 6, 2021, there are 21 seasons with varying amounts of episodes in each.
2. Seconds from Disaster
Another series based on several natural and man-made disasters. Each episode details the disaster, and interviews witnesses, survivors, and experts. Then the episode details nearly second by second what caused the disaster. It is recreated using CGI. There is very little acting involved with this series, instead of having a focus on the engineering and/or psychology behind the disasters.
Produced and created by a combined Americana and British team, there are seven seasons of this show that aired from 2004 until 2018.
3. Forensic Files
Each episode showcases a point in which forensic history was made. Police continue to utilize various forms of forensic science to solve crimes. This series reviews and reenacts dramatic cases worldwide in which forensic scientists find and examine previously undetectable evidence. It is shown that through their hard work, criminals are brought to justice and the innocent are set free.
This is a show that went on originally for fourteen seasons with a sole narrator, Peter Thomas. That series ran from 1996 until 2011. This run of the series balanced out the science and the acting in each episode.
Then the series got a reboot of sorts in 2020 titled Forensic Files 2. This iteration of the series chose to focus more on science and forensics and has very minimal acting.
4. Zero Hour
These episodes reenact several man-made disasters. Its first episode showcases the nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl, which was filmed at the surviving locations at Chernobyl.
This show can be rather intense and can be highly sensitive with violence accurately depicted and a high amount of swearing depending on which disaster is reenacted. The episode depicting the mass shooting at Columbine High School has two versions as one was deemed too inappropriate for some networks.
The series has a way of creating the sensation that you are in the middle of the action. This show has a lot of mature content based on the amount of violence and gore it will show.
A Canadian/British style narrative and production, the series only showed three short seasons but each episode is detailed in its report and reenactments.
5. Disasters of the Century
The show is produced and created by Regina, Saskatchewan-based Partners in Motion. Each episode documents two different disasters from Canada and around the world, using a mixture of re-enactments, photographs, and interviews with survivors and family members of victims.
This series is offered in two formats: 65 half-hour episodes and 42 hour-long episodes. As a result, to make the 42 hour-long episodes, 19 of the half-hour shows are used twice. Each episode depicts various natural disasters, most of which take place in Canada prior to the 21rst century.
It aired from 2002 until 2005. Bad Day HQ on YouTube uploads a number of episodes from the series.
Even with the world in its current pandemic state, we find many of these documentary series intriguing and they can serve to educate us. There are always more series to be found, these are just the ones I enjoy watching.
Opinions and Perspectives
These shows make complex technical failures understandable to everyone.
Each show brings something unique to the table in how they present disasters.
The forensic techniques shown in these programs have come such a long way.
The mix of storytelling and education in these shows is well balanced.
You can really see the evolution of safety measures through these shows.
I appreciate how these shows respect the victims while still being informative.
The psychological aspects covered in some episodes are just as interesting as the technical details.
Disasters of the Century covers some events I had never heard of before.
Sometimes I have to take breaks between episodes. The content can be pretty heavy.
The expert analysis in Seconds from Disaster really adds credibility to the show.
These shows have actually helped me be more observant in my own surroundings.
It's fascinating to see how investigators piece together what happened after a disaster.
Each show has its strengths but Mayday is definitely the most comprehensive.
The interviews with family members in these shows really drive home the human cost of disasters.
Forensic Files cases are like puzzles being solved right before your eyes.
The international perspective in these shows is valuable. Disasters don't just happen in one country.
Zero Hour really captures the chaos and confusion of disaster situations.
I love how Mayday shows both technical failures and human factors in accidents.
Some of these feel a bit dated now but the information is still relevant and fascinating.
The way they break down the chain of events in Seconds from Disaster is so methodical and clear.
Watching these has definitely made me more conscious about safety protocols at work.
The recreation quality varies between shows but Mayday consistently does a great job.
These shows make me appreciate the work of disaster investigators and first responders so much more.
I actually prefer the less dramatic approach of the new Forensic Files. Feels more focused on the science.
The format of Seconds from Disaster really keeps you engaged until the end.
My dad was a pilot and he swears by Mayday for its accuracy in depicting aviation incidents.
I find it interesting how different shows approach the same disasters from different angles.
The way Forensic Files shows how tiny pieces of evidence can break a case wide open is incredible.
Watching these shows has made me much more aware of safety procedures in my daily life.
Zero Hour might be intense but it's probably the most realistic portrayal of these events.
Looking at the older episodes of these shows really shows how far we've come in terms of safety regulations.
The CGI in newer seasons of Mayday has gotten so much better. Really helps visualize what happened in the cockpit.
I appreciate how Forensic Files shows both the science and human elements of each case.
Seconds from Disaster does a great job explaining technical concepts to average viewers without dumbing things down too much.
The interviews with investigators in Mayday are fascinating. You can tell they're still affected by the cases years later.
These shows remind us how complex our modern systems are and how one small mistake can have catastrophic consequences.
Never heard of Disasters of the Century before reading this. Definitely adding it to my watch list.
I've learned so much about forensic science from watching Forensic Files. It's like a crash course in criminology.
The best part of Seconds from Disaster is how they break everything down chronologically. Really helps understand the chain of events.
Sometimes I feel these shows can be a bit sensationalized, especially Zero Hour. Still interesting though.
I work in aviation safety and we actually use Mayday episodes in some of our training sessions. They're that well-researched.
Anyone else notice how Mayday always ends with the positive changes that came from each incident? It's a good way to end such heavy topics.
The Canadian perspective in Disasters of the Century is refreshing. We usually only hear about major US disasters.
Learning about disasters isn't just morbid curiosity. It's important to understand what went wrong so we can prevent similar incidents in the future.
The narrator of the original Forensic Files had such a perfect voice for the show. The new version just isn't the same without Peter Thomas.
I watched the Columbine episode of Zero Hour and had to turn it off. While informative, it was just too much for me.
The production value on Seconds from Disaster is incredible. The CGI really helps visualize exactly what happened.
These shows have actually helped me overcome my fear of flying. Understanding what went wrong and how airlines learned from past mistakes is reassuring.
What I love about Mayday is how they interview actual survivors. It adds such a personal touch to the investigations.
Does anyone know where I can stream Disasters of the Century? Been wanting to watch it but can't find it anywhere except random YouTube clips.
I agree about Zero Hour being intense, but I think that's what makes it powerful. It really shows the human impact of these disasters.
The forensic science in Forensic Files is fascinating. It's amazing how tiny details can solve huge cases.
Honestly, I find some of these shows too intense. Especially Zero Hour with its graphic content. I prefer the more scientific approach of Seconds from Disaster.
The Chernobyl episode of Zero Hour gave me chills. You can really feel the tension and fear of those who were there.
I've watched every season of Mayday Air Crash Investigation. The way they break down the technical details while keeping it engaging for regular viewers is impressive.