In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in history, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that took over 225,000 lives, National Geographic will present Tsunami: Race Against Time, a four-part documentary series on the devastating catastrophe.
From executive producers Tanya Winston and Danny Horan of multiple award-winning Blast Films and directed by Daniel Bogado, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker of Nat Geo’s “9/11: One Day In America,” the series weaves newly discovered footage with never-before-heard personal accounts from survivors, scientists, journalists and fearless rescuers who were all witnesses to the tragic event. Tsunami: Race Against Time premieres across two nights, beginning Nov. 24 at 9/8c on National Geographic with two back-to-back episodes. All episodes will stream Nov. 25 on Disney+ and Hulu.
Three years in the making, producers unearthed approximately 300 hours of archival footage, including many never-before-seen moments, from around the world and conducted interviews with over 100 individuals, some speaking on the record for the first time about their experience. As a result of this massive effort by the filmmaking team, Tsunami: Race Against Time tells a definitive story of the devastating events of Dec. 26, 2004.
The series not only offers a comprehensive exploration of the tsunami’s impact as it surged, leaving a deadly trail throughout 14 countries, but also shines a light on the remarkable acts of bravery and sacrifice throughout the disaster. It weaves together compelling stories of survival and heroism, featuring scientists who raced against time to understand and warn the world, journalists who uncovered the shocking reality, fearless rescuers who risked their lives to save others, and survivors who faced the unimaginable.
In addition to expertly connecting archival footage with first-person testimony, Tsunami: Race Against Time used billions of raw data points provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create a high-resolution, moving simulation seen throughout each episode. They also worked in careful collaboration with scientists, local experts and survivors to establish timings for the arrival and spread of successive tsunami waves on the day across multiple affected coastlines.
Watch the official trailer for Tsunami: Race Against Time.
Episode Descriptions
“The Wave”
Premieres Nov. 24 at 9/8c on Nat Geo; Streams Nov. 25 on Disney+ and Hulu
A massive earthquake in the Indian Ocean sets off a tsunami that, within minutes, arrives in the bustling city of Aceh, causing unprecedented havoc and devastation. This film follows the desperate struggle to survive of city-dwellers in Indonesia and tourists in Thailand caught in the unfolding catastrophe, as well as the scientists working against the clock to warn the world.
“Thailand”
Premieres Nov. 24 at 10/9c on Nat Geo; Streams Nov. 25 on Disney+ and Hulu
After a massive earthquake triggered the deadliest tsunami in recorded history, multiple waves hit Thailand. As the beaches of popular resorts are pummeled by unstoppable torrents of water, locals and tourists work together to save lives. In the chaotic aftermath, survivors separated by the waves desperately search for their loved ones.
“Breaking News”
Premieres Nov. 25 at 9/8c on Nat Geo; Streams Nov. 25 on Disney+ and Hulu
The tsunami hits Sri Lanka. A 1000 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter, waves wreck a train and destroy coastal cities. Doctors fight to save every life they can. As disaster spreads across the entire Indian Ocean, journalists race to break the news to the world, and people wake up to the devastating reality that their loved ones have been swept away.
“Rescue”
Premieres Nov. 25 at 10/9c on Nat Geo; Streams Nov. 25 on Disney+ and Hulu
In the aftermath of the deadliest tsunami in history, tourists become stranded on an island devastated by the force of the waves. With hundreds of casualties, survivors from around the world must work together to save lives. Against all odds, they manage to pull off some of the most miraculous rescues of the day. But as the water recedes, the true scale of the global calamity becomes clear.
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