Tsunami: Race Against Time – Trailer, Release date, & more About the Docuseries on World’s Deadliest Tsunami

As the world reflects on two decades since one of history's deadliest natural disasters, Tsunami: Race Against Time, is poised to offer a gripping exploration of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. 

This powerful documentary series from National Geographic combines newly uncovered footage with poignant, first-person testimonies from survivors, scientists, journalists, and brave rescuers who witnessed the tragedy firsthand.

In an exclusive first look at the trailer, viewers are treated to never-before-seen moments that bring the magnitude of the disaster to life, highlighting the heartbreaking stories of loss and resilience. The series promises to immerse audiences in the tsunami's harrowing path of destruction, shedding light on the remarkable acts of bravery amidst chaos.

Get ready to dive deep into everything we know about Tsunami: Race Against Time, from its compelling narrative and impressive contributors to the behind-the-scenes insights that shaped its creation. Stay tuned as we continue to update you with the latest news and exclusive details surrounding this impactful series!

Release date & Where to Watch

The four-part series premieres over two nights, starting Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at 9 pm ET on National Geographic with two consecutive episodes. All episodes will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu starting Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.

Plot

Tsunami: Race Against Time is a powerful documentary series that marks the 20th anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, which occurred on Dec. 26, 2004, claiming over 225,000 lives across 14 countries. 

The series offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the disaster, featuring personal accounts from survivors, scientists who hurried to understand the catastrophe, journalists who reported the shocking news, and fearless rescuers who risked their lives to save others.

The series combines approximately 300 hours of archival footage—much of which is previously unseen—with over 100 interviews, some conducted with individuals sharing their experiences for the first time. This meticulous effort results in a gripping narrative that weaves together harrowing stories of survival and acts of bravery amidst chaos.

Utilizing billions of data points from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the series features high-resolution simulations illustrating the tsunami's arrival and impact across various coastlines. Focusing on the human spirit in the face of tragedy, Tsunami: Race Against Time sheds light on the remarkable courage and resilience displayed during one of the deadliest natural disasters in history.

Episodes

• Season 1 Episode 1: The Wave (Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 2: Thailand (Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 3: Breaking News (Monday, Nov. 25, 2024)
• Season 1 Episode 4: Rescue (Monday, Nov. 25, 2024)

Official Trailer

In the trailer, survivors share their harrowing experiences: "People were on the streets... I saw this really high water," recalls one. Another describes, "The wave's force was immense," while a third remembers resurfacing and losing sight of their parents. "Everybody lost somebody," reflects a man. Yet amidst the darkness, a voice reminds us, "When someone is in trouble, people want to help. That’s the power of the human spirit."

Behind the Scenes

Tsunami: Race Against Time is a compelling documentary produced by Blast Films Limited for National Geographic. The series is helmed by executive producers Tanya Winston and Danny Horan, alongside director Daniel Bogado, who directs three of the episodes. James Parris serves as series producer and directs the third episode, with Carolyn Payne as the executive producer for National Geographic.