*As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, National Geographic has unveiled a compelling new project to honor the memory of one of America’s most catastrophic natural disasters.
The five-part docuseries, “Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time,” premieres on July 27 at 8/7c on National Geographic with three consecutive episodes, followed by streaming availability on Disney+ and Hulu starting July 28. This collaboration between Lightbox and Proximity Media brings a raw, firsthand perspective to the storm that struck southeastern Louisiana on August 29, 2005, leaving New Orleans and its residents to battle overwhelming floodwaters with little help.
The series, helmed by Oscar-nominated director Traci A. Curry, draws on exclusive archival footage and poignant eyewitness accounts from survivors, first responders, and officials who endured the crisis. Produced by Oscar-winning Simon Chinn and Emmy-winning Jonathan Chinn of Lightbox, alongside Oscar, Golden Globe, and GRAMMY-nominated Ryan Coogler of Proximity Media, the docuseries combines cinematic depth with a reflective look back over two decades. It traces the storm’s progression, the breaches in the levees, and the societal ripples that followed, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the personal, political, and communal fallout.
“This is far more than a story about a storm,” said executive producers Jonathan Chinn and Simon Chinn (Lightbox). “It’s a compelling, essential reexamination of systemic failure and the enduring consequences of decisions made before, during and after the levees broke.”
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Their counterparts at Proximity Media, Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian, echoed this sentiment: “This series goes beyond the headlines. It reveals stories of survival, heroism and resilience. It’s a vital historical record and a call to witness, remember and reckon with the truth of Hurricane Katrina’s legacy.”
The series unfolds across five episodes, each diving into a distinct phase of the disaster. Episode 1, The Coming Storm, airs July 27 at 8/7c and sets the stage with residents preparing for the Category 5 hurricane’s impact. Episode 2, Worst Case Scenario, follows at 9/8c, detailing the levee breaches and heroic rescue attempts. A Desperate Place at 10/9c explores the chaotic third day inside the Superdome. On July 28, Episode 4, Shoot to Kill, at 8/7c, examines post-storm tensions, while Episode 5, Wake Up Call, at 9/8c, reflects on the diaspora and the city’s uncertain future.
With its focus on survivor narratives and a commitment to accountability, “Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time” redefines the storytelling of this national tragedy. The project stands as a powerful testament to resilience, guided by Curry’s vision and the collaborative strength of its production teams, ensuring the voices of those who lived through the ordeal take center stage.
Watch the trailer for “Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time” above.
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