National Geographic Marks 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with Gripping Docuseries: HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME
National Geographic Commemorates 20 Years Since Katrina with Gripping Docuseries Directed by Traci A. Curry
As the world approaches the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, National Geographic unveils HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME, a landmark five-part documentary series that reexamines one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in U.S. history. Directed by Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Traci A. Curry (Attica), and produced by Oscar® winner Simon Chinn, Emmy® winner Jonathan Chinn (Lightbox), and Oscar® nominee Ryan Coogler (Proximity Media), the series premieres Sundays at 21:00 CAT on National Geographic (DStv 181 and StarTimes 220), starting 27 July 2025.
The first three episodes will debut back-to-back on Sunday 27 July, followed by the final two on Sunday 3 August.
On 29 August 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and surrounding regions, leaving in its wake over 1,800 lives lost and hundreds of thousands displaced. The levee breaches and delayed rescue responses exposed deep systemic failures. Yet, amid this chaos, everyday citizens became heroes, fighting to survive and protect one another.
HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME gives a visceral, moment-by-moment recounting of the storm and its aftermath, narrated by those who lived through it. Through powerful eyewitness testimonies, rarely seen archival footage, and the bold lens of Traci A. Curry, the series confronts not just the storm, but the structural inequalities that magnified its impact.
“This is far more than a story about a storm. It’s a reexamination of systemic failure and the enduring consequences of decisions made before, during and after the levees broke.”
said executive producers Simon and Jonathan Chinn
“This series goes beyond the headlines. It reveals stories of survival, heroism and resilience. It’s a vital historical record and a call to reckon with the truth of Hurricane Katrina’s legacy.”
Ryan Coogler, alongside Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian of Proximity Media, added:
Episode Guide:
- EPISODE 1: The Coming Storm
A vibrant New Orleans summer is disrupted by the looming threat of Hurricane Katrina. With a delayed evacuation and limited options, many residents are left to face the storm alone. - EPISODE 2: Worst Case Scenario
The levees break. The city floods. Citizens and first responders take action as chaos spreads. Government inaction becomes increasingly evident. - EPISODE 3: A Desperate Place
As rescue efforts stumble, thousands remain stranded. Conditions in the Superdome deteriorate. Media narratives shift away from the survivors’ plight. - EPISODE 4: Shoot to Kill
General Russel Honoré leads military efforts while tensions rise. Rescue is mixed with militarisation, and survivors face threats beyond the water. - EPISODE 5: Wake Up Call
Katrina’s survivors—dispersed and displaced—fight to rebuild their lives. The series concludes with an exploration of New Orleans’ future and enduring scars.
HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME is a bold reframing of history. With its focus on firsthand accounts and long-term repercussions, the series sheds light on the human cost of failed systems—and the enduring strength of those who survived.
Don’t miss this historic docuseries, airing on National Geographic on Sundays from 27 July 2025 at 21:00 (CAT).
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