Connections with James Burke

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Coverage of the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Ancient Megastructures

Examine how ancient civilisations built some of the most magnificent structures on the face of the Earth, many centuries before the industrial revolution.

Gåden om Thyra

Vasa: The Ghost Warship

The Vasa was built for war but also to impress the enemy and display power. However, she sank on her maiden voyage, taking about thirty people with her to the depths. Many were rescued from the water by small boats that were in Stockholm’s ström to witness the proud vessel. Today, 400 years later, researchers study this unique time capsule from the early 17th century. How powerful were Vasa’s 64 cannons? Who do the countless, colorful sculptures on the ship actually depict? And the big question: what was the reason the ship sank?

Indonesia Merdeka!

Documentary from 1976 about the Indonesian struggle for independence. Unique archive footage and interviews with former vice-president Mahammed Hatta (the only existing interview with him on film), journalist/writer Johan Fabricius, the physician dr. Abu Hafina, the nationalist youth leader Roelan Abgulgani, dr. P. J. Koets, at the time political adviser of the Lt. Governor-General, the Indonesian generals Nasution and Simaupang, and the planter couple Marsman.

Martin Clunes: Islands Of Britain

Uniform, Macht, Mode

Fashion underlines our individuality – or does it? What do dress codes tell us about conventions? Whether normcore, „old money style“, school uniforms or police uniforms – clothing reveals a lot about the identity, tradition and status of its wearers. Fashion is therefore more than style: it is pure psychology and a reflection of its time.

Empire with David Olusoga

How did a small island once rule over a quarter of the world's population? This shared history still shapes us today - and billions of people are part of its story.

80 Years of War

At the end of the 16th century, Dutch subjects revolted against legitimate Spanish rule. What starts with the discontent of a minority grows into a war that will last more than a lifetime. From Groningen to Brussels, from Den Briel to Groenlo, the battle erupts everywhere. And often that struggle has a strangely modern appearance. Terrorism, propaganda, executions, radicalization, shock and awe; all themes that can easily be found in the war that was fought from 1568 to 1648. In a 7-part television series, the NTR will bring the stories about the 80-year war that can be found all over the country from September 28, every Friday at 9.05 pm on NPO 2. And Hans Goedkoop oversees the battlefield with experts.

Enquêtes en eaux profondes

Samvidhaan: The Making of the Constitution of India

How the constitution of the largest Democratic Republic in the world was created.

Iceland Defense Force - Cold War Frontier

In the aftermath of the Second World War, relations between the former allied eastern and western powers deteriorated fast. Suddenly, the small island nation found itself in the midst of the ensuing “cold-war”, which it used to its full benefit to catapult into the modern world. A founding member of the NATO alliance, Iceland provided an important base for forward operations in protection of NATO’s northern flank and Scandinavia and the approaches to North America by U.S. and allied forces.

Original Gangsters with Sean Bean

From Al Capone, to the real Peaky Blinders, from The Krays twins to the Queen of Harlem, each hour-long episode of Original Gangsters will see the legendary actor Sean Bean take a deep dive through a rogues gallery of some of the most notorious criminals in history to separate the fact from the fiction, as we find out what they mean to us today and just why they were the original gangsters.

Suomi on queer

Finland is Queer - Queer history of Finland

Bill Bailey’s Vietnam

Bill Bailey travels to Vietnam on the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of US forces from Saigon. Immersing himself in its rich culture, stunning landscapes and complex history, he uncovers what makes this fascinating country tick.

12 Years, 3 Months, 9 Days - The Chronicle Of The Third Reich

About Adolf Hitler's time in Germany. On January 30, 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany and his tenure in power lasted for more than twelve years. It began with a standing ovation and ended after a world war in which 50 million people were killed.

Expedition with Steve Backshall

The naturalist visits uncharted territory in pursuit of new discoveries. Steve Backshall takes on physical challenges, encounters extraordinary wildlife and meets remarkable people.

A History of Celtic Britain

In four chapters, largely based on and illustrated with archaeological finds and sites, Neil Oliver explains how, as far as is known, the Iron Age Celtic tribes known as the Ancient Britains evolved and entered European civilization. Their internecine tribal phase was warlike and partitioned. Overseas contacts, especially metal trade, brought wealth and progress. Ultimately, it attracted the superior Roman empire, which would conquer and pacify Britain into a province, like Gaul shortly before, but Caesar's invasion wasn't the definitive annexation yet, that was left to emperor Claudius; even afterward some Celtic traits and even rebellions remained.

Pioneers in Aviation

EMMY-nominated PBS documentary covering the history of American aviation, from the Wright Brothers to the very frontiers of space.

America: The Story of Us

From wagon trains crossing the untamed frontier to man's first steps on the moon, this series offers a compelling look at the people, inventions and events that helped forge the United States of America.