National Geographic: Situation Critical

2007 – 2009
Ended
Documentary
~45m / ep
1 season
8.3/10

In Situation Critical, we explore the unfolding action and the real people thrust into survivor mode by some of the most dramatic events in modern history. This fast-paced series takes you inside the seemingly stable events that became headline disasters in a matter of minutes. Each hour-long episode combines archival footage, accurate re-enactments, advanced CGI and firsthand accounts from those at the centre of the action. Building suspense with each heart-pounding movement, we vividly break down the terrifying moments — outlining the life-threatening risks, daring decisions, frantic communications, evolving tactics and last-ditch efforts developing with each decisive tick of the clock.

All seasons

Latest: Season 1 · 2007

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E1. North Hollywood Shootout
Jun 12, 2007 · 47m
One of the most dramatic police gun battles ever waged on American soil took place in Hollywood in 1997. Go inside the violent stand-off as the bandits fire over 1,100 rounds of ammunition and shoot nine police officers and two civilians.
E2. Taliban Uprising
Jul 24, 2007 · 47m
In 2001 Afghanistan, at the start of the war on terror, a pro-American Afghan army double-crossed and imprisoned Taliban fighters. A violent uprising begins when the Taliban fighters overpower their guards, seize weapons and open fire.
E3. SAS Jungle Rescue
Jul 17, 2007 · 47m
In war-torn Sierra Leone in 2000, thousands of armed rebels lived in the jungle. When members of the Royal Irish Rangers were ambushed and taken hostage, the British government launched a risky and grueling rescue mission.
E4. Apollo 13
Jun 26, 2007 · 47m
Two days after Apollo 13's launch, an oxygen tank on board burst and the situation became perilous—200,000 miles (321,868 kilometers) above Earth. Personal accounts bring one of the most famous space rescues in history to life.
E5. Downed Pilot
Jun 19, 2007 · 47m
In 1995, U.S. Air Force Cpt. O'Grady was patrolling the skies above war-torn Bosnia when a Serb missile hit his fighter jet. Upon impact, O'Grady was safely ejected, but his parachute sailed into hostile territory and gunmen were on his trail.
E6. Hell on High Water
Jul 3, 2007 · 47m
The 54th Sydney to Hobart yacht race turned into one of the worst sporting disasters in history. Almost 100 vessels faced brutal 90-mph winds and towering 60-foot waves. Hell on High Water revisits the tragedy and analyzes the ferocious storm that left six sailors dead.