National Geographic Premieres Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary Docuseries

Nearly two decades after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, new documentary series are revisiting the catastrophic storm and its aftermath, highlighting both natural forces and human failures. Netflix's three-part docuseries, produced by Spike Lee, explores how the hurricane's impact was worsened by systemic governmental neglect and flawed levee systems, with firsthand accounts revealing racial and financial disparities intensified by the disaster. Similarly, National Geographic’s five-part series “Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time,” executive produced by Ryan Coogler, provides an intimate perspective through survivor testimonies and archival footage, emphasizing the courage of everyday people and military responders amid the flooding. Both series underscore that while the storm was a natural event, the scale of destruction was magnified by inadequate preparedness and infrastructure failures, flooding 80 percent of New Orleans and leaving thousands vulnerable. Survivors reflect on the need for better early warnings, preparedness, and care for vulnerable populations to prevent future tragedies. These documentaries collectively aim to educate viewers on the causes and consequences of Katrina, ensuring the lessons of this disaster endure.