Plot Synopsis

Directed by Daniel Bogado, TSUNAMI: RACE AGAINST TIME is a four-part documentary that chronicles the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that took over 225,000 lives, while telling a definitive story of the devastating events of December 26, 2004. The series weaves newly discovered footage with never-before-heard personal accounts from survivors, scientists, journalists and fearless rescuers who were all witnesses to the tragic event. Three years in the making, producers unearthed approximately 300 hours of archival footage, including many never-before-seen moments, from around the world and conducted interviews with over 100 individuals, some speaking on the record for the first time about their experience. The series not only offers a comprehensive exploration of the tsunami's impact as it surged, leaving a deadly trail throughout 14 countries, but also shines a light on the remarkable acts of bravery and sacrifice throughout the disaster. It weaves together compelling stories of survival and heroism, featuring scientists who raced against time to understand and warn the world, journalists who uncovered the shocking reality, fearless rescuers who risked their lives to save others, and survivors who faced the unimaginable. In addition to expertly connecting archival footage with first-person testimony, TSUNAMI: RACE AGAINST TIME used billions of raw data points provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create a high-resolution, moving simulation seen throughout each episode. They also worked in careful collaboration with scientists, local experts and survivors to establish timings for the arrival and spread of successive tsunami waves on the day across multiple affected coastlines. TSUNAMI: RACE AGAINST TIME premieres across two nights with two back-to-back episodes from 9-11pm ET/PT on National Geographic Channel, beginning Sunday, November 24, 2024. All episodes stream Monday, November 25, 2024 on Disney+ and Hulu.

"The Wave" (Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 9pm): A massive earthquake in the Indian Ocean sets off a tsunami that, within minutes, arrives in the bustling city of Aceh, causing unprecedented havoc and devastation. This film follows the desperate struggle to survive of city-dwellers in Indonesia and tourists in Thailand caught in the unfolding catastrophe, as well as the scientists working against the clock to warn the world.

"Thailand" (Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 10pm): After a massive earthquake triggered the deadliest tsunami in recorded history, multiple waves hit Thailand. As the beaches of popular resorts are pummeled by unstoppable torrents of water, locals and tourists work together to save lives. In the chaotic aftermath, survivors separated by the waves desperately search for their loved ones.

"Breaking News" (Monday, November 25, 2024 at 9pm): The tsunami hits Sri Lanka. A 1000 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, waves wreck a train and destroy coastal cities. Doctors fight to save every life they can. As disaster spreads across the entire Indian Ocean, journalists race to break the news to the world, and people wake up to the devastating reality that their loved ones have been swept away.

"Rescue" (Monday, November 25, 2024 at 10pm): In the aftermath of the deadliest tsunami in history, tourists become stranded on an island devastated by the force of the waves. With hundreds of casualties, survivors from around the world must work together to save lives. Against all odds, they manage to pull off some of the most miraculous rescues of the day. But as the water recedes, the true scale of the global calamity becomes clear.