1989: The Year That Made the Modern World

Watch 1989: The Year That Made the Modern World

  • 2019
  • 1 Season
  • 7.1  (29)

1989: The Year That Made the Modern World is a documentary television series that premiered on National Geographic Channel in 2019. The show explores the events that took place in the year 1989 which shaped the modern world as we know it today. The series features interviews with a range of influential figures from various fields, including Kevin Smith, James L. Brooks, and Arsenio Hall, who offer their perspectives and insights on the events of that year.

The series is divided into six episodes, with each one focusing on a different event or aspect of 1989. The first episode, entitled "The Wall," explores the fall of the Berlin Wall, which marked the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era in world politics. Through interviews with historians, journalists, and eyewitnesses, the episode provides a detailed account of the events that led up to the momentous day when the wall came down.

The second episode, "Tiananmen Square," looks at the student-led protest movement in China that ended in a brutal crackdown by the government. The episode features interviews with activists who were involved in the protests, as well as experts who discuss the implications of the government's response.

Episode three, "The Deal," focuses on the negotiations that led to the collapse of apartheid in South Africa. Through interviews with key figures involved in the negotiations, the episode examines the challenges that were faced and the compromises that had to be made in order to achieve a peaceful transition of power.

The fourth episode, "The Revolution," takes a closer look at the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia, which saw the overthrow of the communist government and the establishment of a democratic society. Through interviews with activists and leaders involved in the revolution, the episode explores the strategies that were used to achieve a peaceful transition of power.

Episode five, "The Virus," examines the global spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the efforts that were made to combat it. Through interviews with researchers and doctors who were involved in the fight against the disease, as well as people who were living with HIV/AIDS, the episode shows the human impact of this devastating epidemic.

The final episode, "The Movies," focuses on the impact of movies on popular culture in 1989. Through interviews with filmmakers and actors, the episode explores the ways in which movies reflected and influenced the events and attitudes of the time.

Overall, 1989: The Year That Made the Modern World is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of a year that had a profound impact on the world we live in today. The series offers a range of perspectives on the events of that year, and provides a nuanced and detailed look at the forces that shaped the modern world. Whether you're interested in politics, history, or culture, there is something in this series for everyone, and it is well worth a watch.

1989: The Year That Made the Modern World
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Seasons
World in Revolution
6. World in Revolution
January 6, 2019
National Geographic's 6-part series debuts with a dramatic look at a year of revolution around the world. From the brave protests of Tiananmen Square to the fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989 transformed global politics in profound ways that still resonate today. Former Secretary of State James Baker and award-winning journalists provide their stunning, eyewitness accounts from this monumental year in history.
The Dawn of Digital
5. The Dawn of Digital
January 6, 2019
We didn't know it then, but in 1989, the digital age had begun. It was the year the first modern GPS satellites roamed above the earth, but most of us were looking down at another tech wonder that year: the Gameboy. The popular device paved the way for today's mobile lifestyle. Another little invention called the world wide web debuted in 1989 too. Filmmaker Kevin Smith and a host of tech insiders take you on a journey through space and time.
Bring the Noise
4. Bring the Noise
January 6, 2019
Chuck D and Arsenio Hall discuss the pop culture revolution of 1989 that raised our collective social consciousness. Spike Lee's powerful film Do the Right Thing made a lasting impact, Public Enemy's provocative lyrics transformed Hip Hop and Arsenio Hall created a platform for a generation of stars previously ignored by late night TV. The cultural and political events of the year helped awaken mainstream audiences to the black experience.
Show Me the Money
3. Show Me the Money
January 6, 2019
What do Bart Simpson, Batman and the Little Mermaid have in common? They all became huge stars in 1989, a year that shaped Hollywood as we know it today. In this episode of Nat Geo's 6-part series, television ad film icons James Brooks and Peter Guber peel back the curtain on the world of entertainment. They reveal how the overnight success of these three characters turned the old show business into the multifaceted modern industry it is today.
If It Bleeds, It Leads
2. If It Bleeds, It Leads
January 6, 2019
NatGeo's 6-part series "1989," continues with a fascinating look at the rise of tabloid journalism in the late 80's. The sensational programs put politics aside, making outrageous stories of sex, scandal and celebrity their primary beat. Larry King, Connie Chung and Maury Povich provide their unique, first-hand perspectives, revealing how this unapologetic new format blurred the lines of what was considered news, forever.
From Communism to Terrorism
1. From Communism to Terrorism
January 6, 2019
Nat Geo's 6-part series "1989," debuts with a dramatic look at a year of revolution around the world. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's new policies suddenly led to the fall of the Berlin Wall; a government crackdown followed brave protests in Tiananmen Square; and a power shift swept across Eastern Europe. Former Secretary of State James Baker and award-winning journalists provide their stunning, eyewitness accounts of these monumental events in history.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    January 6, 2019
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (29)