Watch 1989: The Year That Made the Modern World

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.