Watch Across the Pacific

Across the Pacific is a mesmerizing six-part historical documentary series from 2020 that draws viewers into the thrilling events preceding and during World War II. The series offers an in-depth examination of how Pan Am's iconic flying boats became crucial in the Allies' efforts during the war. The series uses a mix of spectacular visuals, dramatic narration, and insightful interviews, offering a riveting experience for both history enthusiasts and people interested in aviation history.

Across the Pacific tells the fascinating narrative of America's international airline, Pan American Airways, or Pan Am. The series begins by chronicling the early endeavors of Pan Am founder Juan Trippe, his faithful team, and their groundbreaking efforts to develop trans-Pacific air travel. With the advent of the war, the series underscores the pivotal role Pan Am and its fleet of flying boats played in World War II, highlighting how trans-oceanic air travel served as an essential wheel in the machinery of the war effort.

The first two episodes, "Airborne" and "Latin Laboratory," set the stage by focusing on the entrepreneurial spirit that ignited Pan Am's establishment and early trans-oceanic flights, emphasizing the technical and geopolitical challenges Pan Am faced in its early days. The subsequent episodes, "Another Ocean," "Fragments of Truth,", "The China Clipper," and "Combat," delve into more specifically war-related topics. They illustrate the strategic value of trans-Pacific flights, Pan Am’s crucial role in the war, and intricate espionage stories – all against the backdrop of a gripping world at war.

Across the Pacific unearths rare archival images and films to recreate an authentic, captivating visual narrative. The use of innovative animation techniques assists in clarifying complicated historical aviation details, and impeccable sound design supplements the experience, drawing viewers deeper into the story. The series also heavily features interviews with historians, aviation experts, and World War II veterans, lending rich insights and personal experiences to the meticulously researched historical facts.

The series is skillfully directed by veteran award-winning documentarians, including Stephen Ives, Amanda Pollak, and Eric Strange. Produced by Moreno/Lyons Productions in association with WPBT/South Florida PBS and the National Endowment for the Humanities, Across the Pacific exemplifies high-quality historical documentary-making while engagingly narrating a less-known yet significant chapter from global history.

As the series progresses, viewers get a sense of not only the daring and vision embodied by Pan Am pilots, engineers, executives, and the ingenious and resilient founder Juan Trippe, but also the geopolitical and technological hurdles they faced and overcame. This story is a testament to human ambition, ingenuity, and perseverance. Given that the plot unfolds amidst the critical events leading up to and during World War II, the series also offers an important historical perspective into the United States' gradually changing role on the global stage.

Across the Pacific does not merely hand viewers cold historical facts; instead, it provides a vibrant, nuanced historical tapestry woven from personal accounts, expert analyses, historical anecdotes, and immersive visuals. It effectively leverages top-notch research and expert story-telling techniques to bring this remarkable saga of human endeavor and the broader brushstrokes of global history to life.

In conclusion, Across the Pacific is a rare blend of military, technological, and aviation history, combined with a heart-pounding narrative of human ambition, strategy, and sheer will-power. This thrilling exploration of the complex history of trans-Pacific air travel, especially during a globally turbulent time, offers an exciting and educational viewing experience. The series is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates history, aviation, or loves a captivating real-life adventure story.

Across the Pacific is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between May 18, 2020 and on