Watch Boomtowners

Boomtowners follows Deanna Senior, a geologist and mining engineer, as she travels across the United States to explore the impact that the country's boom and bust economy has on small towns. Beginning in 2014, the show takes viewers on a journey through the Bakken oil fields of North Dakota, where oil drilling has transformed several small towns into bustling communities practically overnight. We see Senior working with a team of engineers and geologists who aim to extract the largest amount of oil possible with the least amount of environmental impact. Throughout the series, Senior frequently emphasizes the importance of environmental ethics, highlighting how drilling for oil has a significant negative impact on the environment.

As Senior continues her journey across America, we witness the transformation of various towns as they attempt to adapt to the changing economic landscape. Whether it's gold mining in California or fracking in Pennsylvania, each episode depicts the positive and negative effects of these activities on the surrounding communities. Senior interviews locals and experts, who offer insights and personal reflections on how these economic changes have impacted their lives.

One of the key strengths of Boomtowners is its ability to objectively present differing opinions about each town's economic situation. The show explores both the financial benefits and the environmental impact of resource extraction activities, and it explores the diverse opinions of those who live in these communities. The show doesn't take a political stance on whether or not the drilling or mining should continue, but encourages viewers to consider the full picture of the economic and societal effects.

Throughout the show, Senior's genuine passion for her work and expertise shine through. Her expertise in geology and engineering establishes her as a credible source, and her relatable and friendly demeanor makes her easy to connect with. She's not afraid to get her hands dirty or to speak up when she sees something going wrong; in one episode, she confronts a mining company after discovering they weren't following proper safety precautions. She's a role model for young women interested in pursuing a career in STEM, and provides a valuable perspective in the male-dominated field of resource extraction.

Another notable aspect of Boomtowners is its focus on the societal impact of these economic changes. The show acknowledges that the influx of workers to these small towns creates its own set of unique challenges, including issues such as housing shortages, overcrowding, and increased crime rates. In turn, small businesses in the towns often struggle to keep up with the soaring demand for goods and services. Some communities, such as Williston, North Dakota, where Senior and her team spend a significant portion of the first season, are faced with the challenge of preserving their small-town values while accommodating the influx of new residents who have come for work.

Boomtowners portrays these challenges in a very human way. We see the impact on individuals and families, as well as on the wider social fabric of each town. Each episode tells a unique story of a town and its residents, and the challenges they face as a result of the changing economic landscape. The show draws attention to the real people behind the statistical data often discussed in relation to resource extraction activities.

In summary, Boomtowners provides a refreshing and in-depth exploration of the impact of boom and bust economies on small towns in America. The show is educational and informative, and it is presented in a way that makes it accessible to a broad audience. The show strikes a thoughtful balance between the financial benefits and the environmental impact of resource extraction activities, and it acknowledges the social and cultural context of each town's situation. Moreover, Senior's passion for her work and expertise make her a compelling host, and the show as a whole serves as an important starting point for discussions around economic development and the environment.

Boomtowners is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between April 26, 2015 and on Smithsonian Channel