Watch Metropolis: The Power of the Cities

Metropolis: The Power of the Cities is a documentary television series produced by Germany's ZDF. The show follows the lives of the inhabitants of five major cities in the 21st century - New York, Tokyo, Istanbul, Mexico City, and Mumbai. The cities may be different in culture, language, and geography, but all share the commonality of a population of over ten million. The show reveals the challenges and opportunities these cities present as they strive to harness the power of the masses.

The series comprises of five episodes, with each episode focusing on one city. Each episode is about one hour long and includes interviews with residents, local officials, city experts, and other contributors. The show's host, Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany, examines each city's vibrant and complex atmosphere of economic, cultural, and social diversity. Merkel explores the daily routines of ordinary people, the city's infrastructure, and the city's economy.

The first episode, titled "New York - The City that never sleeps" portrays the hustle and bustle of life in New York, known as the city that never sleeps. The show discovers how the people of the city have adapted to constant change and stress that defines life in NYC. The episode examines how the city's infrastructure is coping with the increase in population, including public transportation and housing. The episode also focuses on the growing demand for affordable housing with interviews with officials and people who work hard to find a room to rent within their means in the city.

The second episode, "Tokyo - The City of Contrasts," shows how the largest metropolitan area in the world keeps working smoothly. Tokyo is an intricate network of people, pollution, energy, and modernity. The program highlights how the people of Tokyo can live or work in small spaces, and it also explains why the city's infrastructure is always under pressure. To combat this issue, the city has started using AI and big data to manage its transportation system more effectively. Merkel explores the city's Shinto shrine, capsule hotels, and traditional neighborhoods and meets with select citizens who share their daily routines in the city with the viewers.

The third episode, "Istanbul - At the Crossroads of Europe and Asia," explores the unique position of Istanbul between Europe and Asia. The series depicts a vibrant city with cultural and religious diversity where 14 million people contend with the impacts of modernization, immigration, and political issues. The episode focuses on the economic and social aspects of the city, including migration, religious beliefs, and government policies. Merkel visits the city's ancient bazaar, bustling ferry docks, and the world's largest airport under construction to get a peek at the city's potential progress.

The fourth episode, "Mexico City- A Mega City," depicts the challenges and opportunities of living in the 2nd largest city in the Americas. Merkel explores the factors that have fueled the city's impressive economic growth and urbanization statistics while also examining the city's poverty rate and stark social contrasts. The show covers the city's history and current climate crisis, introduces Mexican architects who are rethinking urban spaces and questions if the "megacity" model is built to last.

The last episode, "Mumbai - The City of Dreams," depicts Mumbai's 20 million people as they chase their aspirations in a city that struggles to maintain balance. Merkel travels with some of the city's residents to showcase Mumbai's best bits to the viewers. The episode looks at how India's fast-growing economy has impacted the city, as well as the difficulties of managing inadequate infrastructure pushed beyond its limits, featuring AI-aided traffic management and smart streetlights.

Overall, the Metropolis: The Power of the Cities is a thrilling global tour of the world's major metropolis. The series exposes the critical demands that urban life places on infrastructure, political and social institutions, all while celebrating the vibrancy of the city populace. The show aims to inspire viewers with examples of how ordinary people, leaders, and urban planners are rising to the future challenges of megacities.