Watch A Day That Shook The World

A Day That Shook The World is a documentary television series jointly produced by British Pathé TV, British Pathé Ltd and BBC Worldwide. The show is presented by the veteran broadcaster John Humphrys, who takes the audience on a journey through some of the most significant events that have shaped our world. Each episode of the series focuses on a single event that took place on a particular day in history, and examines its impact on the world and its people.

The show's format is simple yet effective. Humphrys provides a brief introduction to the featured event, followed by a combination of archive footage, interviews, and expert analysis. The show draws on the rich archives of British Pathé, which is one of the world's largest collections of historical films and newsreels. The footage is often supplemented by interviews with eyewitnesses, historians, and experts in the field, who offer their own perspectives on the event and its aftermath.

One of the key strengths of the series is the way in which it explores the human impact of historical events. The show does not simply provide a factual account of events but instead delves into the emotional and psychological impact on those involved. For example, in the episode on the fall of the Berlin Wall, the show explores the joy and elation felt by ordinary Germans as they crossed over into West Germany for the first time in decades. Similarly, in the episode on 9/11, the show examines the profound sense of loss and grief felt by the families of the victims.

The series covers a wide range of events, from natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, to political upheavals such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the Arab Spring. It also includes episodes on cultural milestones such as the release of Michael Jackson's Thriller album and the live broadcast of the Moon landing.

One of the strengths of the show is its ability to draw connections between apparently disparate events. For example, the episode on the sinking of the Titanic explores the way in which the disaster brought about significant changes in maritime safety regulations, which in turn led to the development of the International Maritime Organization. The episode on the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. explores the connections between his murder, the civil rights movement, and the rise of Black Lives Matter.

Throughout the series, Humphrys provides insightful commentary and analysis, drawing on his many years of experience as a journalist and broadcaster. His calming and authoritative presence serves as a reassuring guide for the audience as they navigate through some of the most tumultuous events in history.

The show's production values are of a high standard, with slick editing and a clear and concise narrative structure. The use of archive footage is particularly effective, allowing the audience to experience the events as they unfolded at the time. The show also makes good use of reconstructions and animations, which help to bring events to life in a visually dynamic way.

In conclusion, A Day That Shook The World is an engaging and informative documentary series that provides a fascinating insight into some of the most significant events in history. The show's ability to explore the human impact of these events, as well as their wider historical context, makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the events that have shaped our world.

A Day That Shook The World is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between December 31, 1999 and on British Pathé TV (British Pathé Ltd and BBC Worldwide)