Disasters of the Century was a Canadian television series that aired from 2002 to 2005. The show was produced by Partners in Motion and hosted by Bruce Edwards, who was an experienced news anchor and journalist. The series consisted of 39 episodes, each of which focused on a different disaster that occurred in the 20th century.
The show examined disasters of all kinds, from natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods to man-made disasters like explosions, oil spills, and transportation accidents. Each episode followed a similar format: Edwards would introduce the disaster and provide some background information, then experts and witnesses would be interviewed to provide more details about what happened.
One of the strengths of Disasters of the Century was its ability to tell these stories in a compelling and engaging way. The show relied on a mix of dramatic reenactments, archival footage, and interviews to bring each disaster to life. The reenactments in particular were well done, and helped to create a sense of the chaos and confusion that often accompanies these events.
Another key feature of the show was its focus on the human impact of these disasters. Edwards and the other on-screen experts interviewed survivors, family members, and first responders to get a sense of the emotional toll that these events can take. This approach helped to ground the show in a powerful sense of empathy, and made each disaster feel more real and immediate.
One of the most memorable episodes of the series focused on the sinking of the Titanic. This disaster is well-known, but the show managed to find new details and perspectives to share with its audience. For example, the episode explored the experiences of the third-class passengers, who were often overlooked in other accounts of the sinking. Overall, the episode was a great example of the show's ability to dive deep into a familiar event and shed new light on it.
Another standout episode focused on the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. The show approached this event with sensitivity and respect, while still managing to provide a clear and concise account of what happened. The episode also explored the aftermath of the attacks, and the impact that they had on the United States and the world as a whole.
In addition to its storytelling strengths, Disasters of the Century was also notable for its educational value. The show often included expert commentary on the science behind disasters, as well as the factors that can make them worse or better. For example, the hurricane episodes explained how different factors like wind speed and storm surge can combine to create a devastating storm. These explanations were clear and easy to follow, which made the show a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about these events.
Overall, Disasters of the Century was a well-crafted and engaging series that managed to find new angles on familiar events. The show's focus on the human impact of these disasters, as well as its educational approach, made it a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about these events. While the show is no longer on the air, it remains a powerful reminder of the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.
Disasters of the Century is a series that ran for 2 seasons (17 episodes) between February 2, 2004 and on Partners in Motion
