Combat Ships

Combat Ships - Smithsonian Channel

Smithsonian Channel

Reality Series

2017

TVPG

Documentary

Military

War

Documentary series that tells the story of the evolution of maritime conflict.

Where to Stream

2017–2023 Reality Series 4 Seasons34 Episodes

Upcoming TV Airings

The airings below are based on a generic national schedule. Times and dates can vary by TV provider.

Thursday, August 28

Top Guns

Season 3 • Episode 6

A look at how navy weapons have evolved, from cannons to gun turrets to nuclear missiles.

Thursday, August 28

Courageous Captains

Season 4 • Episode 1

Exploring maritime heroes who left their mark on history through their bravery and skill.

Thursday, August 28

River Raiders

Season 3 • Episode 8

A look at riverine warfare from the Civil War to Vietnam and small but powerful combat ships.

Thursday, August 28

Explosion!

Season 4 • Episode 2

Recounting some of maritime warfare's explosions, from world wars and Vietnam to the nuclear tests.

Thursday, August 28

Viking Longships

Season 2 • Episode 1

The story of one of the world's most effective war machines: the Viking longship.

Thursday, August 28

Stealth

Season 2 • Episode 2

From secret missions that helped win World War II to modern stealth ships using strange shapes.

Thursday, August 28

Wooden Warships

Season 1 • Episode 9

A look at the most famous wooden warships over the course of 500 years.

Thursday, August 28

Destroyers and Cruisers

Season 2 • Episode 4

The ships that made empires, from Britain's lone wolves to the USS Laffey's fight against kamikazes.

Thursday, August 28

Amphibious Assaults

Season 2 • Episode 8

The evolution of amphibious assault vehicles, including the restoration of Britain's last LCT 7074.

Thursday, August 28

Rescue Ships

Season 1 • Episode 7

A look at wartime rescue ships and the brave men and women who risked their lives to save others.

Thursday, August 28

Game Changers

Season 3 • Episode 1

Experimental ships and revolutionary designers that have changed the tide of war.

Thursday, August 28

Mutiny

Season 4 • Episode 5

A look at how technological advances over the centuries have transformed maritime warfare.

Wednesday, September 3

Stealth

Season 2 • Episode 2

From secret missions that helped win World War II to modern stealth ships using strange shapes.

Wednesday, September 3

Amphibious Assaults

Season 2 • Episode 8

The evolution of amphibious assault vehicles, including the restoration of Britain's last LCT 7074.

Wednesday, September 3

World Wars

Season 1 • Episode 1

A look at how the role of battleships changed over the course of the First and Second World Wars.

Thursday, September 4

Heroes of Guadalcanal

Season 4 • Episode 4

A comprehensive look at the naval battle of Guadalcanal and the efforts of U.S. sailors.

Thursday, September 4

Torpedo Boats

Season 1 • Episode 5

A look at some of the most fearsome torpedo boats, used by both sides during the World Wars.

Thursday, September 4

The Battle of Leyte Gulf

Season 2 • Episode 7

The Battle of Leyte Gulf in WWII was three days of ingenious strategy and white-knuckle combat.

Friday, September 5

Torpedo Boats

Season 1 • Episode 5

A look at some of the most fearsome torpedo boats, used by both sides during the World Wars.

Friday, September 5

The Battle of Leyte Gulf

Season 2 • Episode 7

The Battle of Leyte Gulf in WWII was three days of ingenious strategy and white-knuckle combat.