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.

Upcoming TV Airings

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

Thursday, January 8

Cold War Warriors

Season 1 • Episode 6

An up-close look at the naval carriers, destroyers, and nuclear submarines of the Cold War.

Thursday, January 8

Hidden Figures

Season 4 • Episode 3

A 14-year-old enslaved powder boy who served during the French and Indian War.

Thursday, January 8

Record Breakers

Season 4 • Episode 7

A look at how technological advances over the centuries have led to bigger and faster combat ships.

Thursday, January 8

Gulf War Warriors

Season 3 • Episode 4

A look at key naval battles that have taken place in the Persian Gulf over the last 50 years.

Thursday, January 8

The Smallest Ships

Season 1 • Episode 8

A look at the smallest ships of war and the major roles they've played over the centuries.

Thursday, January 8

Sunk

Season 3 • Episode 5

Uncovering what sunk a World War I cruiser and a World War II submarine.

Thursday, January 8

Top Guns

Season 3 • Episode 6

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

Thursday, January 8

Courageous Captains

Season 4 • Episode 1

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

Thursday, January 8

River Raiders

Season 3 • Episode 8

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

Thursday, January 8

Explosion!

Season 4 • Episode 2

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

Thursday, January 8

Viking Longships

Season 2 • Episode 1

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

Thursday, January 8

Wooden Warships

Season 1 • Episode 9

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

Thursday, January 15

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, January 15

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, January 15

Game Changers

Season 3 • Episode 1

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

Thursday, January 15

Mutiny

Season 4 • Episode 5

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

Thursday, January 15

Stealth

Season 2 • Episode 2

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

Thursday, January 15

Smugglers and Pirates

Season 4 • Episode 6

Maritime forces guard US waters and ships from pirates and drug smugglers.

Thursday, January 15

Heroes of Guadalcanal

Season 4 • Episode 4

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

Thursday, January 15

Amphibious Assaults

Season 2 • Episode 8

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

Thursday, January 15

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, January 15

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, January 15

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.