1989: The Year That Made The Modern World - National Geographic for everyone in everywhere

Synopsis

No other year in recent history has played a more pivotal role in shaping the present than 1989. 30 years later, we look at the iconic events that defined this year and continue to dominate public conversation from fundamentalism and race to gender equality and the influence of the internet. The end of the Cold War... the dismantling of Apartheid, the launch of the World Wide Web? and the premiere of The Simpsons. If just one of these took place in 1989, it would be considered a watershed year. But these were just the beginning.

Episodes

Season 1

From Communism To Terrorism

Nat Geo's 6-part series "1989," debuts with a dramatic look at a year of revolution around the world. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's new policies suddenly led to the fall of the Berlin Wall; a government crackdown followed brave protests in Tiananmen Square; and a power shift swept across Eastern Europe. Former Secretary of State James Baker and award-winning journalists provide their stunning, eyewitness accounts of these monumental events in history.

If It Bleeds, It Leads

NatGeo's 6-part series "1989," continues with a fascinating look at the rise of tabloid journalism in the late 80's. The sensational programs put politics aside, making outrageous stories of sex, scandal and celebrity their primary beat. Larry King, Connie Chung and Maury Povich provide their unique, first-hand perspectives, revealing how this unapologetic new format blurred the lines of what was considered news, forever.

Show Me The Money

What do Bart Simpson, Batman and the Little Mermaid have in common? They all became huge stars in 1989, a year that shaped Hollywood as we know it today. In this episode of Nat Geo's 6-part series, television ad film icons James Brooks and Peter Guber peel back the curtain on the world of entertainment. They reveal how the overnight success of these three characters turned the old show business into the multifaceted modern industry it is today.

Bring The Noise

Chuck D and Arsenio Hall discuss the pop culture revolution of 1989 that raised our collective social consciousness. Spike Lee's powerful film Do the Right Thing made a lasting impact, Public Enemy's provocative lyrics transformed Hip Hop and Arsenio Hall created a platform for a generation of stars previously ignored by late night TV. The cultural and political events of the year helped awaken mainstream audiences to the black experience.

The Dawn of Digital

We didn't know it then, but in 1989, the digital age had begun. It was the year the first modern GPS satellites roamed above the earth, but most of us were looking down at another tech wonder that year: the Gameboy. The popular device paved the way for today's mobile lifestyle. Another little invention called the world wide web debuted in 1989 too. Filmmaker Kevin Smith and a host of tech insiders take you on a journey through space and time.

World In Revolution

National Geographic's 6-part series debuts with a dramatic look at a year of revolution around the world. From the brave protests of Tiananmen Square to the fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989 transformed global politics in profound ways that still resonate today. Former Secretary of State James Baker and award-winning journalists provide their stunning, eyewitness accounts from this monumental year in history.