Smithsonian HD Network

United States United States

Smithsonian HD Network presents documentary and factual programming drawn from the institution’s archives and research. The channel focuses on American history, natural sciences, space exploration, and cultural heritage, often featuring archival footage and expert commentary. Programs cover topics such as military technology, paleontology, aviation, and the lives of U.S. presidents. The network’s content is produced in high definition and avoids commercial interruptions during many of its documentary blocks. It is available through cable and satellite providers across the United States.

Viewers can access the channel’s schedule through their local TV guide or the network’s website, which lists upcoming programs by date and time. Some episodes are also available for streaming on demand through participating cable platforms. The network does not air movies, music videos, or live sports. Its programming is designed for an audience interested in educational content and institutional storytelling, without reliance on reality series or shopping segments.

Schedule
Air Disasters
00:00 - 01:00
Air Disasters
Fire on Board
Series, Documentary, Aviation
A Swissair passenger jet catches fire midflight and crashes into the Atlantic, leading to one of the largest investigations in aviation history.
Air Disasters
01:00 - 02:00
Air Disasters
Kathmandu Descent
Series, Documentary, Aviation
A challenging descent in the Himalayas turns tragic when the pilots miscalculate their approach to a Kathmandu airport.
Air Disasters
02:00 - 03:00
Air Disasters
Second Thoughts
Series, Documentary, Aviation, History
The turboprop plane begins its descent in thick fog, but things go wrong; Luxair Flight 9642 crashes a few kilometers from the runway; investigators discover that there was nothing abnormal about the two engines.
Air Disasters
03:00 - 04:00
Air Disasters
Dangerous Winds
Series, Documentary, Aviation
Three planes fall prey to deadly winds, and it is up to investigators to find out why.
Air Disasters
04:00 - 05:00
Air Disasters
The Heathrow Enigma
Series, Documentary, Aviation
A British Airways Flight's engines failure to respond cause the plane to crash-land just short of the runway.
Air Disasters
05:00 - 06:00
Air Disasters
Stormy Cockpit
Series, Documentary, Aviation
Pilots leaving Cameroon steer their plane clear of a storm, but the aircraft begins rolling to the right, and they are unable to regain control.
Air Disasters
06:00 - 07:00
Air Disasters
Risky Runways
Series, Documentary, Aviation
In São Paulo, the Himalayas, and on the Norwegian coast, the toughest landings on earth pushed three flight crews.