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
Aerial America
00:00 - 01:00
Aerial America
Wyoming
Series, Documentary, Nature
An aerial exploration of Wyoming reveals the Cowboy State's controversial history while highlighting its breathtaking canyons and volcanic formations.
Yellowstone Supervolcano
01:00 - 02:00
Yellowstone Supervolcano
Special, Science, Documentary
A supervolcano brewing beneath Yellowstone National Park could be the worst natural disaster in history.
Volcanoes: Dual Destruction
02:00 - 03:00
Volcanoes: Dual Destruction
Special, Documentary, Nature
The eruption of Guatemala's Fuego volcano kills hundreds as a pyroclastic flow roars down its slopes; the eruption of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is a slow-motion disaster, starting with small earthquakes before bursting into residential neighborhoods.
Make It Out Alive
03:00 - 04:00
Make It Out Alive
Oklahoma Tornado
Series, Weather
On the evening of May 3, 1999, the residents of Oklahoma City were hit with a devastating tornado.
Ten Steps to Disaster
04:00 - 05:00
Ten Steps to Disaster
Mount St. Helens
Series, Documentary
On May 18, 1980, Washington state's Mount St. Helens erupts; revisiting the destructive volcanic event and revealing ten failures that escalated the catastrophe, including ignored warnings, inadequate safety zones and poor rescue planning.
Disasters at Sea
05:00 - 06:00
Disasters at Sea
Storm Watch
Series, History, Docudrama, Documentary
Bound from Jacksonville, Fla., to San Juan, Puerto Rico, crew members on the SS El Faro container ship find themselves just 20 miles from the eye of a hurricane; after the ship goes missing, investigators ask why the crew took such a deadly course.
Air Disasters
06:00 - 07:00
Air Disasters
Fight to the Death
Series, Documentary, Aviation
On 18 June 1972, British European Airways Flight 548 stalls and crashes in a field near Staines shortly after takeoff from London Heathrow Airport, killing all 118 people on board.