Smithsonian HD Network

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.

17:00–18:00

How Did They Build That?

Now

18:00–19:00

How Did They Fix That?

37m left

19:00–20:00

How Did They Fix That?

Schedule

26 Oct Yesterday Today Tomorrow 30 Oct

15:00 - 16:00

How Did They Build That?

Canyons & Curves

Series, How-to

Engineers grapple with an apartment building, ripped apart by a man-made canyon; the Gateway Arch takes shape in St. Louis; an unpromising plot in Copenhagen, Denmark, is transformed by a gleaming new triangular office.

16:00 - 17:00

How Did They Build That?

Space Stations and Super

Series, How-to

Celebrating one of humanities biggest engineering achievements, the International Space Station, a meteor proof lab bigger than a football field, constructed by astronauts traveling 250 miles above us at 17,500 miles an hour.

17:00 - 18:00

How Did They Build That?

Floating Parks & Upcycled Towers

Series, How-to

On inadequate foundations, San Francisco's MoMA triples in size creating an exterior light enough to prevent collapse; a 1970s Sydney skyscraper is recycled into a 21st century tower; in Dallas, a five-acre park is created.

LIVE 18:00 - 19:00

How Did They Fix That?

Super Stallion Helicopter

Series, Documentary

Mike joins the U.S. Marines' Heavy Haulers helicopter squadron and gets inside their battle to keep a fleet of souped-up Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion choppers flying as they prepare for intense war games in the desert and mountains.

19:00 - 20:00

How Did They Fix That?

Panama Canal Railway

Series, Documentary

A ride on the Panama Canal Railway reveals the track repairs, engine overhauls and dangerous searches involved in keeping vital freight runs rolling.

20:00 - 21:00

How Did They Fix That?

Heli-Logger

Series, Documentary

A crew and its massive air crane helicopter haul millions of pounds of timber while battling the elements and handling emergency repairs.

21:00 - 22:00

How Did They Fix That?

Volcano Power

Series, Documentary

Mike is in Iceland, where teams harness the power of volcanos to keep the geothermal energy flowing; they battle harsh weather to maintain and upgrade giant power systems, fixing miles of steam pipes, and bringing a dead well back to life.

22:00 - 23:00

How Did They Fix That?

Water Work

Series, Documentary

In Florida, Mike tackles one of the dangerous jobs on the planet, commercial diving; he helps a specialized team keep waterways safe; fixing construction site leaks and removing dangerous structures, all while hurricane season is in full swing.

23:00 - 00:00

How Did They Fix That?

Sky Rides

Series, Documentary

In the Alps of Switzerland, Mike helps an elite team install a new cable (rope) system on an iconic mountain gondola line, helps fix the world's steepest cogwheel railway track and explores mountaintop family farms only accessible.

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