Best Singaporean documentary series

WWII: China's Forgotten War (2015)

When Germany began Europe's WWII by invading Poland in 1939, China had already been fighting Imperial Japan for two years. This brutal war would cost 14 million Chinese lives while inflicting vast suffering. China's resistance was crucial to the outcome of the Pacific War, later won by the US and its allies. This film is an emotional, eye-opening journey that re-writes history as we know it.

Magic of Science 2 (2014)

Magicians Wayne Houchin, Ben Hanlin and Billy Kidd return – with new-comer Nate Staniforth – a for another season of jaw-dropping illusions. Based entirely on scientific theories and empirical principals, their mesmerizing stunts prove that it’s not just what you do, it’s how you do it.From levitating fast food to mindreading to a death-defying water escape, the magicians perform a range of street magic across cities such as London, New York and Warsaw. Tune in and be awed by these mind-blowing tricks, and discover the secrets – and science – behind the illusions.

Breakout (2010)

After losing her family in a suspicious car crash, a woman awakens from a 13-year coma determined to expose the truth about the long-ago tragedy.

Medianoche en Asia: Comer · Bailar · Soñar (2022)

Night brings out the most playful side of Asia's metropolises. This docuseries captures the food, drink, music — and night owls who shine in the dark.

Portrait Artist of the Year (2013)

Artists from the UK and Ireland compete by creating portraits of famous people.

Aerial Asia (2017)

A rare glimpse of Asia’s most treasured landmarks, all seen from breath-taking heights. From busy cityscapes to natural wonders, this four-part series shot in stunning 4K captures the history and culture of this extraordinary continent and reveals a spectacular view of Asia that has never been seen before.

In Search of The Frog Boys (2019)

This documentary looks into unanswered questions surrounding the mysterious disappearance of five boys whose remains were found 11 years later.

Trash Trail (2017)

What happens to all the waste we discard? Not everything lands up in the incinerator. Stuff like our mobile phones, refrigerators, e-waste or clothes? We imagine them being reused or recycled. But that's one side of the story. Presenter Jason Godfrey is on a mission to find out where our trash goes.

Futuropolis: Mapping the City of Tomorrow (2018)

Discover how Singapore's architects and futurists plan to radically transform the city in response to the daunting challenges it faces.

Bear Grylls Specials (2012)

Bear Grylls, the world’s most iconic survival expert is back on Discovery Channel this December with a three-part "BEAR GRYLLS SPECIAL" where he demonstrates more life-saving skills in some of the toughest environments on earth.

Gangland Killers (2014)

Gangland Killers is a thrilling series that looks at animal survival in Africa as a battle for turf and sex by the planets original gangs. They live by a code embedded in their DNA. The gang warfare between lions and Cape buffaloes for example, is violent and deadly. So is the world of hyenas, where the struggle for supremacy triggers some of the most vicious and lethal battles in the animal world. When tens of thousands of hippos start fighting for diminishing water and females, the battles can go on for hours. In the same vein, this series explores the world of elephants in conflict, African wild dogs clubbing together to drive out a rival gang, and the extraordinary world and fellowship of a family of banded mongoose. Gangland Killers is about defending borders, loyalty, revenge and survival. Setting the tone and style of this series are hard-edged urban cues with graffiti-inspired signpost transitions, territorial maps and attack strategies.

The Mark Of Empire (2020)

Singaporean curator and scholar Peter Lee explores the history of four Southeast Asian empires that made their mark on the world. Travelling from Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia to Indonesia, Peter explores ancient ruins, epic legends and vibrant traditions to chart the rise and fall of four distinct empires, and how their legacy still shapes cultures and identities in the region today.

Changing Ocean Asia (2020)

Across south-east Asia there are mega cities sinking fast. The race is on to predict how fast cities will sink.

Lift The Ice (2023)

Understanding Space Travel (1997)

Since the early 1960's, when the possibility of human space travel became reality, kids and adventurers of all ages have dreamed of going into space themselves. But there is no environment more alien to the human body than the emptiness of space, where temperatures can fluctuate five hundred degrees. In this void, without the protection of a spaceship or a spacesuit, our blood would actually boil. It takes the most sophisticated machines ever built to get into space, and the effects of long-term space travel on the human body are still being studied. So why do so many people want to go? One of most important reasons for exploring space is to see if we're alone in the universe - whether there are other life-forms out there. It's hard to think of a more important question from the point of view of philosophy, religion, or sheer curiosity. In the meantime, the space age is in its infancy, and each generation will push it to the limit. There are no final frontiers.

The Negotiators (2019)

A deep dive into one of the world’s most high-pressure professions: hostage negotiation. With exclusive access to the expert negotiators involved, we go behind the scenes of some of the world's most dangerous hostage situations, and reconstruct how the negotiations played out.

Chernobyl: Life in the Dead Zone (2008)

In 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power lost control of one of its four reactors resulting chain reaction that created a series of explosions. 'Chernobyl: Life in the Dead Zone' explores how nature and animals would react and survive if the world was suddenly without humans. This fascinating programme takes place at the site of the world's worst nuclear accident - hastily abandoned by panic-stricken humans. In houses where people once lived and laughed, wildlife is making itself at home. Watch as the wild animals face challenges in an environment totally outside their comfort zone, while once-domestic species must rediscover their wild natures within.

Green Paradise (0)

From Indonesia to the Dominican Republic, explore the most beautiful natural paradises in the world, preserved thanks to the dedication of local populations. GREEN PARADISE tells us the story of devoted inhabitants who manage to benefit from sustainable tourism while conserving their traditional way of life.

Weird Food Diaries (2018)

Inside the Cryptokingdom (2018)

The current hype about bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as millions are made and lost make for great headlines, but misses the far more interesting story about the technology that allows them to exist, namely, blockchain. This series dives into the cryptokingdom to understand the technology and why we should all care about how it develops. Just as it's difficult to do anything without the internet today, in 10 years, we might very well be saying the same thing about blockchain.

Coastal Dawns (2008)

Two stunning sunrises recorded in Maine’s Penobscot Bay and Maui, Hawaii, taking in spectacular views from Mt. Battie, overlooking the coastal village of Camden, Maine, and white-capped waves crashing on black sand beaches as lush green vegetation sways in the ocean breeze. Gorgeous images from the award-winning videographer David Conover, who pioneered the "Experiential HDTV" approach to conveying nature on-screen, where viewers are allowed to witness natural scenes at a natural pace.

Days of Disaster (2015)

This five-part documentary examines catastrophic events throughout Singapore's history, from explosions, fires and floods to a traumatic plane hijacking.

Age Of Innovation (2017)

Age of Innovation explores incredible innovations that have shaped Singapore. Digitally remastered and coloured archive brings this metropolis to life. From electricity to communications, construction to connectivity, travel by land air and sea, we follow a nation hundreds of years in the making.