Top 2021 TV Documentaries, a list by Tonka

9.0

/3391/

85

/305/

87

/71/

4.2

/946/

100

/7/

100

age 11+

A unique fusion of blue chip natural history and earth science that explains how our living planet operates. This five-part series shows how the forces of nature drive, shape and support Earth’s great diversity of wildlife.

87

9.0

/82933/

84

/3633/

85

/363/

97

/29/

97

70

/17/

age 14+

Follow Jeremy Clarkson as he embarks on his latest adventure, farming. The man who on several occasions claims to be allergic to manual labour takes on the most manually labour intensive job there is. What could possibly go wrong?

87

84

9.2

/5528/

85

/314/

83

/63/

4.3

/4893/

91

/4/

In official collaboration with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, this documentary series takes viewers through harrowing moments of the historic morning of September 11, 2001.

87

80

8.7

/3905/

80

/188/

84

/42/

4.2

/4368/

97

/33/

92

85

/14/

age 14+

Paul McCartney sits down for a rare in-depth one-on-one with legendary producer Rick Rubin to discuss his ground breaking work with The Beatles, the emblematic 70s arena rock of Wings and his 50 years and counting as a solo artist.

84

79

8.3

/3806/

76

/237/

74

/76/

100

/9/

86

90

/7/

age 13+

Hit the hardwood in East Los Angeles as a coach with strong convictions leads young men who hope to fulfill major college potential.

78

7.9

/12987/

74

/719/

72

/124/

3.9

/6951/

83

/6/

86

74

/6/

age 14+

Modern history can be divided into two time frames: before 9/11 and after 9/11. This five-part docuseries is a cohesive chronicle of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S., offering illuminating perspectives and personal stories of how the catastrophic events of that day changed the course of the nation.

78

7.4

/12353/

72

/713/

74

/232/

3.5

/5299/

100

/5/

74

age 15+

The documentary series explores different political figures throughout history.

78

77

8.0

/9060/

73

/334/

73

/72/

4.0

/24889/

91

/35/

78

77

/12/

age 14+

Wander the New York City streets and fascinating mind of wry writer, humorist and raconteur Fran Lebowitz as she sits down with Martin Scorsese.

75

7.4

/5726/

72

/467/

71

/296/

3.6

/1377/

100

/6/

59

age 16+

Dynamic reenactments and expert commentaries bring to life the tumultuous history and power struggles of a warring 16th-century feudal Japan.

76

73

8.2

/4392/

77

/353/

76

/72/

4.0

/2727/

70

/4/

Exploring the vital role colour plays in the daily lives of many species.

78

72

8.1

/4855/

76

/209/

78

/41/

3.9

/3343/

84

/7/

3.0

A searing indictment of Big Pharma and the political operatives and government regulations that enable over-production, reckless distribution and abuse of synthetic opiates.

72

7.5

/33387/

72

/1532/

74

/346/

3.6

/35903/

71

/35/

83

70

/15/

2.5

age 16+

Beneath the sunlit glamour of 1985 L.A. lurks a relentlessly evil serial killer. In this true-crime story, two detectives won't rest until they catch him.

78

72

7.7

/3442/

74

/227/

76

/422/

100

/9/

82

63

/6/

age 9+

Will Smith whose curiosity and wonder is positively infectious—is guided by National Geographic Explorers traveling to different corners of the world to get up close and personal with the weirdest, most unusual, dangerous and thrilling spectacles of the planet.

71

6.5

/6135/

65

/407/

67

/102/

3.2

/4318/

100

/5/

62

age 15+

In 1970s NYC, the “Torso Killer” preys on women to fulfill his grotesque fantasies while eluding police. A docuseries dive into crime’s darkest places.

85

71

8.4

/3164/

74

/135/

75

/22/

100

/8/

97

82

/6/

age 14+

A celebration of Scottish history and culture, with Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish discovering the heritage of their native country, meeting local artisans and experts and experiencing genuine moments of awe and fascination as they share their travels with the audience.

70

7.2

/6217/

72

/604/

66

/59/

age 16+

The investigators behind infamous serial killer cases reveal the harrowing, chilling details of their extraordinary efforts in this true crime series.

72

70

7.5

/6899/

73

/324/

70

/45/

3.8

/6381/

57

/23/

92

65

/13/

age 16+

A three-year investigation chronicles the evolution of “Q” in real time, with access to key players, along with an examination of how the anonymous character uses conspiracy theories and information warfare to influence politics.

78

70

7.5

/3296/

72

/121/

74

/38/

4.0

/3092/

85

/27/

62

83

/13/

4.0

age 16+

Hybrid docuseries offering an expansive exploration of the exploitative and genocidal aspects of European colonialism, from America to Africa, and its impact on society today.

73

70

6.6

/3766/

66

/355/

73

/69/

3.3

/391/

100

/5/

61

age 16+

The real-life pirates of the Caribbean violently plunder the world's riches and form a surprisingly egalitarian republic in this documentary series.

70

7.0

/7804/

67

/533/

69

/81/

3.4

/6578/

89

/19/

77

73

/10/

2.0

age 14+

High-stakes exploits turn deadly — and shake a global church to its core — in this extraordinary true crime story.

78

68

7.4

/4464/

68

/149/

65

/23/

3.4

/4604/

100

/25/

89

76

/8/

age 13+

A four-part docuseries that chronicles the unraveling of LuLaRoe, the billion dollar clothing empire accused of misleading thousands of women with their multi-level marketing platform.

70

68

6.8

/6592/

66

/356/

63

/44/

3.3

/4042/

86

/14/

64

74

/5/

age 14+

A shocking murder in rural Ireland sets off an increasingly convoluted quest for justice that spans decades and cuts across national borders.

72

68

6.7

/8202/

66

/238/

64

/45/

3.7

/8602/

82

/56/

63

75

/29/

3.5

age 16+

The story of one Hollywood's most notorious and public scandals: the accusation of sexual abuse against Woody Allen involving Dylan, his then 7-year-old daughter with Mia Farrow; their subsequent custody trial, the revelation of Allen’s relationship with Farrow’s daughter, Soon-Yi; and the controversial aftermath in the years that followed.

68

6.5

/5491/

67

/718/

73

/684/

age 14+

Revisit the epic heroes, villains and moments from across the MCU in preparation for the stories still to come. Each dynamic segment feeds directly into the upcoming series — setting the stage for future events. This series weaves together the many threads that constitute the unparalleled Marvel Cinematic Universe.

73

67

7.8

/3268/

72

/355/

71

/215/

Go behind the scenes of the shows and movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, following the filmmakers, cast and crew, and Marvel heroes every step of the way.

78

66

7.3

/2985/

70

/221/

68

/25/

100

/6/

81

age 15+

True crime and sports come together in this docuseries. Global controversies and scandals are explored through reports from those involved.

80

66

7.9

/1672/

68

/104/

71

/169/

3.7

/830/

100

/11/

86

79

/9/

age 16+

Will Smith hosts this look at the evolving, often lethal, fight for equal rights in America through the lens of the US Constitution's 14th Amendment.

66

6.0

/21359/

63

/1355/

69

/366/

2.8

/27458/

100

/5/

62

51

/10/

2.5

The notorious Cecil Hotel grows in infamy when guest Elisa Lam vanishes. A dive into crime's darkest places.

73

66

7.8

/5287/

73

/188/

62

/30/

3.7

/7410/

74

/27/

84

72

/16/

age 12+

A revealing look at the rise, fall, and epic comeback of global icon Tiger Woods. The series paints an intimate picture of the prodigy whose dedication and obsession with the game of golf not only took his fame and success to new heights, but also down a dark, spiraling road that eventually led to a legendary sports comeback, culminated by his victory at the 2019 Masters.

65

7.0

/11335/

67

/608/

69

/129/

3.2

/8549/

60

/20/

70

58

/6/

age 16+

The Son of Sam case grew into a lifelong obsession for journalist Maury Terry, who became convinced that the murders were linked to a Satanic cult.

66

65

6.5

/5099/

65

/355/

66

/53/

3.2

/4761/

83

/18/

66

70

/13/

2.0

age 16+

In 1990, two men dressed as cops con their way into a Boston museum and steal a fortune in art. Take a deep dive into this daring and notorious crime.

78

64

7.3

/2569/

67

/145/

67

/23/

3.5

/1692/

100

/7/

84

78

/5/

age 14+

The chilling story of one of the world’s most notorious serial killers told through the words of Gacy himself, those who were forever changed by his unspeakable deeds and those who believe that the full truth remains concealed to this day.

84

64

8.1

/1849/

74

/59/

73

/13/

4.0

/2062/

93

/30/

83

85

/14/

4.0

The visionary work and the turbulent life of Ernest Hemingway, one of the greatest and most influential writers America has ever produced. Interweaving his eventful biography with carefully selected excerpts from his iconic short stories, novels, and non-fiction, the series reveals the brilliant, ambitious, charismatic, and complicated man behind the myth, and the art he created.

66

63

6.3

/5317/

67

/335/

69

/76/

3.1

/3581/

In the late 1970s, an accused serial rapist claims multiple personalities control his behavior, setting off a legal odyssey that captivates America.

71

63

7.0

/3092/

72

/308/

72

/84/

3.5

/1057/

age 13+

We spend it, we borrow it, and save it. Now let's talk about money and its many minefields, from credit cards to casino, scammers to student loans.

63

6.4

/5780/

66

/640/

65

/87/

3.1

/1239/

69

/29/

54

62

/14/

age 14+

This proudly profane series explores the history and impact of some of the most notorious bad words in the English language.

78

62

8.2

/3202/

77

/193/

76

/41/

3.7

/443/

Gripping historical footage and expert commentary give detailed insights into the leading figures and decisive turning points of World War II.

78

62

7.6

/2056/

72

/114/

76

/27/

3.8

/1543/

100

/32/

62

83

/8/

age 14+

In a tumultuous era, 1971 was a year of musical innovation and rebirth fueled by the political and cultural upheaval of the time. Stars reached new heights, fresh talent exploded onto the scene, and boundaries expanded like never before.

75

62

8.6

/3842/

Trakt

79

/181/

72

/16/

78

/9/

69

71

/9/

Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country’s regional cuisines.

83

61

8.4

/1199/

81

/117/

78

/25/

4.1

/1296/

91

/11/

75

89

/4/

age 8+

Sigourney Weaver guides viewers on a journey to the heart of whale culture to experience the extraordinary communication skills and intricate social structures of five different whale species. With the help of new science and technology, viewers witness whales making lifelong friendships, teaching clan heritage and traditions to their young and grieving deeply for the loss of loved ones.

70

58

6.3

/1795/

60

/109/

75

/60/

3.2

/2346/

93

/40/

54

76

/10/

age 16+

Investigative journalist David Holthouse attempts to solve a bizarre twenty-five year old triple homicide that was said to be the work of a mythical creature.

73

58

7.0

/4260/

65

/137/

67

/17/

3.3

/3790/

80

/10/

84

age 15+

Explore how the late Gwen Shamblin Lara, who founded the controversial Remnant Fellowship Church and created the Christian weight loss program The Weigh Down Workshop, rose to fame as a diet guru and church leader.

70

58

7.1

/3528/

69

/245/

66

/25/

3.5

/1093/

3.0

Two childhood friends go from high school dropouts to the most powerful drug kingpins in Miami in this true story of a crime sage that spanned decades.

76

58

7.7

/1401/

73

/133/

71

/23/

75

/8/

93

72

/4/

age 8+

Learn how popular Disney attractions and destinations came to be, how they have changed over time, and how fans continue to obsess over them.

79

58

7.7

/1936/

74

/82/

67

/15/

3.5

/3844/

85

/34/

99

73

/9/

age 14+

Demi Lovato holds nothing back in this powerful four part documentary series exploring every aspect that led to their nearly fatal overdose in 2018, and their awakenings in the aftermath. Director Michael D. Ratner is granted unprecedented access to the superstar’s personal and musical journey during the most trying time of their life as they unearth their prior traumas and discovers the importance of their physical, emotional, and mental health. Far deeper than an inside look beyond the celebrity surface, this is an intimate portrait of addiction, and the process of healing and empowerment.

74

58

6.9

/1540/

65

/97/

67

/20/

3.6

/1284/

100

/25/

55

76

/11/

3.5

age 14+

This documentary series explores an audacious 1970s auto scam centered around mysterious transgender entrepreneur Elizabeth Carmichael, who rose to prominence when she released the Dale, a fuel-efficient three-wheeled vehicle during the 1970s gas crisis.

66

57

6.7

/2668/

65

/332/

68

/101/

age 15+

The spy game is a serious business, and throughout history, the tools and technologies developed for it have mattered as much as the spies themselves.

73

56

6.8

/1425/

65

/115/

64

/41/

3.3

/278/

100

/8/