The Katrina documentary genre is witnessing a significant resurgence in August 2025, marking two decades since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. This milestone has inspired multiple powerful documentary releases that capture the impact, the human stories, and the ongoing recovery efforts from that catastrophic event.
One of the most anticipated releases is Katrina: Come Hell and High Water, a three-part Netflix documentary series executive-produced by Spike Lee, who famously directed a groundbreaking Katrina documentary in 2006. This new series, helmed by showrunner Alisa Payne with directors Geeta Gandbhir, Samantha Knowles, and Spike Lee himself, delves deep into the government’s failure to protect New Orleans and the resilience of its people over the past 20 years. It offers fresh insights by revisiting survivors, first responders, and community leaders to examine how the city has evolved and what the future holds for this culturally rich and historically significant place.
Simultaneously, National Geographic premiered a five-part docuseries titled Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time on July 27, 2025. Directed by Oscar-nominated Traci A. Curry and executive produced by acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler, the series chronicles Katrina through the eyes of those who lived it. Combining candid testimonials with archival footage, the show exposes critical moments of the disaster and its wide-ranging aftermath—the societal, political, and personal fallout that still reverberates today. The docuseries is compelling for its raw, moment-by-moment portrayal and the centering of survivors’ voices. It highlights heroic rescue efforts, the chaos following the levee failures, and the challenges residents faced returning and rebuilding their lives years later.
Adding to the conversation, Hope In High Water, produced by journalist Trymaine Lee, premieres later this month on Peacock. This documentary revisits both New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, focusing on grassroots recovery efforts and systemic failures that predated Katrina. It shines a spotlight on issues like education, health, environmental sustainability, and community activism—showcasing those who remained and continue to push for meaningful change. The film presents a poignant meditation on recovery, hope, and the ongoing journey toward rebuilding a devastated region.
In addition, ABC News Studios is airing a special titled Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm with Robin Roberts on August 29, 2025. This program offers a personal and in-depth look at the region’s revival through Roberts’ reporting, highlighting cultural resurgence in New Orleans, including its jazz heritage, and visiting affected communities with interviews from local leaders and artists.
For audiences eager to reflect visually, The Weather Channel launched KATRINA 20 on August 24, providing another poignant documentary perspective on the storm’s scale and devastation. In parallel, a noteworthy photography collection by St. Louis photographer Stan Strembicki will appear in the Netflix documentary, further strengthening the visual storytelling element around Hurricane Katrina’s legacy.
Here is a snapshot of the major Katrina documentaries released or premiering in August 2025:
| Documentary Title | Platform | Release Date | Focus Area | Key Contributors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katrina: Come Hell and High Water | Netflix | August 2025 | New Orleans’ story; government neglect; resilience | Spike Lee (exec. producer/director), Alisa Payne (showrunner) |
| Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time | National Geographic | July 27, 2025 | Survivor perspectives; disaster timeline | Traci A. Curry (director), Ryan Coogler (exec. producer) |
| Hope In High Water | Peacock | August 22, 2025 | Recovery efforts; community activism | Trymaine Lee (producer) |
| Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After… | ABC | August 29, 2025 | Cultural revival; 20-year look back | Robin Roberts (host/reporter) |
| KATRINA 20 | The Weather Channel | August 24, 2025 | Comprehensive reflection on Katrina | Various producers |
These documentaries collectively deepen our understanding of Hurricane Katrina—not just as a natural disaster but as a lasting social and political reckoning. They reveal stories of heroism, failure, hope, and determination that define the ongoing narrative of New Orleans and its people.
As 20 years have passed, these films underscore the importance of remembering Katrina’s lessons to better prepare for future disasters. They are essential viewing for anyone seeking to grasp the full impact of Katrina beyond headlines—prompting reflection on resilience, justice, and recovery.
We invite you to watch these compelling documentaries and share your thoughts on how Hurricane Katrina’s legacy continues to shape communities today. Stay engaged for more stories that honor resilience and inspire hope.