Most Popular Documentary TV Series/TV Mini-Series
1. Planet Earth II (2016– )
TV-G | 360 min | Documentary
David Attenborough returns in this breathtaking documentary showcasing life on Planet Earth.
Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 32,318
2. The Keepers (II) (2017)
432 min | Documentary, Crime
A seven-part docuseries about the unsolved murder of a nun and the horrific secrets and pain that linger nearly five decades after her death.
Stars: Gemma Hoskins, Tom Nugent, Abbie Schaub, Jean Hargadon Wehner
Votes: 4,931
3. Making a Murderer (2015– )
TV-14 | 60 min | Documentary, Crime
Filmed over a 10-year period, Steven Avery, a DNA exoneree who, while in the midst of exposing corruption in local law enforcement, finds himself the prime suspect in a grisly new crime. ... See full summary »
Stars: Dolores Avery, Steven Avery, Ken Kratz, Brendan Dassey
Votes: 55,407
4. The Defiant Ones (2017)
Documentary, Biography, Crime
"The Defiant Ones" examines the partnership between Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre - one the son of a Brooklyn longshoreman, the other straight out of Compton - and their leading roles in a chain of transformative events in contemporary culture.
Stars: Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Jimmy Iovine, Mark Anthony Petrucelli
Votes: 832
5. Hot Girls Wanted: Turned On (2017– )
TV-MA | 46 min | Documentary
Porn has gone mainstream; the question is, can we handle it? This exploration of the intersection of sex and technology is told through the stories of the people whose lives are defined by ... See full summary »
Stars: James Rhine, Lena Anderson, James Bartholet, Lily Cade
Votes: 692
6. Inside Look: The People v. O.J. Simpson, American Crime Story (2016–2017)
Documentary
The story of the 1994-1995 trial of former NFL superstar running back Orenthal James "OJ" Simpson for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown and her friend, Ronald Lyle Goldman.
Stars: Aaron Michael Miller, Sarah Paulson, Sterling K. Brown, Kenneth Choi
Votes: 3,473
7. Deadliest Catch (2005– )
TV-PG | 55 min | Documentary, Adventure, Reality-TV
A documentary series chronicling the real-life high-sea adventures of the Alaskan crab fishermen. This is the most deadly profession in the world.
Stars: Mike Rowe, Sig Hansen, Edgar Hansen, Keith Colburn
Votes: 6,515
8. Planet Earth (2006)
TV-G | 533 min | Documentary
Emmy Award-winning, 11 episodes, 5 years in the making, the most expensive nature documentary series ever commissioned by the BBC, and the first to be filmed in high definition.
Stars: David Attenborough, Sigourney Weaver, Huw Cordey, Doug Allen
Votes: 120,240
9. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014)
TV-PG | 557 min | Documentary
A documentary series that explores how we discovered the laws of nature and found our coordinates in space and time.
Stars: Neil deGrasse Tyson, Stoney Emshwiller, Piotr Michael, André Sogliuzzo
Votes: 73,351
10. The Putin Interviews (2017– )
TV-PG | 58 min | Documentary, Biography
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone interviews the Russian president Vladimir Putin about divisive issues related to the US-Russia relations.
Stars: Oliver Stone, Vladimir Putin, Sergei Chudinov, George Bush
Votes: 1,616
11. MythBusters (2003– )
TV-PG | 44 min | Documentary, Mystery, Reality-TV
A weekly documentary in which two Hollywood special effects experts attempt to debunk urban legends by directly testing them.
Stars: Jamie Hyneman, Adam Savage, Robert Lee, Kari Byron
Votes: 47,153
12. The World at War (1973–2001)
TV-PG | 52 min | Documentary, History, War
A series of documentaries about World War II.
Stars: Laurence Olivier, Anthony Eden, Averell Harriman, Albert Speer
Votes: 13,984
13. 30 for 30 (2009–2017)
60 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
ESPN Films' 30 for 30 is an unprecedented documentary series featuring today's finest storytellers from inside and outside of the sports world. What started as a celebration of ESPN's 30th ... See full summary »
Stars: Ice Cube, Chuck D., Brent Musburger, Patrick Ewing
Votes: 3,159
14. Roman Empire: Reign of Blood (2016– )
48 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
Chronicles the reign of Commodus, the emperor whose rule marked the beginning of Rome's fall
Stars: Sean Bean, Aaron Irvin, Aaron Jakubenko, Edwin Wright
Votes: 1,162
15. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary
Anthony Bourdain visits country's and delves into political issues as well as indigenous food and culture.
Stars: Anthony Bourdain, David Holloway, Eric Ripert, Tom Vitale
Votes: 2,338
16. Life Below Zero (2013– )
44 min | Documentary, Adventure, Reality-TV
The everyday struggles of living in the secluded state of Alaska where one wrong decision could cost you your life.
Stars: Sue Aikens, James Franzo, Agnes Hailstone, Chip Hailstone
Votes: 794
17. Embarrassing Bodies (2008– )
47 min | Documentary
People with different "embarrassing" health problems, are featured in this documentary-style show. The doctors try the best treatments for each patient. It also include educational material.
Stars: Ashley Jensen, Dawn Harper, Christian Jessen, Pixie McKenna
Votes: 211
18. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015– )
TV-14 | 279 min | Documentary
Filmmaker Andrew Jarecki examines the complicated life of reclusive real estate icon, Robert Durst, the key suspect in a series of unsolved crimes.
Stars: Robert Durst, Andrew Jarecki, Gary Napoli, Debra Kay Anderson
Votes: 24,943
19. Little People, Big World (2006– )
TV-G | 60 min | Documentary, Reality-TV
In the most in-depth television documentation of the lives of Little People, the series follows the Roloffs - an extraordinary family composed of both little and average-sized people. Over ... See full summary »
Stars: Matthew Roloff, Amy Roloff, Jeremy Roloff, Molly Roloff
Votes: 2,033
20. Forensic Files (1996– )
30 min | Documentary, Crime
A series featuring detailed accounts on how notable crimes and diseases were solved through forensic science.
Stars: Peter Thomas, Skip Palenik, Tom Bevel, Lowell Levine
Votes: 2,449
21. Chef's Table (2015– )
TV-MA | 50 min | Documentary
Chef's Table goes inside the lives and kitchens of six of the world's most renowned international chefs. Each episode focuses on a single chef and their unique look at their lives, talents and passion from their piece of culinary heaven.
Stars: Dan Barber, Massimo Bottura, Bill Buford, Lara Gilmore
Votes: 6,026
22. Vice (2013– )
TV-MA | 30 min | Documentary, News
Documentary series featuring startling, groundbreaking stories from around the world.
Stars: Shane Smith, Thomas Morton, Gianna Toboni, Ben Anderson
Votes: 3,489
23. Superhuman (2016– )
8 min | Documentary
Superhuman: From prosthetic limbs and exoskeleton suits to implants that allow the blind to see and the deaf to hear to bionic organs that are giving people a new lease on life; amazing ... See full summary »
Stars: Johnny Matheny, Joel Murphy, Conor Russomanno
24. Alone (2015– )
44 min | Documentary, Reality-TV
Ten survival "experts" attempt to survive alone. The winner receives $500,000.
Stars: Megan Hanecek, Zachary Fowler, Dave Nessia, Callie North
Votes: 1,395
25. American Pickers (2010– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary, Reality-TV
Mike and Frank are pickers that travel the country and literally would go anywhere just for the prospects of finding antique gold. With the assistance of Danielle they often find themselves in a comedic pickle.
Stars: Frank Fritz, Mike Wolfe, Danielle Colby-Cushman, Robbie Wolfe
Votes: 5,434
26. Last Chance U (2016– )
55 min | Documentary, Sport
"Last Chance U" follows a group of young men training to become the future stars of the NFL. Based at East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), "Last Chance U" takes us on a journey to ... See full summary »
Stars: Ron Ollie, John Iii Franklin, Brittany Wagner, Buddy Stephens
Votes: 2,465
27. The Civil War (1990– )
TV-14 | 680 min | Documentary, History, War
A comprehensive survey of the American Civil War.
Stars: David McCullough, Sam Waterston, Julie Harris, Jason Robards
Votes: 7,532
28. American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story (2017– )
TV-MA | 42 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
The Amazon Original Series draws from unprecedented access to more than 17,000 hours of footage and over 2,600 scrapbooks from Hefner's personal archives, chronicling the life of an American icon and the history of the brand he created.
Stars: Matt Whelan, Emmett Skilton, Adam Jonas Segaller, Chelsie Preston Crayford
Votes: 698
29. Life (2009– )
TV-G | 473 min | Documentary
David Attenborough's legendary BBC crew explains and shows wildlife all over planet earth in 10 episodes. The first is an overview the challenges facing life, the others are dedicated to ... See full summary »
Stars: David Attenborough, Oprah Winfrey, Doug Allen, Michael Pitts
Votes: 27,921
30. Teen Mom 2 (2011– )
60 min | Documentary, Reality-TV
Follows the cast of the second season of '16 and Pregnant', giving viewers an intimate look at the challenges Chelsea, Leah, Jenelle, and Kailyn face raising a child as a teenager.
Stars: Jenelle Evans, Kailyn Lowry, Chelsea Houska, Leah Messer-Calvert
Votes: 1,712
31. Ancient Aliens (2009– )
90 min | Documentary, History, Sci-Fi
Science and mythology - and how they are the same thing.
Stars: Robert Clotworthy, Giorgio Tsoukalos, David Childress, Jonathan Young
Votes: 6,791
32. All or Nothing: A Season with the Los Angeles Rams (2017– )
60 min | Documentary, Sport
The Los Angeles Rams search for a new identity in their old stomping grounds during one of the most challenging seasons in recent NFL history.
Stars: Rob Boras, Brandon Fisher, Jeff Fisher, Jared Goff
33. A Haunting (2005–2017)
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary, History, Horror
An American paranormal anthology previewing stories told by the victims. Victims tell their terrifing encounters with the paranormal. This show contains narrations, frightening reanactments, & religious content.
Stars: Anthony D. Call, Mark Joy, Lorraine Warren, Kera O'Bryon
Votes: 2,435
34. Through the Wormhole (2010– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary
Hosted by Morgan Freeman, Through the Wormhole will explore the deepest mysteries of existence - the questions that have puzzled mankind for eternity. What are we made of? What was there ... See full summary »
Stars: Morgan Freeman, Sean Carroll, Michio Kaku, Carlos Frenk
Votes: 13,859
35. Unsolved Mysteries (1987–2010)
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary, Crime, Drama
Combines dramatic re-enactments, interviews and updates, to tell stories of real mysteries, from human to the supernatural.
Stars: Robert Stack, Dennis Farina, Keely Shaye Brosnan, Christopher Chacon
Votes: 3,240
36. An Idiot Abroad (2010–2013)
TV-14 | 43 min | Documentary, Adventure, Comedy
Brit Karl Pilkington has led a sheltered life. Not having done any traveling, he enjoys living within the comforts of what he knows, basically that being what is purely British. As such, ... See full summary »
Stars: Karl Pilkington, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Luke Campbell
Votes: 25,343
37. Human Planet (2011– )
TV-PG | 50 min | Documentary
Like all life forms, humanity partially adapts to types of natural environment, yet also tends to change them. Each episode examines how life differs for men and nature in some type of ... See full summary »
Star: John Hurt
Votes: 15,929
38. The Stand Up's (2015– )
30 min | Documentary, Drama
'The Stand Ups' is a look the trials and tribulations of the modern comedy scene focusing on five stand up comedians at pivotal points in their careers with additional stories and input from a host of international comedy names.
Stars: Robbie Bonoham, Chris Kent, Niamh Marron, Alison Spittle
Votes: 5
39. Nathan for You (2013– )
TV-14 | 30 min | Documentary, Comedy
Nathan Fielder uses his business degree and life experiences to help real small businesses turn a profit. But because of his unorthodox approach, Nathan's genuine efforts to do good often draw real people into an experience far beyond what they signed up for.
Stars: Nathan Fielder, William Heath, Anthony Filosa, Brian S. Wolfe
Votes: 7,972
40. Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda (2011– )
43 min | Documentary, Crime
Lt. Joe Kenda solves cases.
Stars: Josh Casaubon, Joe Kenda, Carl Marino, Sandra Mann
Votes: 1,595
41. River Monsters (2009– )
42 min | Documentary, Adventure, Mystery
Jeremy Wade searches the world for legendary and flesh-eating freshwater fish.
Stars: Jeremy Wade, Daniel Göz, Tim Mousseau, Stan Groves
Votes: 3,605
42. Ghost Hunters (2004– )
60 min | Documentary
This one-hour weekly docu-soap from the creator/executive producer of "American Chopper" follows a group of real-life paranormal researchers as they investigate haunted houses throughout ... See full summary »
Stars: Jason Hawes, Steve Gonsalves, Dave Tango, Grant Wilson
Votes: 5,741
43. 1000 Ways to Die (2008–2012)
TV-14 | 23 min | Documentary, Comedy, Drama
Several different deaths based on true stories.
Stars: Alisdair Simpson, Ron Perlman, Khyber Zaffarkhan, Boyd Flinders
Votes: 2,639
44. Real Detective (2016– )
43 min | Documentary, Crime, Drama
Each episode is a crime solution reenactment of a real murder. The actual detectives offer commentary throughout the show.
Stars: Michael Douglas Cake, Liana Montoro, Tyrone Benskin, Mizinga Mwinga
Votes: 847
45. Untold Stories of the ER (2004– )
60 min | Documentary, Drama
Dramatizations of patients in life threatening moments while doctors do their best to help them in the E.R.
Stars: Jenne Kang, Linda America, Roy Vongtama, Lucy Doty
Votes: 461
46. The Bible (2013– )
TV-14 | 440 min | Documentary, Action, Drama
A religious historical dramatic miniseries about God's creation and physical landmark events leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Stars: Keith David, Robert Powell, Jake Canuso, Diogo Morgado
Votes: 8,874
47. 17 Kids and Counting (2008–2015)
30 min | Documentary, Reality-TV
The lives of the Duggars, a Christian homeschooling family with 19 children, and how their family functions.
Stars: Michelle Duggar, Jackson Duggar, Jennifer Duggar, Jim Bob Duggar
Votes: 2,248
48. Cosmos (1980– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary
Astronomer Carl Sagan leads us on an engaging guided tour of the various elements and cosmological theories of the universe.
Stars: Carl Sagan, Jaromír Hanzlík, Jonathan Fahn, Alan Belod
Votes: 25,316
49. Air Emergency (2003– )
60 min | Documentary, Drama, History
Dramatized reconstruction of real-life air disasters, along with interviews with aviation experts and eyewitnesses.
Stars: Stephen Bogaert, Jonathan Aris, Gregory Feith, Daniel Park
Votes: 2,536
50. Five Came Back (2017– )
TV-14 | 60 min | Documentary, Biography, History
The wartime contributions of five prominent Hollywood film directors during World War II are profiled.
Stars: Francis Ford Coppola, Guillermo del Toro, Paul Greengrass, Lawrence Kasdan
Votes: 1,285