Smithsonian HD Network

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.

TV Guide
The Battle of Normandy: 85 Days in Hell
04:00 - 05:00
The Battle of Normandy: 85 Days in Hell
Special, Documentary, History, World history
On D-Day, Allied forces land in Normandy, France, to beat back the German troops and liberate France; previously unseen archival footage captures the 85-day struggle to liberate Europe and includes rare images of the battle itself.
Liberation: D-Day to Berlin
05:00 - 06:00
Liberation: D-Day to Berlin
Series, Documentary, History
France
In 1944, the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe brings the hope of freedom and the devastation of war to the people of France.
Liberation: D-Day to Berlin
06:00 - 07:00
Liberation: D-Day to Berlin
Series, Documentary, History
Belgium and the Netherlands
New colorized footage and testimony reveal the cost paid by the Allies and civilians to free Belgium and the Netherlands from Nazi occupation.
Liberation: D-Day to Berlin
07:00 - 08:00
Liberation: D-Day to Berlin
Series, Documentary, History
Hitler Strikes Back
In late 1944, Hitler forces the Americans into their biggest battle of the war when he launches a surprise attack into liberated Belgium.
Liberation: D-Day to Berlin
08:00 - 09:00
Liberation: D-Day to Berlin
Series, Documentary, History
Germany
New colorized footage and testimony reveals the cost of victory, the aftermath of war and the liberation of the camps and the destruction of Germany.
Air Disasters
09:00 - 10:00
Air Disasters
Series, Documentary, Aviation
Fight to the Death
On 18 June 1972, British European Airways Flight 548 stalls and crashes in a field near Staines shortly after takeoff from London Heathrow Airport, killing all 118 people on board.
Air Disasters
10:00 - 11:00
Air Disasters
Series, Documentary, Aviation
Terror Over Michigan
After a Boeing 727's near-fatal nosedive over Michigan, investigators risk their own lives to determine what caused the aircraft to lose control.
Air Disasters
11:00 - 12:00
Air Disasters
Series, Documentary, Aviation
Explosive Proof
The inside story of one of history's most infamous and complex investigations: the 1996 crash of TWA Flight 800.
Air Disasters
12:00 - 13:00
Air Disasters
Series, Documentary, Aviation
Cutting Corners
The 2000 crash of an Alaska Airlines plane just off the California coast leads to a disturbing discovery about the company's cost-cutting procedures.
Mighty Cruise Ships
13:00 - 14:00
Mighty Cruise Ships
Series, Documentary, Travel
Symphony of the Seas
A crew of 2,200 on the Symphony of the Seas tends to more than 5,500 passengers as they sail to ports in Spain, France and Italy.
Mighty Cruise Ships
14:00 - 15:00
Mighty Cruise Ships
Series, Documentary, Travel
Costa Diadema
Costa Diadema's seven-day cruise around the Mediterranean offers Italian delights to its passengers and challenges to its captain and crew.
Mighty Cruise Ships
15:00 - 16:00
Mighty Cruise Ships
Series, Documentary, Travel
Royal Clipper
Royal Clipper is the largest sailing cruise ship in the world, celebrating tall ships of the 19th century while offering modern-day service for its guests.
Mighty Cruise Ships
16:00 - 17:00
Mighty Cruise Ships
Series, Documentary, Travel
Koningsdam
Set a course for breathtaking sights on Koningsdam's 15-day voyage from Amsterdam to the northern tip of Norway.
Mighty Cruise Ships
17:00 - 18:00
Mighty Cruise Ships
Series, Documentary, Travel
Viking Long Ship Gefjon
Take a river tour through some of Europe's greatest cities--Budapest, Vienna, and Amsterdam--on Viking Longship Gefjon.
Mighty Cruise Ships
18:00 - 19:00
Mighty Cruise Ships
Series, Documentary, Travel
Azamara Journey
Azamara Journey travels the rivers of Southeast Asia, delivering passengers to exotic cities and hidden treasures that larger cruise ships cannot reach.
Mighty Trains
19:00 - 20:00
Mighty Trains
Series, Documentary, Travel
North Rail Express
The highly-specialized North Rail Express container train travels from Narvik to Oslo, delivering cargo of fish as quickly as possible.
Mighty Trains
20:00 - 21:00
Mighty Trains
Series, Documentary, Travel
Kiwi Rail
Two magnificent journeys with New Zealand's KiwiRail: the TranzAlpine, a five-hour journey across 223 kilometers, and Northern Explorer, an 11-hour trip through five unique regions of the North Island.
Mighty Trains
21:00 - 22:00
Mighty Trains
Series, Documentary, Travel
Tren Crucero
Passengers on Ecuador's Tren Crucero experience a dangerous rail journey, which includes tropical jungles, volcanoes and the Devil's Nose.
Mighty Ships
22:00 - 23:00
Mighty Ships
Series, Science
Oasis of the Seas
The maiden voyage of the Oasis of the Seas, the largest, most revolutionary cruise ship in the world.
Mighty Ships
23:00 - 00:00
Mighty Ships
Series, Science
Quantum of the Seas
Filled with big toys, guests fly the trapeze, surf and skydive without ever leaving the world's most innovative cruise ship.