Netflix has announced a new eight-episode documentary series that will explore a range of disasters from recent decades. The series will delve into incidents such as concert catastrophes, political crises, and the viral phenomenon surrounding the storming of Area 51. It is set to premiere weekly starting in June 2025, with the season finale scheduled for July 29th.
This new series marks another addition to Netflix’s growing portfolio of documentary projects, which can be seen as a thematic collection. In 2020, Netflix launched the successful three-part documentary series, Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99, which examined the chaotic concert that culminated in a riot. The upcoming series acts as a continuation of this theme. Other notable documentary collections from Netflix include American Murder, Conversations with a Killer, Untold, and Crime Scene.
Three production companies are collaborating on this new docu-series, with RAW and BBH (the teams behind Woodstock ’99) producing seven of the eight episodes, while one episode will be handled by Passion Pictures (known for Kill List: Hunted by Putin’s Spies and FIFA Uncovered).
Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy
Release Date: June 10th
This episode investigates the tragic crowd surge at Travis Scott’s 2021 Astroworld Festival, featuring accounts from survivors and first responders. It is directed by Yemi Bamiro, with co-direction by Hannah Poulter. Executive producers include Kari Lea and Hamish Fergusson.
Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem
Release Date: June 17th
This installment follows the controversial ascent of Rob Ford to the mayorship of Toronto and the ensuing scandals during his administration. Directed by Shianne Brown, the executive producers are Sheun Adelasoye De Nicola, Alexander Marengo, Tim Wardle, Casey Feldman, Erica Roberts, and William Swann.
Trainwreck: Poop Cruise
Release Date: June 24th
This episode recounts the Carnival cruise disaster that left passengers stranded without power, food, or functioning toilets. Directed by James Ross, with executive producers Sheun Adelasoye De Nicola, Alexander Marengo, Tim Wardle, Casey Feldman, and William Swann.
Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel
Release Date: July 1st
An exploration of the rise and fall of American Apparel, this episode examines the troubling legacy of its founder, Dov Charney. It is directed by Sally Rose Griffiths, with executive producers Sheun Adelasoye De Nicola, Alexander Marengo, Tim Wardle, Casey Feldman, Erica Roberts, and William Swann.
Trainwreck: The Real Project X
Release Date: July 8th
This episode tells the story of a Dutch teenager whose public birthday invitation went viral, sparking a chaotic riot. Directed by Alex Wood, the executive producers include Sheun Adelasoye De Nicola, Alexander Marengo, Tim Wardle, Casey Feldman, Erica Roberts, and William Swann.
Trainwreck: Balloon Boy
Release Date: July 15th
This installment revisits the peculiar hoax during which the world was led to believe a boy was soaring in the sky inside a runaway balloon. Directed by Gillian Pachter, with executive producers including Sheun Adelasoye De Nicola, Alexander Marengo, Tim Wardle, Casey Feldman, Erica Roberts, and William Swann.
Trainwreck: P.I. Moms
Release Date: July 22nd
This episode chronicles a reality show that went awry, uncovering a private investigation agency allegedly linked to criminal activities and corruption. Directed by Phil Bowman, with executive producers including Sheun Adelasoye De Nicola, Alexander Marengo, Tim Wardle, Casey Feldman, Erica Roberts, and William Swann.
Trainwreck: Storm Area 51
Release Date: July 29th
The series concludes with this installment, recounting the outrageous story behind a viral Facebook joke that prompted a real-world gathering and raised national security concerns. Directed by Jack MacInnes, with Alex Marengo serving as the executive producer.
