In the final two episodes, the documentary investigates the immense geological forces that continue to reshape our planet. Scientists and adventurers travel to Guatemala's Volcán de Fuego, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, capturing spectacular eruptions, rivers of lava, and towering ash clouds from astonishingly close range. Along the way, the series reveals how volcanoes are formed, how tectonic plates trigger earthquakes and tsunamis, and how volcanic activity can even create entirely new islands in the middle of the ocean. The journey then turns to one of nature's most breathtaking displays: the Aurora Borealis. In the frozen landscapes of northern Sweden, scientists uncover how powerful storms on the Sun send streams of charged particles towards Earth, illuminating the night sky with vast curtains of color. Combining stunning footage with cutting-edge research, the documentary explores solar activity, space weather, eclipses, and the remarkable connection between our planet and the forces that originate far beyond its atmosphere.
In the final two episodes of this season, Phil continues his joyful culinary adventure, discovering how food reveals the heart and traditions of remarkable cultures. With his trademark humor and curiosity, he shares unforgettable meals with locals whose stories bring every dish to life. First, Phil dives into the bold flavors of the Philippines, savoring sizzling pork sisig, sharing a lively roadside lunch with Jeepney drivers, and bravely joining his first traditional boodle fight, where friends gather around a table covered with food and eat together with their hands. The journey then takes him to Guatemala, where rich volcanic soil and vibrant traditions create an extraordinary culinary landscape. Traveling with Claudia, his family’s longtime babysitter and dear friend, Phil explores colorful markets, local dishes, and heartfelt connections that make this trip especially meaningful.
The saga of a handful of conquerors who built an empire in Central America and invented the methods of one of the very first multinationals. In 19th century Central America, a few entrepreneurial cowboys built an empire that enslaved populations and corrupted governments for over 100 years. The United Fruit Company thrived on unregulated capitalism; this film tells its story and that of its pioneers who feared neither God nor Man, and managed to get away with murder. Until the 1970s, that multinational set up a monopoly by combining violence, repression, corruption, environmental destruction and a formidable marketing machine. It turned an unknown fruit into an instrument of fortune and domination, and created a business model still largely used by today’s tech giants. Using a rich trove of archival footage and documents, including letters to and from lobbyists, telegrams, vintage ads and movie clips, and gorgeous, hand-tinted stills, 'When Banana Ruled' is a story of intrigue that touches on economics, international politics, the history of business and reveals how an array of forces conquered the world through a simple fruit.
In the 80s the nature of the Latino Diaspora changes again. From Cuba a second wave of refugees to United States – the Mariel exodus – floods Miami . The same decade sees the sudden arrival of hundreds of thousands of Central Americans (Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and Nicaraguans) fleeing death squads and mass murders at home like activist, Carlos Vaquerano. By the early 1990s, a political debate over illegal immigration – has begun. Globalization, empowered by NAFTA, means that as U.S. manufacturers move south, Mexican workers head north in record numbers. A backlash ensues: tightened borders, anti-bilingualism, state laws to declare all illegal immigrants felons. But a sea change is underway: the coalescence of a new phenomenon called Latino American culture-as Latinos spread geographically and make their mark in music, sports, politics, business, and education.
In the fourth episode, Morgan Freeman examines how different faiths see the creation of the world, taking him on a journey to the Vatican, Cairo and the jungles of Guatemala.
The episode opens with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman riding through the sleek streets of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. To add to the excitement, the show also introduces us to Ewan's daughter, Jamyan, and the father-daughter duo are lovable to watch. The audience also gets a chance to see the Masaya volcano up close. The red lava is breathtaking and scary at the same time.
The journey then turns to one of nature's most breathtaking displays: the Aurora Borealis. In the frozen landscapes of northern Sweden, scientists uncover how powerful storms on the Sun send streams of charged particles towards Earth, illuminating the night sky with vast curtains of color. Combining stunning footage with cutting-edge research, the documentary explores solar activity, space weather, eclipses, and the remarkable connection between our planet and the forces that originate far beyond its atmosphere.