Top 20 Audience-Picked Documentaries: The Best TV Shows Ever!

Ladies and Gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts and prepare your popcorn! We’re about to embark on a thrilling journey through the realms of reality, history, and human emotion. Welcome to our curated list of the “Top 20 Audience-Picked Documentaries: The Best TV Shows Ever!” These aren’t just any TV shows, they’re the cream of the crop, the pick of the litter, the bee’s knees, if you will. Chosen by you, the audience, these documentaries have made us laugh, cry, gasp, and most importantly, think. They’ve opened our eyes to new perspectives, challenged our beliefs, and left us hungry for more. So, whether you’re a documentary devotee or a casual viewer looking for a good binge-watch, this list is your golden ticket to a world of unforgettable stories. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Our Planet

Our Planet

Release Date: 2019-04-05

Genres: Documentary

“Our Planet” is an awe-inspiring documentary TV show that takes you on a journey to explore the breathtaking beauty of our planet. Narrated by the legendary David Attenborough, it delves into the impact of climate change on all living creatures. Released in 2019, this visually stunning series is a must-watch for nature enthusiasts and those concerned about the future of our planet.

Cast: David Attenborough (Self – Narrator (voice))

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Tags: biology, climate change, natural history, global warming, wildlife, ecology, nature, environmentalism, wildlife conservation, nature documentary, marine life

Planet Earth

Planet Earth

Release Date: 2006-03-05

Genres: Documentary

“Planet Earth” is an awe-inspiring documentary series that takes you on a breathtaking journey across 64 countries, showcasing the incredible diversity of our natural world. Narrated by the legendary David Attenborough and featuring appearances by Sigourney Weaver, Nikolay Drozdov, and Sanae Ueda, this epic show captures the beauty and wonders of our planet like never before. Prepare to be amazed by the stunning visuals and fascinating insights into the wonders of nature.

Cast: David Attenborough (Self – Narrator) , Sigourney Weaver (Self – Narrator (Discovery US Version)) , Nikolay Drozdov (Self – Narrator (Russian Version)) , Sanae Ueda (Self – Narrator (Japanese Version))

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Writers: Gary Parker

Tags: earth, wildlife, miniseries, animal, nature, nature documentary, planeta

Planet Earth II

Planet Earth II

Release Date: 2016-11-06

Genres: Documentary

“Planet Earth II” is a captivating documentary series hosted by the legendary David Attenborough. Released in 2016, it takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the world’s most iconic habitats, showcasing the incredible ways in which animals adapt and survive in their environments. With stunning visuals and Attenborough’s expert narration, this show is a must-watch for nature enthusiasts and documentary lovers alike.

Cast: David Attenborough (Self – Narrator)

Directors: Alastair Fothergill

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Tags: fish, sea, island, ocean, mountain, earth, forest, savannah, jungle, miniseries, desert, animal, nature, cities, nature documentary, sea creature, dünya gezegeni

Cosmos: A Personal Voyage

Cosmos: A Personal Voyage

Release Date: 1980-09-28

Genres: Documentary

“Cosmos: A Personal Voyage” is a captivating documentary TV show hosted by the renowned scientist Carl Sagan. Released in 1980, it takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey through various scientific topics, delving into the origins of life and offering a unique perspective on our place in the vast universe. With Sagan’s engaging narration, this show is a must-watch for anyone curious about the wonders of science.

Cast: Carl Sagan (Himself – Host)

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Writers: Carl Sagan

Tags: nuclear war, greenhouse effect, space travel, exploration, astronomer, universe, evolution, astronomy, solar system, humanity, cosmic calendar

The Beatles: Get Back

The Beatles: Get Back

Release Date: 2021-11-25

Genres: Documentary

“The Beatles: Get Back” is a highly acclaimed three-part documentary series that has made it to the list of the 20 best voted documentary TV shows of all time. It offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of the legendary Beatles, showcasing their incredible bond, creative brilliance, and their final performance at London’s Savile Row. With over 60 hours of previously unseen footage, this series is a must-watch for any fan of music history. Mark your calendars for November 25, 2021, when this extraordinary TV show will be released.

Cast: John Lennon (Self (archive footage)) , Paul McCartney (Self (archive footage)) , George Harrison (Self (archive footage)) , Ringo Starr (Self (archive footage)) , Billy Preston (Self (archive footage)) , George Martin (Self (archive footage)) , Michael Lindsay-Hogg (Self (archive footage)) , Glyn Johns (Self (archive footage)) , Mal Evans (Self (archive footage)) , Yōko Ono (Self (archive footage)) , Linda McCartney (Self (archive footage)) , Maureen Starkey (Self (archive footage)) , Geoff Emerick (Self (archive footage)) , Heather McCartney (Self (archive footage)) , Denis O’Dell (Self (archive footage)) , Kevin Harrington (Self (archive footage)) , Neil Aspinall (Self (archive footage)) , Anthony B. Richmond (Self (archive footage)) , Les Parrott (Self (archive footage)) , Peter Sutton (Self (archive footage)) , Yannis ‘Magic Alex’ Alexis Mardas (Self (archive footage)) , Mukunda Goswami (Self (archive footage)) , Paul Bond (Self (archive footage)) , Ethan Russell (Self (archive footage)) , Peter Brown (Self (archive footage))

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Cosmos

Cosmos

Release Date: 2014-03-09

Genres: Documentary

“Cosmos” is a mind-blowing documentary TV show that takes you on an incredible journey through the universe. Hosted by the brilliant astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, it explores the laws of gravity, the origins of space and time, and reveals never-before-told stories about our cosmos. Prepare to be amazed by the wonders of the universe in this captivating series that premiered on March 9, 2014.

Cast: Neil deGrasse Tyson (Self – Host)

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Tags: biology, space, cosmology, astronomy, astrophysics, astrobiology, spacetime, cosmos

Prehistoric Planet

Prehistoric Planet

Release Date: 2022-05-23

Genres: Documentary

“Prehistoric Planet” is an awe-inspiring docuseries that takes you on a captivating journey through time. Narrated by the legendary David Attenborough, this visually stunning show transports you back 66 million years to a world where magnificent dinosaurs and extraordinary creatures roamed the Earth. Produced by the creators of Planet Earth and with the talented Jon Favreau on board, get ready to be amazed by the wonders of our prehistoric past when it premieres on May 23, 2022.

Cast: David Attenborough (Self – Presenter)

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Tags: paleontology, prehistory, dinosaur, nature documentary, mesozoic

The Blue Planet

The Blue Planet

Release Date: 2001-09-12

Genres: Documentary

“The Blue Planet” is a captivating documentary TV show that takes you on an awe-inspiring journey through the depths of the oceans. Narrated by the legendary David Attenborough, it offers a fascinating insight into the natural history of these vast and mysterious underwater worlds. Released in 2001, this critically acclaimed series is a must-watch for nature enthusiasts and anyone curious about the wonders of our planet’s oceans.

Cast: David Attenborough (Self – Narrator (voice))

Directors: Alastair Fothergill

Writers:

Tags: fish, sea, ocean, miniseries, nature, nature documentary, wild sea, underwater life, marine life

Formula 1: Drive to Survive

Formula 1: Drive to Survive

Release Date: 2019-03-08

Genres: Documentary

“Formula 1: Drive to Survive” is an exhilarating documentary TV show that takes you behind the scenes of the intense world of Formula 1 racing. Follow the lives of top drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc as they navigate the cutthroat competition on and off the track during a thrilling season. With its release in 2019, this show offers a captivating glimpse into the fast-paced and high-stakes world of Formula 1.

Cast: Lewis Hamilton (Self) , Max Verstappen (Self) , Charles Leclerc (Self) , Sergio Pérez (Self) , George Russell (Self) , Carlos Sainz Jr. (Self) , Lando Norris (Self) , Esteban Ocon (Self) , Fernando Alonso (Self) , Valtteri Bottas (Self) , Daniel Ricciardo (Self) , Nicholas Latifi (Self) , Sebastian Vettel (Self) , Kevin Magnussen (Self) , Pierre Gasly (Self) , Lance Stroll (Self) , Mick Schumacher (Self) , Yuki Tsunoda (Self) , Zhou Guanyu (Self) , Alexander Albon (Self)

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Tags: car race, sports, speed, based on true story, racing, sports documentary, championship, formula one (f1)

Life

Life

Release Date: 2009-10-11

Genres: Documentary

“Life” is a captivating documentary TV show hosted by the legendary David Attenborough. Released in 2009, it takes us on a mesmerizing journey into the world of animals and plants, showcasing their incredible survival strategies. With breathtaking spectacles, groundbreaking footage, and fascinating displays of new wildlife behavior, this show is a must-watch for nature enthusiasts and documentary lovers alike.

Cast: David Attenborough (Self – Narrator (voice))

Directors: Martha Holmes, Simon Blakeney, Stephen Lyle

Writers: Paul Spillenger

Tags: biology, animal species, plant, wildlife, miniseries, ecology, animal, nature, evolution, natural selection

The Last Dance

The Last Dance

Release Date: 2020-04-19

Genres: Documentary

“The Last Dance” is a captivating 10-part documentary that delves into the untold story of basketball legend Michael Jordan and the iconic Chicago Bulls dynasty. With never-before-seen footage and interviews from over 100 famous figures, this series takes us back to the thrilling 1997-98 championship season. Get ready to witness the rise of basketball’s biggest names, the intense rivalries, and the leadership of coach Phil Jackson in this must-watch TV show that premiered on April 19, 2020.

Cast: Michael Jordan (Self) , Scottie Pippen (Self – Bulls Forward 1987-98) , Dennis Rodman (Self) , Steve Kerr (Self – Bulls Guard 1992-98) , Phil Jackson (Self – Bulls Head Coach 1989-98)

Directors: Jason Hehir

Writers:

Tags: sports, interview, basketball, jordan, behind the scenes, sports documentary, nba, chicago bulls

The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst

The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst

Release Date: 2015-02-08

Genres: Documentary

“The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst” is a gripping documentary TV show that delves into the mysterious life of Robert Durst, a member of New York’s wealthy real estate family. Accused of three murders but never convicted, Durst breaks his silence in interviews with filmmaker Andrew Jarecki, revealing shocking secrets that had puzzled authorities for three decades. Originally intended as a feature documentary, this six-part series uncovers more and more of Durst’s incredible story, making it a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts.

Cast: Robert Durst (Himself) , Andrew Jarecki (Himself) , Marc Smerling (Himself) , Zachary Stuart-Pontier (Himself) , Lynda Obst (Herself) , Jeanine Pirro (Herself) , Charles Bagli (Himself) , Cody Cazalas (Himself) , Gilberte Najamy (Herself) , Ellen Strauss (Herself) , Joe Becerra (Himself)

Directors: Andrew Jarecki

Writers: Andrew Jarecki, Zachary Stuart-Pontier, Marc Smerling

Tags: murder, miniseries, true crime, murder investigation, multiple murder, real life

Kuruluş Osman

Kuruluş Osman

“Kuruluş Osman” is a captivating documentary TV show that delves into the life of Osman Bey, the remarkable son of Ertugrul Gazi and the visionary behind the Ottoman Empire. With an incredible cast including Burak Özçivit, Özge Törer, Seda Yıldız, Açelya Özcan, Yiğit Uçan, Fatih Ayhan, Çağrı Şensoy, and Begüm Çağla Taşkın, this series takes you on a thrilling journey through history. Released on November 20, 2019, it has earned its place among the 20 best voted documentary TV shows of all time.

Cast: Burak Özçivit (Osman Bey) , Özge Törer (Bala Hatun) , Seda Yıldız (Şeyh Edebali) , Açelya Özcan (Ayşe Hatun) , Yiğit Uçan (Boran Alp) , Fatih Ayhan (Baysungur Alp) , Çağrı Şensoy (Cerkutay) , Begüm Çağla Taşkın (Ulgen Hatun)

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Tags: politics, ottoman empire, turkish, ottoman

MythBusters

MythBusters

Release Date: 2003-01-23

Genres: Documentary, Reality

“MythBusters” is an incredible documentary TV show that has captivated audiences since its release in 2003. Hosted by special effects experts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, the show uses the scientific method to test the truth behind rumors, myths, movie scenes, and even Internet videos. With its entertaining and educational approach, “MythBusters” has become one of the best-voted documentary TV shows of all time.

Cast: Robert Lee (Narrator) , Brian Louden (Self – Host) , Jonathan Lung (Self – Host)

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Tags: research, experiment, engineering, urban legend, explosion, debunking, crash test dummy, myth, science

Making a Murderer

Making a Murderer

Release Date: 2015-12-18

Genres: Documentary, Crime

“Making a Murderer” is a gripping documentary TV show that takes you on a thrilling journey over a span of 10 years. It follows the story of a man who was wrongly convicted of a crime due to police corruption, only to find himself accused of another gruesome offense. With Kathleen Zellner leading the charge, this real-life thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat since its release in 2015.

Cast: Kathleen Zellner (Herself)

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Tags: prison, corruption, wisconsin, trial, revenge, dirty cop, murderer, wrecking yard, criminal justice

The Walking Dead: Origins

The Walking Dead: Origins

Release Date: 2021-07-15

Genres: Documentary

“The Walking Dead: Origins” is a captivating documentary series that delves into the lives of the beloved characters from the hit TV show, “The Walking Dead.” Each episode focuses on a single character, offering a unique perspective on the zombie apocalypse. With interviews and narrations from the talented actors themselves, along with clips from their most memorable moments, this series is a must-watch for any fan. Don’t miss out on the thrilling journey when it premieres on July 15, 2021!

Cast: Norman Reedus (Self) , Melissa McBride (Self) , Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Self) , Lauren Cohan (Self)

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Unsolved Mysteries

Unsolved Mysteries

Release Date: 2020-07-01

Genres: Documentary, Drama, Mystery

“Unsolved Mysteries” is a captivating documentary series that explores real-life cases of baffling disappearances, chilling murders, and eerie paranormal encounters. With its revival in 2020, this iconic show continues to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they delve into perplexing mysteries. Get ready to be hooked by the compelling stories and the search for truth in this highly acclaimed TV series.

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Tags: investigation, supernatural, paranormal, ufo, murder, disappearance, true crime, intrigue, missing person, reboot, unsolved mystery, murder mystery

Seven Deadly Sins

Seven Deadly Sins

Release Date: 2008-12-29

Genres: Documentary

“Seven Deadly Sins” is a captivating documentary TV show that delves into the origins and significance of the infamous seven deadly sins. Released in 2008, it explores how these sins became part of religious doctrine and sheds light on historical figures who embodied each sin. With its intriguing narration and in-depth exploration, this series offers a fascinating journey through the dark side of human nature.

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Writers: Brittany Graham

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Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Release Date: 2020-07-10

Genres: Documentary

“Down to Earth with Zac Efron” is a captivating travel show that follows actor Zac Efron and wellness expert Darin Olien as they embark on a global journey. Together, they explore various sustainable and healthy ways of living, making it an eye-opening and inspiring watch. Released in 2020, this documentary TV show has gained popularity for its engaging content and informative approach.

Cast: Zac Efron (Self) , Darin Olien (Self)

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Tags: travel

1000 Ways to Die

1000 Ways to Die

Release Date: 2009-02-08

Genres: Documentary, Comedy

“1000 Ways to Die” is an intriguing documentary TV show that delves into the science of life and the unpredictability of death. With the help of experts like forensic specialists, pathologists, and toxicologists, the show explores various ways people have met their demise, all while offering eloquent explanations. Starring Ron Perlman, this captivating series first aired on February 8, 2009, and is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as you uncover the mysteries of mortality.

Cast: Ron Perlman (Self – Narrator (voice))

Directors:

Writers: Tom McMahon, Geoff Miller, H.A. Arnarson

Tags: anthology, urban legend, death

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