Series synopsis
Engineering by Catastrophe is an American documentary television series that premiered on May 24, 2026.
Engineering by Catastrophe explores how today’s most advanced structures are shaped by the disasters of the past. From spacecraft and skyscrapers to tunnels and flood barriers, each episode unpacks the engineering innovations behind modern marvels - and the catastrophic failures that inspired them.
Premise
Engineering by Catastrophe explores how today’s most advanced structures are shaped by the disasters of the past. From spacecraft and skyscrapers to tunnels and flood barriers, each episode unpacks the engineering innovations behind modern marvels - and the catastrophic failures that inspired them.
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 6 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | May 24, 2026 | June 28, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Above and Beyond How engineers learn from past disasters, beginning with a look at how NASA studies past space disasters to design safer spacecraft. |
May 24, 2026 |
| 2 |
Into the Depths Tunnels save time, money, and the environment by providing shortcuts through tough terrain. But they can also be dangerous, especially as today’s tunnels grow longer and deeper. Follow the Brenner Base Tunnel and Fehmarnbelt link to explore how engineers use past disasters to make construction and travel safer. |
May 31, 2026 |
| 3 |
After the Flood Flood risks are rising worldwide as storm surges and extreme rainfall overwhelm cities. Tokyo builds vast underground rivers to manage typhoons, while Spain’s Valencia floods highlight the need for early warnings. In New Orleans, storm surge barriers were reinvented after America’s worst flood disaster. |
June 7, 2026 |
Production
Release
| First aired | May 24, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last aired | June 28, 2026 |
| Runtime | 60 minutes |
| Status | continue |