Episode 1
The Man Who Saved the World
An officer aboard a Soviet submarine refuses to fire a nuclear torpedo during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
Where to watch Secrets of the Dead
TV series
Secrets of the Dead
2000NR23 seasons6.4 / 10
Unearthing History
Part detective story, part true-life drama, long-running series explores some of the most iconic moments in history to debunk myths and shed new light on past events. Using the latest investigative techniques, forensic science and historical examination, it shatters accepted wisdom, challenges prevailing ideas, overturns existing hypotheses, spotlights forgotten mysteries, and ultimately rewrites history.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 24, 2026
Secrets of the Dead is available to stream on DirecTV On Demand and YouTube TV in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, and Apple TV. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Synopsis
Part detective story, part true-life drama, long-running series explores some of the most iconic moments in history to debunk myths and shed new light on past events. Using the latest investigative techniques, forensic science and historical examination, it shatters accepted wisdom, challenges prevailing ideas, overturns existing hypotheses, spotlights forgotten mysteries, and ultimately rewrites history.
Season 12 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Bugging Hitler's Soldiers
German POWs reveal inner thoughts about the Third Reich, including military secrets that helped the Allies win World War II.
Where to watch Secrets of the Dead
Episode 3
Death on the Railroad
Forensic and scientific analysis help determine how 57 Irish immigrants died less than two months after arriving in Pennsylvania to work on the railroad.
Where to watch Secrets of the Dead
Episode 4
Cavemen Cold Case
Scientists say some of the 49,000 year-old Neanderthal bones discovered in El Sidrón, Spain, bear signs of cannibalism.
Where to watch Secrets of the Dead
Episode 5
Ultimate Tut
New scientific research provides insights into how King Tutankhamen was buried, why his tomb remained intact and how he died.
Where to watch Secrets of the Dead
Episode 6
Bones of the Buddha
finale
Bones of the Buddha is a 2013 television documentary produced by Icon Films and commissioned by WNET/THIRTEEN and ARTE France for the National Geographic Channels. It concerns a controversial Buddhist reliquary from the Piprahwa Stupa in Uttar Pradesh, India. It was released in May, 2013, and was broadcast in July 2013 in the US on PBS as part of the Secrets of the Dead series.
Where to watch Secrets of the DeadEpisode information updated Jul 24, 2026
More about Secrets of the Dead
Cast
Liev SchreiberNarrator
Roy ScheiderNarratorGeorgi Markov
Ian KnightHimself - Historian
Tony PollardHimself - Archaeologist
Dr. Jeannine Davis-Kimballherself
Linnda R. Caporaelherself
Addison Bainhimself
Credits
- Written by
- Ken Chowder
Production details
- Status
- Returning Series
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 123
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
PBSUnited States
ThirteenUnited States
Themes
archaeologyexaminationresearch
You may also like
More shows like Secrets of the Dead.
Available nowMythBusters
Similar story and audience
Available nowAntiques Roadshow
Similar story and audience
Available nowHow Do They Do It?
Similar story and audience
Available nowModern Marvels
Similar story and audience
Available nowLost
Similar story and audience
Doctor Who Confidential
Similar story and audience