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Explore the story of New York from the end of the 20th century through the first quarter of the 21st—one of the most dramatic, demanding and transformational periods in the city’s history. In this two-part follow-up to the landmark 8-part NEW YORK: A DOCUMENTARY FILM, witness an epic portrait of America’s largest city through decades of challenge, growth and change.

Watch • 0:30
New York: A Documentary Film
Preview | The Future of Cities
Follow New York's transformation since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Preview: S1 E2 | 0:30
Watch • 1:55:21
New York: A Documentary Film
The Future of Cities
Follow New York's transformation since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:55:21
Watch • 4:45
New York: A Documentary Film
Transformation & Times Square
In this bonus scene, explore how a bold plan to pedestrianize Times Square transformed New York.
Clip: S1 E2 | 4:45
Corporate funding for NEW YORK: A DOCUMENTARY FILM "Shadows of the Past" and "The Future of Cities" was provided by Hudson River Trading. Major funding was provided by the American Express Foundation, Simons Foundation, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Google.org (through the Tides Foundation), the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Estate of Roland Karlen, Elaine and W. Weldon Wilson, and The Rockefeller Foundation. Support was also provided by Angela and Robert Kissane, the Ford Foundation / JustFilms, Roger and Susan Hertog, the Henry Luce Foundation, the Carson Family Charitable Trust, The Overbrook Foundation, Arthur G. Altshul, Jr. and Rula Jebreal, and by the following individuals and institutions: Fiona and Eric Rudin, Agnes Gund, Howard Morgan, The Burton P. & Judith B. Resnick Foundation, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Mr. & Mrs. Peter L. Malkin, Leon and Toby Cooperman, The Schwartz Family Foundation, Jessica & Jerry Seinfeld, the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, The Walentas Family Foundation, the Gorman Family, Richard K. DeScherer, Nathalie Kaplan & David Einhorn, Marcie Pantzer, Susie Lopez, Ellin & Ron Delsener, Amy Cappellazzo & Joanne Rosen, Wendy Chaikin, Jonathan Haidt & Jayne Riew, and by public television viewers.
Latest Episodes
Watch • 1:55:21
New York: A Documentary Film
The Future of Cities
Follow New York's transformation since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:55:21
Watch • 1:54:26
New York: A Documentary Film
Shadows of the Past
Trace New York’s turbulent decline and rebirth in the last decades of the 20th century.
Episode: S1 E1 | 1:54:26
Extras
Watch • 7:30
New York: A Documentary Film
Rebuilding Ground Zero: How NYC Rose from the Ashes
Witness the decade-long rebuilding of Lower Manhattan after the September 11th attacks.
Clip: S1 E2 | 7:30
Watch • 0:31
New York: A Documentary Film
Preview | Shadows of the Past
Trace New York’s turbulent decline and rebirth in the last decades of the 20th century.
Preview: S1 E1 | 0:31
Watch • 3:19
New York: A Documentary Film
New York Always Finds a Way to Reinvent Itself
Writer Adam Gopnik reflects on New York’s remarkable resilience and its ability to reinvent itself.
Clip: S1 E1 | 3:19
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