Shows like First Ascent (2010)
Loved First Ascent? Here are 24 shows with a similar feel, picked from what fans of First Ascent watch next and from titles with the same mix of documentary. First Ascent was created by Peter Mortimer.
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1
Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019)
Drivers, managers and team owners live life in the fast lane — both on and off the track — during each cutthroat season of Formula 1 racing.
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2
Haunted (2018)
Real people sit down with friends and family to share terrifying true stories from their past, re-created through chilling re-enactments.
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3
The Staircase (2004)
Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, presents a gripping courtroom thriller, offering a rare and revealing inside look at a high-profile murder trial. In 2001, author Michael Peterson was arraigned for the…
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4
Be Eternal: Champions of America (2022)
This series takes an unprecedented closeup look at Lionel Messi and the Argentine team's battle to break a 28-year title drought in 2021's Copa América.
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5
History 101 (2020)
Infographics and archival footage deliver bite-size history lessons on scientific breakthroughs, social movements and world-changing discoveries.
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6
Last Chance U: Basketball (2021)
Hit the hardwood in East Los Angeles as a coach with strong convictions leads young men who hope to fulfill major college potential.
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7
Mind Field (2017)
Explore the surprising things we know (and don’t know) about why people are the way they are through expert interviews, rare footage from historical experiments, and brand-new, ground-breaking demonstrations of human nature at work.
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8
Homicide Hunter: Lt Joe Kenda (2011)
A non-fiction investigative series of murder cases told through the personal experience of retired detective, Lieutenant Joe Kenda. Through re-enactments, discussions with investigation teams, and interviews with victims' families and other…
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9
Quarterback (2023)
Follow the bruised bodies, soul-crushing fumbles, agonizing losses, and pure joy of three NFL quarterbacks during one season.
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10
George Carlin's American Dream (2022)
A look at the life and work of legendary comedian George Carlin.
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11
30 for 30 (2009)
30 for 30 is the title for a series of documentary films airing on ESPN, its sister networks, and online highlighting interesting people and events in sports history. This currently includes four "volumes" of 30 episodes each, a 13-episode…
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12
World War II with Tom Hanks (2026)
Explores WWII from Germany's invasion of Poland through the atomic age, examining pivotal battles, wartime leaders like Churchill and Roosevelt, and the human cost of total war.
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13
Eli Roth's History of Horror (2018)
An in-depth look at the history and pop cultural significance of horror films.
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14
Court of Gold (2025)
Go behind the scenes with the top medal contenders in men's basketball as they battle for gold and glory at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
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15
The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare (2026)
Through bodycam footage, texts and interviews with loved ones, this documentary investigates the horrifying murder of four University of Idaho students.
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16
Trust Me: The False Prophet (2026)
In this true-crime documentary, a cult expert and filmmaker infiltrate a polygamist sect to expose a self-proclaimed prophet and bring him to justice.
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17
TYSON (2026)
This gripping four-part documentary series explores the explosive life of Mike Tyson — one of the most feared and fascinating figures in sports history.
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18
MOURINHO (2026)
This trophy-packed, insider-fuelled documentary charts José Mourinho's iconic rise as one of the world's top footballing managers of the most elite clubs.
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19
The New York Times Presents (2020)
A series of standalone documentaries powered by the unparalleled journalism and insight of The New York Times, bringing viewers close to the essential stories of our time.
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20
WWE 24 (2015)
The acclaimed docu-series takes you on a lightning-fast journey through a day in the life of WWE's most intriguing Superstars and groundbreaking events.
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21
The Witcher: A Look Inside the Episodes (2020)
With series creator Lauren S. Hissrich as your guide, take an in-depth journey into the stories and themes powering the first season of The Witcher.
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22
The Last Movie Stars (2022)
A celebration of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s iconic careers and decades-long partnership. Director Ethan Hawke brings life and color to this definitive history of their love, lives, and philanthropy.
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23
Maradona in Mexico (2019)
The Dorados, Culiacan's local team, are at the bottom of the rankings when Maradona arrives, looking for a fresh start. The experts predict disaster.
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24
Medal of Honor (2018)
Honoring service members whose courage merited the awarding of a Medal of Honor, this docudrama series re-creates their inspiring true stories.