shows on Smithsonian Channel

The story of dogs is an epic tale millions of years in the making. Biologist Patrick Aryee examines the canine group, made up of 36 extraordinary species, from the majestic wolf to the cunning fox to our loyal household pet. Travel across the globe, from the Americas to Asia and Africa, and discover how dogs have evolved in order to survive and thrive in some of the planet's wildest landscapes.

Each episode features amazing engineering facts about unique structures and systems including the Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Generating Stations at Niagara Falls, the Montreal Metro - one of North America's largest urban rapid transit schemes, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in California, the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. The series will introduce viewers to some remarkable characters who shoulder huge responsibility maintaining them on a daily basis to keep the general public safe.

Epic Warrior Women highlights the women who fought just as courageously, skillfully and fiercely as male warriors of their time. With stunning re-enactments, original costumes, historic locations and CG animation, the three-part series chronicles the military achievements of the original Amazon horse warriors of the Steppe, probes the highly-trained female gladiators of Ancient Rome and concludes with the feared all-female regiments of Dahomey that shaped African history.

Dan Snow takes on one of the most famous dates in British history when, 950 years ago, William of Normandy, soon to be Conquerer, defeated Harold, King of England, at the Battle of Hastings. But 1066 is more than just one battle on one day. It is the dramatic story of a single year when the ancient world of the Anglo-Saxons is swept aside and the dominance of the Vikings is brought to a shuddering halt. It's the year when the power balance of Europe is upturned and Britain's future determined. Dan reconstructs the events of 1066 as they unfolded, and brings them vividly to life in action-packed drama as our three warlords Harold (Adam James), William of Normandy (Ed Stoppard), and the Viking Harald Hardrada (Clive Russell) fight for supremacy.

Andy Coetzee has navigated the oceans in an attempt to reel in the world's largest and most elusive fish. Viewers watch as Coetzee braves one of the most treacherous rivers on the planet, dive into the predatory waters of Western Africa, and enter uncharted regions of the Indian Ocean as he seeks the Nile perch, the giant barracuda, and the dogtooth tuna. Coetzee has made it his mission to do whatever it takes -no matter how dangerous- to catch these great giants.

The content of these documentaries are inspired by the Smithsonian Institution's museums, research facilities and magazines - and feature original non-fiction programming that cover a wide range of historical, scientific and cultural subjects.

The amazing thing about nature is the number of ways it continues to surprise us - and in the case of these unique creatures, it appears we're barely scratching the surface. Spend some time in the company of nature's evolutionary mavericks.

Landmark criminal investigations that used forensic tools to solve the cases are recalled.

Some used captivating style to boost diplomacy. Some offered compassionate calm in days of war. Some embraced the role they never expected to make a difference. And some seized the role they always dreamed of to blaze a trail. Every first lady has their own tale to tell, and this series examines some of the women who left their indelible mark on the White House and in history. Join us as we go beyond the public lives to tell the private stories of Dolley Madison, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton, and more.

Journey to the beautiful and dangerous places that play host to wildlife's migrations and congregations. Loud and full of life, herds, flocks and schools of creatures gather in these extraordinary Animal Empires to feed, mate and survive.