Nightly Films

Long-form documentary storytelling from NBC Nightly News, exploring the human stories behind the headlines.

Featured Documentaries

Current Films

The latest Nightly Films bring you in-depth explorations of major news stories and social issues affecting Americans across the country.

Award-Winning Documentaries

Our documentary films have received numerous awards for excellence in journalism, including Emmy Awards and Peabody Awards for outstanding storytelling.

Investigative Features

Deep-dive investigations that uncover important stories and hold institutions accountable through comprehensive reporting and human-centered storytelling.

Documentary Series

Climate Crisis Series

Comprehensive exploration of climate change impacts on communities across America, from coastal communities facing sea level rise to agricultural regions dealing with extreme weather.

Healthcare in America

Examination of the American healthcare system, featuring personal stories of patients, doctors, and families navigating complex medical challenges.

Education Equity

Investigation into educational disparities across American communities, highlighting innovative solutions and the people working to ensure quality education for all students.

Criminal Justice Reform

In-depth look at efforts to reform the criminal justice system, featuring stories of incarceration, rehabilitation, and second chances.

Human Interest Stories

American Resilience

Stories of communities and individuals overcoming adversity, from natural disasters to economic challenges, showcasing the strength and resilience of the American spirit.

Immigration Stories

Personal narratives of immigrants and their families, exploring the challenges and contributions of America’s diverse population.

Rural America

Examination of issues facing rural communities, from economic challenges to innovative solutions for sustainable development.

Urban Transformation

Stories of urban renewal and community revitalization, highlighting successful efforts to make cities more livable and equitable.

Production Process

Field Reporting

Our documentary teams spend weeks or months in communities, building trust and developing deep understanding of complex issues.

Visual Storytelling

Combining compelling cinematography with intimate interviews to create powerful narratives that connect viewers emotionally with the subjects.

Editorial Independence

Maintaining journalistic integrity while telling human stories that inform, inspire, and challenge viewers to see the world differently.

Behind the Scenes

Filmmaker Interviews

Conversations with the directors, producers, and journalists who create Nightly Films, sharing their creative process and storytelling techniques.

Subject Updates

Follow-up stories with documentary subjects, showing how their lives have changed since the films were released.

Production Challenges

Honest look at the challenges of documentary filmmaking, from gaining access to difficult locations to building trust with skeptical subjects.

Impact and Outcomes

Policy Changes

Stories of how Nightly Films have influenced policy discussions and led to concrete changes in laws and regulations.

Community Action

Documentation of how communities have used Nightly Films to inspire local action and social change initiatives.

Public Awareness

Evidence of how our documentaries have raised awareness of important issues and brought attention to underreported stories.

Educational Resources

Discussion Guides

Educational materials designed to help teachers, students, and community groups engage with the issues raised in Nightly Films.

Classroom Usage

Information about how educators can use Nightly Films in their teaching to promote media literacy and civic engagement.

Community Screening

Resources for organizing community screenings and discussions around the themes and issues explored in our documentaries.

Distribution Platforms

NBC Platforms

Nightly Films are available across NBC’s television and digital platforms, reaching millions of viewers through multiple distribution channels.

Streaming Services

Our documentaries are available on major streaming platforms, extending the reach of these important stories to new audiences.

Educational Distribution

Special licensing arrangements for educational institutions and community organizations to use Nightly Films for learning and discussion.

Future Projects

Upcoming Films

Preview of documentaries currently in production, giving viewers insight into the stories we’re working on for future release.

Story Suggestions

Invitation for viewers to suggest story ideas and topics they believe deserve documentary treatment.

Collaborative Projects

Information about partnerships with other news organizations and documentary filmmakers to create compelling content.