New Orleans: Soul Of A City

Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf Coast, flooding much of New Orleans and driving tens of thousands to seek shelter in the storm-battered Superdome. Once a scene of desperation, the stadium became a cornerstone of the city's recovery — its revival culminating in the New Orleans Saints' 2010 Super Bowl win, a moment that told the world the city was back. This episode features interviews with former Saints players Malcolm Jenkins, Deuce McAllister, and Devery Henderson, former mayor Mitch Landrieu, former Superdome general manager Doug Thornton, Wendell Pierce, James Carville, Pam Oliver, Emeril Lagasse, Wynton Marsalis, and other New Orleans icons.

Creole cuisine tells the story of New Orleans' cultural melting pot. Today, chefs revisit its historical roots, challenging colonial myths and spotlighting the overlooked influence of enslaved people on gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and more.

Through the voices of its modern greats, the origins and legacy of New Orleans' music, from jazz to funk to rock n' roll to bounce, unfold, revealing how these art forms find their roots in the singular struggle of New Orleanian African Americans.

In New Orleans, the whole year builds towards one day: Mardi Gras; three of the city's most important Mardi Gras krewes, Rex, Zulu, and the Black-Masking Indians, embody traditions of deep cultural significance. Experience the steep history behind Mardi Gras and how the city keeps it alive and thriving.

Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, forcing thousands into the Superdome. Once a scene of despair, the stadium became a symbol of the city's recovery, culminating in the New Orleans Saints' 2010 Super Bowl win.