Shows Like Ultimate Survival WWII (2019)

Ultimate Survival WWII (2019)

8.6 / 10 (based on 58 reviews)

Survival expert Hazen Audel travels across the globe to relive some of the most extraordinary stories of wilderness survival from World War II.

Genre: Documentary

Main Cast: Hazen Audel
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1 season, 6 episodes, 44-minute runtime

Shows Most Like Ultimate Survival WWII (2019)

Primal Survivor (2016)

Primal Survivor (2016)

7.9 / 10 (based on 470 reviews)

Primal Survivor tracks wilderness guide and survival instructor Hazen Audel as he tackles some of mankind’s most rigorous journeys, relying on skills learned from native inhabitants.After first living with the locals to understand their way of life, he sets out on solo journeys through territories that push him to his very limits.

Genre: Documentary

Main Cast: Hazen Audel
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4 seasons, 30 episodes

Survive the Tribe (2014)

Hazen Audel in Survive the Tribe (2014)

7.8 / 10 (based on 115 reviews)

Explorer Hazen Audel journeys to the world’s most inhospitable places to learn survival skills that have kept tribal people alive for thousands of years. He has a week to study before taking on tribal challenges that will force him to the very limit.

Genre: Documentary

Main Cast: Hazen Audel
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1 season, 6 episodes

Naked and Marooned with Ed Stafford (2013)

Naked and Marooned with Ed Stafford (2013)

8.2 / 10 (based on 1025 reviews)

Ed Stafford attempts to survive alone on a Desert island for 60 days. With no clothes, no knife or anything except his camera, an emergency satellite phone and an emergency medical kit.

Genre: Documentary

Main Cast: Ed Stafford, Chris Ryan
Creators: Craig Langman
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1 season, 4 episodes

Ed Stafford: First Man Out (2019)

Ed Stafford: First Man Out (2019)

8.1 / 10 (based on 325 reviews)

Expect blood, tears and heart-in-mouth action as explorer Ed Stafford takes on the best explorers in the world in a battle across Discovery’s screens in order to be the First Man Out – a show in which survival is only half the battle.

Genre: Reality-TV

Main Cast: Ed Stafford, E.J. Snyder, Matt Graham, Aldo Kane
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2 seasons, 12 episodes

Ultimate Survival Alaska (2013)

Ultimate Survival Alaska (2013)

7.9 / 10 (based on 514 reviews)

They are some of the toughest, most extreme survivalists from across the nation. In the second season of Ultimate Survival Alaska, four teams – woodsmen, mountaineers, military veterans, and endurance athletes go head-to-head in an epic arctic competition that only National Geographic could inspire. Dropped in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness by bush plane, with only their raw, die-hard ingenuity and the gear on their backs, they’ll navigate through treacherous glaciated river valleys, barren ridge-lines, and high mountain peaks, battling hunger, hostile predators, and perilous weather conditions along the way. Like the original National Geographic explorers, for those who succeed there is no grand prize, just the well-fought pride of having conquered the grueling challenges that Mother Nature can throw at them. It’s an epic competition series where the only prize is survival.

Genre: Reality-TV

Main Cast: Tyler Johnson, Grady Powell, Sean Burch, Marty Raney
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3 seasons, 38 episodes

Welcome to Earth (2021)

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7.9 / 10 (based on 2778 reviews)

Will Smith travels to the extreme ends of the earth from active volcanoes to deep ocean adventures.

Genre: Documentary, Adventure

Main Cast: Will Smith, Diva Amon, Cory Richards, Erik Weihenmayer
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1 season, 6 episodes, 44.0-minute runtime

Alone (2015)

Alone (2015)

8.4 / 10 (based on 5991 reviews)

Ten survival “experts” attempt to survive alone. The winner receives $500,000.

Genre: Documentary, Reality-TV

Main Cast: Nicole Apelian, Tracy, David, Dan
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8 seasons, 95 episodes, 44.0-minute runtime

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted (2019)

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted (2019)

7.7 / 10 (based on 1615 reviews)

Gordon Ramsay journeys to some of the most incredible and remote locations on Earth in search of culinary inspiration, epic adventures, and cultural experiences he will never forget.

Genre: Adventure, Reality-TV

Main Cast: Gordon Ramsay, Sheldon Simeon, Monique Fiso, Virgilio Martínez
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3 seasons, 23 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime

Drain the Oceans (2018)

Drain the Oceans (2018)

7.5 / 10 (based on 606 reviews)

By scanning the locations at the bottom of the ocean where sunken ships, treasures and even cities lie, the show tries to answer what they look like, how they got there and if they hide any secrets.

Genre: Documentary, History, Mystery

Main Cast: Craig Sechler, Russell Boulter, James Delgado, Eric Grove
Creators: Sophie Elwin-Harris
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4 seasons, 47 episodes, 47.0-minute runtime


World War II has been a subject of fascination for many, spawning countless documentaries, films, and TV shows. Among these, “Ultimate Survival WWII” stands out for its unique approach to recounting historical events. This series doesn’t just tell you about the harrowing experiences of soldiers; it places modern-day survival experts in the same predicaments faced by those in the 1940s. The result is a compelling blend of history, survival tactics, and human endurance.

The Premise

At its core, “Ultimate Survival WWII” is an educational experience wrapped in the guise of entertainment. The show takes survival experts and places them in replicated scenarios that soldiers during World War II had to endure. Each episode focuses on a different aspect or location of the war, providing viewers with a broad understanding of the varied challenges faced by those in combat.

The Experts

What sets this show apart is the caliber of its participants. These aren’t actors reciting lines but real-life survival experts with years of experience in their field. These individuals are tasked with navigating through environments that mimic the harsh conditions of WWII battlefields, from dense European forests to the unforgiving deserts of North Africa. Their expertise allows them to employ techniques that soldiers might have used, offering insights into the resourcefulness required to survive.

Real Challenges, Real Solutions

One of the most gripping elements of “Ultimate Survival WWII” is watching how the experts tackle challenges using period-appropriate techniques and materials. For instance, viewers see how to purify water using only the resources available in a 1940s forest or how to navigate using the stars when modern GPS is not an option. These segments are not only informative but also serve as a testament to the ingenuity of soldiers and the survival experts emulating their struggles.

Historical Accuracy

The show goes to great lengths to ensure historical accuracy, not just in the survival techniques demonstrated but in the context provided for each scenario. This attention to detail helps viewers understand the strategic importance of each location and mission. By weaving in historical facts and figures, “Ultimate Survival WWII” educates as it entertains, offering a comprehensive look at the complexities of the war.

Lessons in Humanity

Beyond the survival tips and historical insights, the show delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of warfare. Through the eyes of the survival experts, viewers gain a glimpse into the mental fortitude required to endure such extreme conditions. The show doesn’t shy away from discussing the impact of isolation, fear, and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers. This human element adds depth to the series, making it more than just a survival or history show.

Standout Episodes

While each episode of “Ultimate Survival WWII” offers something unique, a few stand out for their exceptional educational and entertainment value:

  • The Escape from Dunkirk: This episode recreates the desperate escape of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk. The survival experts must navigate the coast and evade capture, all while dealing with limited resources and the constant threat of enemy forces.

  • Jungle Warfare: Here, the focus shifts to the Pacific theater, where the experts face the dual challenges of combat survival and dealing with a hostile environment. This episode highlights the importance of jungle survival skills, from finding food to dealing with tropical diseases.

  • The Siege of Bastogne: Set during the Battle of the Bulge, this episode tests the experts’ ability to survive in freezing conditions while surrounded by enemy forces. It’s a stark reminder of the brutal winter warfare that characterized this phase of the conflict.

What Sets It Apart

“Ultimate Survival WWII” distinguishes itself from other World War II documentaries through its immersive approach. By placing modern experts in historical scenarios, the show offers a fresh perspective on well-trodden ground. It’s one thing to read about the hardships faced by soldiers; it’s another to see individuals confronting those same challenges today.

For History Buffs and Survival Enthusiasts Alike

Whether you’re a history aficionado or a survival enthusiast, “Ultimate Survival WWII” has something for you. The blend of historical education and survival tactics ensures that viewers come away with a deeper understanding of both subjects. It’s a show that respects the intelligence of its audience, avoiding sensationalism in favor of genuine insights.

Final Thoughts

“Ultimate Survival WWII” is more than just a TV show; it’s an educational journey back in time. It challenges viewers to consider not only the physical demands of warfare but the psychological and moral complexities as well. In doing so, it pays homage to the resilience and ingenuity of those who lived through one of history’s most tumultuous periods.

By bridging the gap between past and present, “Ultimate Survival WWII” offers a unique lens through which to view history. It’s a reminder of the human capacity for endurance in the face of adversity, and a tribute to the soldiers who fought for a better world. Whether you’re drawn to the survival aspects or the historical context, this show provides a compelling, nuanced exploration of World War II that is both informative and engaging.

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