NETFLIX IS QUIETLY ADDING A WAVE OF HISTORY DOCUMENTARIES — AND THE TIMING ISN’T A COINCIDENCE

To mark the upcoming United States Semiquincentennial, Netflix is preparing to add several major documentaries from History Channel this May.

The lineup explores some of the most defining moments in United States history — from pivotal battles and political turning points to the stories that shaped the nation over centuries.

With the 250-year milestone approaching in 2026, the new additions are expected to spark renewed interest in the events that built modern America.

But the specific titles arriving on Netflix… might surprise even longtime history fans. 👇

More HISTORY Channel Docs Hitting Netflix in May 2026 to Celebrate ‘America 250’

Netflix is adding another wave of premium HISTORY Channel docu-dramas this May, perfectly timed for the upcoming America 250 celebrations.

Picture Credit: HISTORY Channel

As we covered last month, Netflix has struck a new licensing arrangement with A+E Networks, bringing a curated collection of premium HISTORY Channel documentaries to the streaming service. Following April’s massive drop—which included the Leonardo DiCaprio-produced Sitting Bull and the Michael Imperioli-narrated American Godfathers: The Five Families—Netflix is keeping the momentum going with a second wave of acclaimed historical content arriving this May.

Executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio (who also produced April’s recent Netflix additions Frontiersmen and Sitting Bull), this fascinating two-part event explores the relentless, bull-moose energy of America’s 26th President.

Originally airing as a major Memorial Day television event, the miniseries heavily bases its narrative on the work of renowned historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. British actor Rufus Jones (W1A, Stan & Ollie) transforms into TR for the dramatic reenactments, chronicling his life from a sickly child to a champion of conservation and a global powerhouse. The scripted sequences also feature Aubrey Shelton starring as President William McKinley.

The Great War (2024)

Original Air Date: May 27–28, 2024

Shifting away from presidential biographies, this gripping four-hour documentary event dives deep into America’s entry into World War I. Executive produced by Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts, this series originally served as HISTORY’s Memorial Day event in 2024.

Through narrative sequences and expert commentary, the series intertwines the stories of General John J. Pershing, Michael B. Ellis, and the legendary Harlem Hellfighters (including heroes Henry Johnson and Horace Pippin). Rather than focusing entirely on a central actor like the presidential miniseries, this docu-drama leans heavily on a stellar lineup of expert interviewees to guide the historical narrative, including retired General David Petraeus and bestselling author Max Brooks.

Keep an eye on our comprehensive What’s Coming to Netflix in May 2026 guide for all the latest release dates and breaking news.