Must-see new documentaries on Disney Plus in September
A nostalgic and star-studded return to the 1990s, In Vogue: The '90s, and the story of a true crime con artist, Killer Lies, top this month's picks
In Vogue: The 90s
Documentary
Summary:Featuring an A-list cast from the worlds of fashion, film and music, this landmark series reveals the inside story of the most celebrated fashion and pop culture moments in the 1990s. As well as Vogue's Anna Wintour, celebrities including Edward Enninful, Hamish Bowles, Tonne Goodman, Naomi Campbell, Marc Jacobs, Missy Elliott and Claudia Schiffer all make contributions.
Why to watch: A nostalgic look back on the iconic decade that brought us heroin chic, low rise jeans, and jelly shoes, featuring a perfectly selected list of contributors who were there when it happened.
Episodes 1-3 available on September 13, followed by episodes 4-6 on September 20
The Secret Life of Dancing Dogs
Documentary | Reality
Summary:This documentary series follows a group of handlers and their canine coworkers as they prepare canine-human performances for Crufts, the world’s biggest dog show. Hoping to win the judges' approval, the heroes leap, pirouette, and hop.
Why to watch: Who knew behind the scenes at Crufts could be so joyous? This infectious series follows seven female dog handlers across the globe as they choreograph canine performances for “Heelwork to Music” - a highly competitive sport - with their beloved dance partner pets.
Available on September 28
Killer Lies: Chasing A True Crime Con Man
Documentary | Crime
Summary:Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ben Selkow, Killer Lies tracks the rise and fall of Stéphane Bourgoin, supposedly France’s best known serial killer expert. From the 1990s, Bourgoin fabricated his biography to include fake details of his expertise on serial killers, including assisting the FBI. That is, until 2020, when online sleuths realised he was not what he claimed to be.
Why to watch: This is a fascinating story of a man whose wild claims made him a respected figure in true crime, and who might never have been caught were it not for the internet. As it happened, Bourgoin was not a criminologist with decades of first-hand experience - he was merely a good storyteller.
Available on September 8
Snake City
Documentary
Summary:From deadly black mambas in wardrobes to cobras in factories, South African snake wranglers Simon Keys and Siouxsie Gillett put their lives on the line to catch snakes and return them to the wild. In series 10, Keys and Gillett visit India to tackle the infamous apex predator the King Cobra and the extremely venomous Russell’s viper. At home in South Africa, Mbali Mtshali continues her work raising awareness and protecting urban environments from snake intrusions.
Why to watch: This long-running documentary series, featuring real-life couple Keys and Gillett, shines when it comes to ensuring animal welfare. The pair love snakes, which is a joy to watch, and also provide useful information on how to distinguish between breeds and keep your cool in their presence.
Available on September 4
Pirates: Behind the Legends
Documentary | Drama
Summary:From legendary John Ward to the notorious Pirates of the Caribbean, Behind the Legends charts the voyages and exploits of pirate legends, with the help of historical experts and pirate artefacts.
Why to watch: Pirates are a plentiful bounty for legends and Hollywood films, and so they've fascinated audiences and historians for centuries. This doc goes some way towards separating the fact from the fiction - these folk were very often terrible, terrible people. They make interesting documentary subjects, though.
Available now
OceanXplorers
Documentary
Summary:Will tell the stories of adventurous explorers, scientists and filmmakers with never-before-used technology as they embark on their mission, tackling challenges that arise from seeking to solve some of the ocean’s greatest outstanding mysteries.
Why to watch: Described as the “most ambitious ocean adventure ever filmed,” OceanXplorers is a stunning collaboration between Academy Award-winning Titanic director James Cameron and ocean exploration initiative OceanX, offering a unique insight to life under the waves. Filmed from a cutting-edge research vessel, OceanXplorers takes viewers to the furthest reaches of the oceans - 80% of which are entirely unexplored.
Available now
Cursed Gold: A Shipwreck Scandal
Documentary | Crime
Summary:In 1989, expedition leader Tommy Thompson retrieved three tonnes of gold from the shipwrecked S.S. Central America in the Atlantic Ocean. The gold changes his life in unexpected ways. This documentary recounts the discovery and Thompson's ensuing legal turmoil.
Why to watch: The story of American treasure hunter Tommy Thompson is at times impressive, and others downright bizarre. As such, it's a remarkable insight into how discovering a literal treasure trove can impact one's psyche.
Available now
Cesar Millan: Better Human, Better Dog
Reality
Summary:Celebrity dog trainer Cesar Millan takes on the most challenging cases yet, treating a host of new canine behavioural issues impacted by well-intentioned but impulsive owners.
Why to watch: Amidst sky high adoption rates, Millan - who has counted the pooches of Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey as his clients - is back on our screens. As usual, Milan's approach may not be suitable for all canines and their wayward owners - but it's certainly a chance to reevaluate one's relationship with man's best friend.
Available now
Untamed Australia
Summary:A unique account of the bizarre animals living in the wetlands, islands, deserts, and Outback of Australia, also known as the ‘Island Continent’. Filmed over multiple years and using static cameras, hidden cameras, underwater cameras and special night equipment, Untamed Australia captures the beautiful creatures and seasons of the vast Australian wilderness in unparalleled clarity.
Why to watch: Contrary to popular opinion, the land down under isn't all deadly snakes, spiders and crocodiles. It is, however, unlike anywhere else on Earth. This docuseries is a loving tribute to Australia's varied geography, as well as its colourful wildlife and unique ecosystems.
Available now
Wicked Tuna
Action & Adventure | Reality
Summary:In Gloucester, Massachusetts, there's a special breed of fishermen. For generations they've used rod and reel to catch the elusive bluefin tuna. They depend on these fish for their livelihood, and the competition is brutal. Over 10 weeks, these skilled fishermen set out in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic in hopes of catching the valuable tuna. When one bluefin can bring in as much as $20,000 - they'll do whatever it takes to hook up.
Why to watch: Who knew that a reality series about the tuna fishing industry could be so addictive? This Nat Geo hit has spawned 13 seasons since 2012, establishing itself as a mainstay of the channel. An assortment of big personalities, coupled with an unusual and volatile market, makes this an entertaining watch.
Available now
