Schedule

Russian all-terrain vehicles are put to the toughest of tests in extreme Arctic temperatures on an epic journey to Kotelny Island. A Trecol, a 30-tonne Vityaz DT-30 PM, two of its little brothers, the DT-10 PMs, and a GAZ-3344-20 tracked carrier set out to prove the extent of their all weather and all-terrain capabilities.

Racial disparities and inherent biases are still alive in many American towns and cities. In St. Louis, Missouri, the black-and-white divide is palpable, affecting many aspects of life for African-Americans. The first episode offers an insight into St. Louis' black neighbourhoods through the eyes of activists, still forced to fight for justice and equality.

James Brown enlists and is sent to boot camp, where he will see if he has what it takes to become one of Russia's elite Airborne Troops or VDV.

James Brown joins the paratroopers' mountain division, where he and his comrades engage the enemy in wargames. 

They call it Sleepy Hollow. A small village in Kazakhstan which has succumbed to a mysterious ailment – its dwellers keep falling asleep for no apparent reason. Anyone can be affected without warning. Some blame ghosts, others – closed uranium mines located nearby. RT Doc investigates.

They're the most beautiful big buttercups on God's green Earth, according to their choreographer. Meet a troupe of fat dancers who entertain dancers while challenging traditional notions about Russian beauty. 

50 years after the U.S. military intervention in the Vietnam War, the weapons it used continue to harm the local population. Unexploded mines still take lives and the consequences of “Agent Orange” claim new victims.

Today is the final season performance at the Nikulin Circus, and Vladimir the clown is nervous. By tradition, the performers play pranks on each other during the final show, and Vladimir has a good one planned for ringmaster, Boris. The trick goes off perfectly, but Vladimir’s three-year-old daughter still steals the show. Will Boris give as good as he gets?

Veteran clown Aleksey Emelin and his wife Irina return to Moscow after a tour performing in Japan. They can’t wait to get back to the Nikulin Circus to see the animals they left behind. Meanwhile, Vladimir Deryabkin’s sidekick, Dmitry Shindrov, is preparing to make his solo debut, while Vladimir is in St. Petersburg helping his mother renovate her flat.

Dmitry Shindrov is getting ready for his big debut. To give him a hand, a very patient designer helps with his costume and veteran clown Aleksey Emelin gives him some tips on getting the crowd’s attention. Vladimir Deryabkin explains that Dmitry’s sidekick role wasn’t really crucial to the show’s success, so now they’ll finally see what he’s really made of.

Dmitry Shindrov arrives in St. Petersburg for his big debut as a full-fledged clown but immediately discovers some problems. Nonetheless, his act goes off successfully, despite a few hitches. The only real disappointment is that none of Dmitry’s clown-colleagues attended. Meanwhile, an acrobatic team closes out the show on the ‘wheel of death’.

Deryabkin’s travelling circus is closed for the season. Back in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Vladimir sets about reopening a gramophone museum owned by his father. Despite some unhappy surprises, the renovation goes well, and the public appears interested. The elder Deryabkin shares stories about his legendary clowning career and his decision to retire.

The ‘Equivoques’ clown troupe has arrived to perform in Moscow but gets off to a bumpy start on meeting the Nikulin Circus’ super-strict director, Natasha, who doesn’t appear to appreciate their Ukrainian sense of humour. Meanwhile, Vladimir Deryabkin and Aleksey Emelin finally manage to get together for a rare meeting of veteran clowns.

Pianist Vladislav Teterin’s foundation, 'World of Art', is a very special charity for disabled children. It gives young singers and musicians a chance to shine on stage and to show the whole world that their physical disabilities are no barrier to them developing their talents.

Endemic poverty in the West African country of Togo is putting crushing pressure on families. Children as young as five toil long hours breaking stones, picking coffee beans, and other manual labour. Their parents are aware of the hard and often dangerous conditions but must send them to work to help the family survive. Many children seek more promising opportunities abroad but end up falling into slavery and prostitution.

Panning for gold may sound like a dream career that will guarantee a life of ease. But as RTDoc team finds out, it does not pay very well in Kyrgyzstan. And what's more – it will not buy you a decent dinner, let alone happiness.

Open your heart to the best of the best of underground art at the 'Burning Man' festival as it takes place in a wooden city its participants build themselves.

Open your heart to the best of the best of underground art at the 'Burning Man' festival as it takes place in a wooden city its participants build themselves.

Racial disparities and inherent biases are still alive in many American towns and cities. In St. Louis, Missouri, the black-and-white divide is palpable, affecting many aspects of life for African-Americans. The first episode offers an insight into St. Louis' black neighbourhoods through the eyes of activists, still forced to fight for justice and equality.

For over 25 years, six friends pushed the limits, making the most challenging BASE jumps imaginable. No building was too tall, no jump too risky, no environment too extreme. Zooming through canyons in wingsuits like birds in flight, the daredevils felt unbridled joy and freedom. Over four years, half would pay the ultimate price for their addiction to flight. 

As China is setting a course to revive the Silk Road with its ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, we visit the key cities on the renowned ancient trade route. Learn the story behind the discovery of the famous terracotta army in Xi’an, visit Lanzhou for a traditional tea ceremony, and find out what ailments are treated with acupuncture in Ürümqi.

For some people, the so-called ‘Tower of David’ is just an unfinished skyscraper. For others, it’s an asylum for robbers and murderers. About 800 families call this place home. RTD presents a film about people that live in this tower.

Russian all-terrain vehicles are put to the toughest of tests in extreme Arctic temperatures on an epic journey to Kotelny Island. A Trecol, a 30-tonne Vityaz DT-30 PM, two of its little brothers, the DT-10 PMs, and a GAZ-3344-20 tracked carrier set out to prove the extent of their all weather and all-terrain capabilities.

James Brown enlists and is sent to boot camp, where he will see if he has what it takes to become one of Russia's elite Airborne Troops or VDV.

James Brown joins the paratroopers' mountain division, where he and his comrades engage the enemy in wargames. 

They call it Sleepy Hollow. A small village in Kazakhstan which has succumbed to a mysterious ailment – its dwellers keep falling asleep for no apparent reason. Anyone can be affected without warning. Some blame ghosts, others – closed uranium mines located nearby. RT Doc investigates.

They're the most beautiful big buttercups on God's green Earth, according to their choreographer. Meet a troupe of fat dancers who entertain dancers while challenging traditional notions about Russian beauty. 

From watching indigenous cholita women wrestle to taking part in a La Paz carnival, Pavel and Ramiro look into every nook and cranny in search of the Bolivian character. In this episode, they find out where cholitas got their bowler hats from, why villagers still practice lynching and how a sad song by the local band Los Kjarkas turned into the famous Lambada hit.

50 years after the U.S. military intervention in the Vietnam War, the weapons it used continue to harm the local population. Unexploded mines still take lives and the consequences of “Agent Orange” claim new victims.

Maria and Sergey are married and keen to adopt a baby. Such a radical life-changing decision can and should never be taken lightly:  they have a lot to think about before committing themselves. They’re torn between the love they so desperately want to give to a child, doubts about their own abilities and of course they have to discuss the delicate topic with their family, not everyone is totally in favour. Then there’s the legal procedure and choosing a baby! At times, it all seems impossible.

Pianist Vladislav Teterin’s foundation, 'World of Art', is a very special charity for disabled children. It gives young singers and musicians a chance to shine on stage and to show the whole world that their physical disabilities are no barrier to them developing their talents.

In 2016, Rodrigo Duterte was elected president of the Philippines. He’s promised to crack down on crime and infamously urged citizens to kill drug addicts. Since his term began, it’s alleged that numerous extrajudicial executions of supposed drug dealers have been carried out.

South Sudan in Africa has been in a state of civil war since 2013. Hundreds of thousands of people have fallen victim to the ongoing hostilities. The desolation of war has brought famine to this normally fertile land. In this drastic situation, an international team at a Red Cross hospital in the town of Kodok fights to save the lives of those wounded, ill, or starving, as well as help reunite families separated by the conflict.

Endemic poverty in the West African country of Togo is putting crushing pressure on families. Children as young as five toil long hours breaking stones, picking coffee beans, and other manual labour. Their parents are aware of the hard and often dangerous conditions but must send them to work to help the family survive. Many children seek more promising opportunities abroad but end up falling into slavery and prostitution.

Open your heart to the best of the best of underground art at the 'Burning Man' festival as it takes place in a wooden city its participants build themselves.

Open your heart to the best of the best of underground art at the 'Burning Man' festival as it takes place in a wooden city its participants build themselves.

As China is setting a course to revive the Silk Road with its ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, we visit the key cities on the renowned ancient trade route. Learn the story behind the discovery of the famous terracotta army in Xi’an, visit Lanzhou for a traditional tea ceremony, and find out what ailments are treated with acupuncture in Ürümqi.

For over 25 years, six friends pushed the limits, making the most challenging BASE jumps imaginable. No building was too tall, no jump too risky, no environment too extreme. Zooming through canyons in wingsuits like birds in flight, the daredevils felt unbridled joy and freedom. Over four years, half would pay the ultimate price for their addiction to flight. 

The final day of the cruise is spent sailing back to Moscow. The children are entertained with a mini Olympic Games where they all win medals. A tour of the boat including the bridge and engine room has the kids and Stas enthralled. In the evening before the ship docks there is time for one last show, where Stas gets roped into performing against his better judgement.

The holidays are over and its back to school for all the kids. For Vika that means a special school as her learning has been hampered by her infant illness. The teachers help Vika to shine in class as they know she has some difficulties. After school, it’s time for Stas to take all the kids to the park so they can let off steam and roller skate. 

To give Masha a break Stas takes the children to the Experimentarium museum – when he can find it that is. Once inside the kids get to touch and play with all kinds of scientific experiments. They have trouble getting their minds around the mirrors, but are enchanted by the bubbles. Unfortunately, stargazing at the planetarium is not such a hit. 

There’s a mad dash in the flat to tidy it up before the adoption inspectors arrive. While the kids are at school, Stas and Masha make sure the home and menagerie of pets are ready for inspection. The inspectors appear satisfied by what they see. Masha explains her frustration with the adoption system, which she thinks does not provide enough to care for the kids.

As the kids arrive back from school, they’re confronted by the adoption inspectors who need to question them for their report. All goes well, but the questions and answers don’t stop as there is homework to do. Stas and Masha do their best to help, but their English language homework defeats them. The work gets interrupted with the delivery of a new cage for the pet mice.

The weekend arrives, and it’s Stas’s job to keep the kids occupied and take them to the All Russian Exhibition Centre. The kids love the science show, and are mesmerised by ‘Megavolt Man’. Even though it’s wet, Stas lets the youngsters go go-karting on the track. He wishes he hadn’t, as they end up covered in mud. To complete their day the kids take in a play at a fairy tale theatre.