A High-Stakes Docuseries Soars This September
National Geographic has revealed the adrenaline-charged trailer for its newest docuseries, Top Guns: The Next Generation. Premiering September 16, 2025, at 9/8c on National Geographic and streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu, this six-part series puts viewers inside the cockpit of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ most demanding aviation training program. With exclusive access, the show captures the emotional, physical, and technical challenges student aviators face as they strive to earn their coveted wings of gold.
TOP GUNS: THE NEXT GENERATION Premieres Sept. 16 at 9/8c on National Geographic and Streams Next Day on Disney+ and Hulu
Inside the Navy’s Most Intense Training
The series follows a class of Navy and Marine Corps student pilots through the final, most unforgiving phase of strike fighter training. Over six months, these ambitious aviators face relentless aerial drills, brutal physical demands, and high-pressure evaluations. From nail-biting carrier landings to close-range dogfights, every flight could determine their future in the skies. Adding to the authenticity, the production team includes creatives behind Top Gun: Maverick, ensuring breathtaking visuals and pulse-pounding aerial cinematography.
Beyond the Cockpit
While the in-air drama delivers cinematic spectacle, the series also explores the personal side of these students’ journeys. Cameras capture candid off-base moments with family and friends, revealing the sacrifices, motivations, and resilience required to chase the dream of becoming a U.S. Navy fighter pilot. It’s a story of ambition, setbacks, and triumphs—on the ground and in the air.
Episode Guide
- “Strike” (Sept. 16, 2025): Bombing tests push students to their limits as mistakes mount and instructors deliver harsh debriefs.
- “Catching the Wire” (Sept. 23, 2025): Students face the ultimate test—landing on an aircraft carrier—with careers hanging in the balance.
- “Attack Attack!” (Sept. 30, 2025): Midway through training, students take on seasoned instructors in high-stakes dogfights.
- “Fight’s On!” (Oct. 7, 2025): Defensive maneuvers test both skill and stamina, pushing some students to their breaking points.
- “Head-to-Head” (Oct. 14, 2025): Graduation looms as students prepare for iconic final dogfights against their instructors.
- “Last Chance” (Oct. 21, 2025): One last opportunity remains for students to prove they’re worthy of their wings.
Production Credits
Top Guns: The Next Generation is produced by Rex, a Zinc Media Group Label, for National Geographic. Tanya Shaw serves as executive producer, with Lana Salah directing the series and Karen Edwards and Chris Parkin as showrunners. For National Geographic, Simon Raikes is executive producer, Bengt Anderson is senior vice president of Unscripted Content, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content.
