New National Geographic docuseries explores OKC Bombing through firsthand accounts

A new National Geographic docuseries, Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America, aims to provide an unflinching, moment-by-moment account of the tragic events of April 19, 1995. The three-part series, which premieres April 2 on National Geographic and will stream on Disney+ and Hulu, centers the voices of those who experienced the bombing firsthand.

Robin Marsh, News 9 Featured in New Oklahoma City Bombing Docuseries on National Geographic

Robin Marsh sat down with series director Ceri Isfryn to discuss the project. Marsh, who was among the first journalists on the scene in 1995, is also featured in the documentary, providing her firsthand account of covering the tragedy.

WATCH: Robin Marsh reflects on covering the OKC Bombing 30 years ago for News 9

"This is a three-part series all about the events of April 19, 1995, and what we really wanted to do was put the voices of those who were there that day front and center," said Isfryn. "We've used some amazing archive footage from News 9 to really help us focus, moment by moment, on what happened that day and the impact that had as well—not just in the immediate aftermath, but to this day."

The docuseries features survivors, family members of victims, first responders, and law enforcement, offering a comprehensive perspective on the tragedy.

"I think maybe sometimes people think of a federal building, and they have certain perceptions of who might be working there, but these really were ordinary American people, and we really wanted to represent that." Isfryn said.

The first responders’ stories provide some of the most powerful moments in the documentary. Firefighter Mike Shannon recounts one of the most difficult decisions of his career—ordering his crew to evacuate amid fears of a second bomb, leaving behind people still in need of rescue.

"That was the worst moment of his career, maybe his life," Isfryn said. "We really wanted people to understand the impossible dilemmas that ordinary people, who had just gone to work that day, were suddenly being tasked with."

Isfryn, who is from the United Kingdom, admitted to having preconceived notions before coming to Oklahoma but was deeply moved by the Oklahoma Standard—the community’s well-known spirit of service and resilience.

"I'll be completely honest, I guess that there was a slightly cynical British part of me that didn’t really think it could be a thing," Isfryn said. "I came to Oklahoma and spent time with the people, you know, not just the people we interviewed, but whilst we spent those weeks we did in the city. You can really feel it all around. People would just go out of their way to want to help us in whatever way they could, even if they just met us."

The three episodes of the series break down the event into key phases:

1. Episode One follows the bombing in real time, showing the immediate aftermath and the race to understand what had just happened.
2. Episode Two explores the realization of the attack’s full magnitude and law enforcement’s urgent efforts to find those responsible.
3. Episode Three delves into the pursuit of justice and the lasting impact on survivors and the city.

The final episode features an interview with former President Bill Clinton, who reflects on the lessons of April 19, 1995.

"April 19 still matters, because we need to celebrate our differences. They're essential, but not if it comes at the cost of common humanity. And what Tim McVeigh showed us that day was that actually this is what happens when you forget common humanity," Isfryn said. 

With the 30th anniversary of the bombing approaching, Clinton is set to return to Oklahoma City for the remembrance ceremony, underscoring the ongoing significance of the tragedy.

Reflecting on the production, Isfryn expressed deep gratitude to those who shared their stories.

"I'm grateful to everybody who did share their story with us, because, you know, to take that leap of faith with somebody and talk about what was obviously such a traumatic day,” she said. “I'll always be honored and grateful that people trusted us to do that. And you know, I just really hope that this series serves as a historical record in a way of that day that people can take away and learn from it and just really commemorate, all those who were lost"

The series premieres April 2 on National Geographic and will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. 

Watch the full interview with Ceri Isfryn:

Watch the trailer: