For the first time in history, THE WATCH pulls back the curtain on America’s nuclear deterrence mission—the most secret and consequential military operation on the planet. This gripping documentary series provides unprecedented access to the elite warriors of U.S. Strategic Command who stand watch with America’s nuclear triad—bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and ballistic missile submarines. On alert 24/7/365 across the globe, they operate at the highest level of readiness to prevent nuclear war—so humanity never has to face one.
The Human Story: THE WATCH is an immersive, high-stakes documentary that reveals the untold struggles and sacrifices of the young men and women (average age – 28) entrusted with the most lethal weapons on Earth. From the eerie silence inside a submerged ballistic missile submarine to the thunderous roar of a B-2 stealth bomber preparing for action, these service members live a life of relentless vigilance. They walk a razor-thin line between duty and personal sacrifice, knowing their actions could alter the course of history.
Why It Matters—For Everyone: THE WATCH brings audiences face-to-face with the high-stakes reality of nuclear deterrence—whether you're a military veteran or have never considered its impact before. As military and political tensions with Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran escalate, this series arrives at a pivotal moment, offering an unprecedented look into the world of those who stand between civilization and catastrophe.
Most people know America possesses nuclear weapons, but few understand why they exist, how they operate, and—most importantly—who controls them. THE WATCH lifts the veil on this secretive mission, transforming it from an abstraction into an edge-of-your-seat cinematic experience. It reveals the immense responsibility, precision, and personal sacrifice of the men and women safeguarding the nation’s ultimate line of defense.
Far from faceless operators, these are real people with families, struggles, and triumphs—living with the constant weight of decisions that could alter the course of history. Since the dawn of the nuclear deterrence era in 1959, millions have served in this ultimate mission, yet their stories have never been documented on television. THE WATCH finally gives them a voice, honoring their sacrifice while granting the public a historic, unfiltered look into the most consequential military mission on Earth.
Unprecedented Access – Never Before Captured on Camera: Filmed over 40 days at seven high-security U.S. military bases and underwater at sea, THE WATCH takes viewers into the heart of nuclear operations, capturing:
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Strategic Strike and Command: In-flight in the cockpits of America’s two nuclear-armed bombers, the B-2 Stealth, B-52 Stratofortress, and in-flight aboard the elusive and mysterious E-4B “Doomsday” Jet.
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Underwater Warfare: A stunning, exclusive look at the highly cloistered life of sailors aboard a U.S. Navy ballistic missile submarine on patrol beneath the ocean’s surface.
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ICBM Operations: The tense, underground world of the ballistic missile control centers, where missileers stand ready 24 hours a day to launch their weapons in minutes, and are embedded with the weapons-laden, combat-ready teams guarding nuclear weapons convoys.
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Command & Control: Inside the top-secret nuclear-hardened bunkers where America’s most senior military commanders advise the president and set enemy targets.
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Leadership at the Highest Levels: Unfiltered interviews with the highest-ranking military officers overseeing America’s nuclear arsenal.
Series Status: THE WATCH is a groundbreaking six-season exploration of the world’s most powerful military deterrent. Currently in post-production for season one, the series is actively securing partnerships with leading domestic and international broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Pre-production for season two is underway amid a rapidly shifting global security landscape where nuclear deterrence is more critical than ever. Whether you're fascinated by high-stakes military operations, drawn to deeply personal stories of resilience under pressure, or intrigued by the hidden world of nuclear defense, THE WATCH delivers an exclusive, immersive, edge-of-your-seat experience like none other in television history.
OUR TEAM
Jeff Bolton
Series Creator | Producer
Steven Chester Prince
Executive Producer
Ted Schillinger
Director
Carissa Buffel & Kevin Matusow
Producers
Taylor Gentry
Cinematographer
Craig Hosking
Aerial Coordinator | Pilot