When the Levees Broke

film by Lee [2006]

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July 17, 2026

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"When the Levees Broke" is a 2006 HBO documentary series directed by Spike Lee that examines the catastrophic events of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. The series focuses on the devastating impact of the hurricane on the Gulf Coast, particularly in New Orleans, and critically assesses the U.S. government's response to the disaster. It highlights the failures of the levee system, the resulting widespread flooding, and the profound human cost, including loss of life and displacement. The documentary also explores the social and racial inequalities exacerbated by the disaster and the slow, often inadequate, recovery efforts.12

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Spike Lee
Other directing
…African American stand-up comedians, and When the Levees Broke (2006), a four-part HBO series outlining the U.S. government’s inadequate response to Hurricane Katrina. A follow-up series, If God Is Willing and da Creek Don’t Rise, aired in 2010. He later helmed the documentary series NYC Epicenters 9/11–20211/2 (2021),…
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…African American stand-up comedians, and When the Levees Broke (2006), a four-part HBO series outlining the U.S. government’s inadequate response to Hurricane Katrina. A follow-up series, If God Is Willing and da Creek Don’t Rise, aired in 2010. He later helmed the documentary series NYC Epicenters 9/11–20211/2 (2021),…
Read More