TOP GUNS: THE NEXT GENERATION Premieres on 17 September 2025 on National Geographic

Johannesburg, 2 September 2025: National Geographic’s latest six-part series, TOP GUNS: THE NEXT GENERATION, delivers an unprecedented look into the final, most unforgiving phase of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps strike fighter training. Cameras follow student pilots over six months of high-stakes aerial maneuvers, extreme physical challenges, and emotional pressure, where only the top performers earn the coveted “wings of gold.” The series premieres Wednesdays at 20:30 from 17 September 2025 on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220) across Africa.

Beyond the cockpit, the series captures the students’ personal lives, showing candid interactions with family and friends while highlighting the sacrifices and motivations that drive these elite candidates. From bombing drills to close-range dogfights and heart-stopping carrier landings, every episode immerses viewers in the intense realities of one of the world’s most demanding training programs.

^{Student Capt. Steph Harris and CDR 'Duster' Estrada return to base after a dogfight test. (Credit: National Geographic)}

Episodes Include:

• “Strike” – Students face advanced bombing tests and extreme speeds, with instructors assessing high-risk mistakes to ensure safety.
• “Catching the Wire” – Landing on an aircraft carrier tests precision flying; struggling students receive critical warnings from commanding officers.
• “Attack Attack!” – Iconic dogfighting phase begins; students must outmaneuver veteran instructors to succeed.
• “Fight’s On!” – Defensive dogfighting intensifies; physical and emotional strain challenges students’ endurance.
• “Head-To-Head” – Final dogfight against instructors determines whether students earn top grades and preferred postings.
• “Last Chance” – Graduation week; one last flight decides the students’ fighter pilot futures.

The series is produced by Rex, a Zinc Media Group label, for National Geographic. Executive producers include Tanya Shaw (Rex) and Simon Raikes (National Geographic), with Lana Salah as director and Karen Edwards and Chris Parkin as showrunners. Bengt Anderson serves as SVP of Unscripted Content, with Tom McDonald as EVP of Global Factual and Unscripted Content.

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