With a spotlight on resilience, memory, and cultural identity, CNN premiered the first episode of its four-part docuseries New Orleans: Soul of a City this evening at 8 p.m. Central Time. The debut installment, titled Rebirth of the Superdome, revisits the story of one of the nation’s most iconic stadiums and its journey from tragedy to triumph, offering a deeply layered narrative about New Orleans’ post-Katrina resurgence.
The Louisiana Superdome, now the Caesars Superdome, stands as both an emblem of devastation and renewal. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, it became a shelter of last resort for thousands of displaced residents. Images of the stadium’s damaged roof and overcrowded halls came to symbolize the city’s vulnerability and the failures of emergency response. Yet just five years later, the same arena served as the setting for a transformative moment in the city’s recovery: the New Orleans Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010. For many residents, that win represented more than a football championship—it was a powerful sign of the city’s ability to rebound.
Produced by Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Eric Johnson, the docuseries blends archival footage, expert commentary, and intimate interviews. Former Saints players reflect on the emotional impact of returning to the Dome, city officials recall the logistical challenges of restoring the facility, and cultural leaders describe how the stadium became woven into the fabric of New Orleans’ civic identity. In doing so, the program offers not just a historical account, but a meditation on how physical spaces can embody collective memory and catalyze healing.
The premiere episode anchors the series in a familiar yet emotionally potent chapter of American urban history. Future installments are expected to broaden the lens, examining other cultural and civic institutions that have shaped the identity of New Orleans over the past two decades. Episodes two through four are slated to air on consecutive Sundays at 9 p.m. Central Time beginning October 5, with the entire series available on-demand to CNN TV subscribers starting August 25.
The timing of the release reflects both historical continuity and renewed relevance. Nearly two decades after Katrina, the city continues to navigate questions of resilience, equity, and cultural preservation. The docuseries situates the Superdome as a microcosm of those struggles and victories. By showing how an architectural structure came to symbolize rebirth, the series underscores the idea that civic landmarks can carry meanings far beyond their intended purpose.
Media critics note that New Orleans: Soul of a City represents a growing genre of documentary storytelling that blends sports, history, and urban studies. Like earlier works that examined the role of stadiums and arenas in local identity, the series highlights how cultural institutions serve as both gathering places and emotional anchors. For New Orleans, a city defined by its blend of music, food, and resilience, the Superdome story serves as a vivid example of how communities find meaning in shared spaces.
The series also arrives at a moment when climate resilience and urban adaptation remain central issues across the Gulf Coast. By revisiting the aftermath of one of the most devastating storms in U.S. history, the docuseries provides historical context for current conversations about infrastructure, preparedness, and the role of public institutions in recovery.
For film and media audiences, Johnson’s work offers a textured blend of personal storytelling and broader cultural analysis. The use of historical footage juxtaposed with modern interviews allows viewers to relive pivotal moments while gaining a deeper appreciation of the social and architectural forces that shaped them. As Johnson explained in promotional materials, the series is less about sports or buildings and more about the enduring spirit of a city that has repeatedly faced, and overcome, extraordinary challenges.
By placing the Superdome at the center of its narrative, CNN’s New Orleans: Soul of a City elevates the conversation about resilience, culture, and identity. It captures how one building, scarred by disaster and later celebrated for triumph, became a symbol of collective perseverance. For New Orleanians, it is both a reminder of hardship and a testament to the city’s ability to rise again.
