NBC News to Air Special 9/11 Coverage on ‘Dateline’ and ‘Today’

NBC News has announced a significant programming initiative to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. This includes a documentary featuring never-before-seen footage from its original coverage, airing on Dateline. The special will focus on the experiences of New Yorkers captured by NBC News cameras during that tragic day. The announcement was reported by Variety on September 3, 2026.

In addition to the Dateline documentary, NBC News plans extensive special coverage across multiple platforms, including Today, NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press, and streaming channels like NBC News Now. This marks a significant effort to provide a comprehensive look back at the events of September 11, 2001, and their lasting impact.

Detailed Programming on Dateline

The Dateline documentary will be anchored by Lester Holt and is scheduled to air next Friday. It will revisit real-life accounts from individuals who lived through the events of 9/11, allowing viewers to hear firsthand reflections from those directly affected. This inclusion of personal stories aims to humanize the historical event and offer insight into how the attacks shaped the lives of those who experienced them.

Comprehensive Coverage Across NBC News Platforms

NBC News is set to initiate its special programming on Today, starting at 7 a.m. ET. Anchors Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin will provide live reports, including coverage from Ground Zero. At 8:30 a.m., a significant moment of silence will be observed, highlighting the national remembrance of the victims. This wide-ranging coverage underscores NBC News' commitment to delivering poignant and respectful commemoration of such a pivotal moment in American history.

Tom Llamas will contribute by anchoring special editions of NBC Nightly News and Top Story directly from Ground Zero, enhancing the immediacy and relevance of the coverage. Additionally, viewers can expect a special podcast edition titled Here's the Scoop, which will feature interviews with individuals who were children during the attacks and are now reflecting on their experiences as parents. This segment will also explore dialogues about 9/11 aimed at children, showing how the narrative continues to evolve.

NBC News: Broader Media Commemoration of 9/11

NBC's efforts are part of a larger initiative among major news organizations. Other networks, including ABC News, Fox News, CBS News, CNN, and MS NOW, are also preparing special broadcasts in recognition of the anniversary. This collaborative media approach reflects the widespread acknowledgment of the event's significance and the shared histories that bind many viewers.

Additionally, NBC will air an investigative segment on NBC Nightly News focused on the long-term health issues stemming from the attacks, furthering the narrative around the enduring legacy of 9/11. The coverage will culminate with a streamed special edition highlighting stories of heroism and sacrifice from Americans in response to the attacks, specifically aimed at fostering reflection and honoring those affected.

What this means

The comprehensive programming by NBC News is not just an effort to revisit a tragic event but also a commitment to educating newer generations about the significance and repercussions of the attacks. By featuring personal testimonies and specialized segments, NBC aims to foster understanding and connection among audiences. As networks come together to commemorate this anniversary, the collective programming could provide a well-rounded perspective on an event that continues to resonate across generations.

For more information on similar commemorative broadcasts, check out our coverage on Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade Commemorate 9/11 on Fox News and Norah O’Donnell Returns to ‘CBS Mornings’ Alongside Gayle King.