Overview of 'Our World' Season 17

Episode 1 - Jessica and Austin: When Murder Goes Viral

Release Date: 2023-02-04

In June 2020, three friends filmed themselves finding bodies in a suitcase. As their videos went viral, the lives of the victims, Jessica and Austin, were lost to rumour and speculation as people online combed through their story. Over the course of the two year trial, the programme follows the families as they try to get justice for their children, lost in a social media storm.

Episode 2 - Brits in Battle: Ukraine

Release Date: 2023-02-11

Since Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine a year ago, many British nationals have travelled there to fight. Some have prior military experience, others have none; but all are inspired by the idea that they are making a difference. With exclusive access to months of extraordinary footage filmed on the frontline, Emma Vardy meets the soldiers who are drawn to this conflict and the family members of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Episode 3 - Our Tribe's Addiction

Release Date: 2023-02-24

Following the work of the MHA Nation's recovery clinic and their own drug enforcement team as they try to turn a rising tide of addiction.

Episode 4 - Inside the Illegal Puppy Trade

Release Date: 2023-03-03

Puppies are a multi-billion Euro industry in Europe. But where are all these puppies coming from? Our World unveils a criminal underworld of puppy traders trafficking dogs across Europe.

Episode 5 - My Escape from Afghanistan

Release Date: 2023-03-11

In February 2022, a video emerged of a young Afghan woman screaming for help whilst her door was being kicked in by the Taliban. Little is known about what took place after - where was she taken, and for what reason? Yalda Hakim travels to Afghanistan after gaining access to her and her family once they are released from prison, and as they plot their escape from Afghanistan to Europe.

Episode 6 - Facial Recognition - Fighting Crime?

Release Date: 2023-03-25

Facial recognition technology is at the cutting edge of fighting crime in the United States. Police forces across the country can upload your image and search databases containing millions of photos scoured from the internet. Whether you’ve uploaded the photo yourself, or someone else has without your knowledge – you can be identified and tracked down. James Clayton investigates the accuracy of this controversial technology and asks whether it is invading your privacy and should be a part of law and order in America.

Episode 7 - Finding Alaa

Release Date: 2023-05-08

Azdyne Amimour is looking for his granddaughter, and trying to make amends for crimes he did not commit. Azdyne's son Samy was one of three gunmen who killed 90 people at the Bataclan theatre in Paris, in November 2015. He himself was also killed. Samy left behind a daughter, who was born in Syria shortly after the attacks. Now Azdyne is out to find her and give her the love and security she needs. Finding Alaa is the story of families struggling to live with the consequences of acts of terror and the story of one man's search for a child.

Episode 8 - Inside El Salvador's Gang Crackdown

Release Date: 2023-05-19

Once dubbed the 'murder capital' of the world, for nearly three decades, rival gangs ruled the streets of El Salvador through a regime of violence, extortion and fear. That is, until now. For the last year, the country's young, media-savvy president has launched a full-scale war on gangs, imposing emergency constitutional measures and giving police sweeping new powers of arrest. As the State of Exception passes its one-year anniversary, more than 65,000 people have been arrested and dramatic images of a new 'mega prison' hit headlines around the world. But as the country transforms before people's eyes, this newfound freedom hides a dark reality. The government is accused of locking up thousands of innocent people without trial and in flagrant abuse of their human rights. Will Grant meets families impacted by both sides of this controversial policy to uncover the hidden cost of peace on the streets.

Episode 9 - South Africa: On the Edge of Darkness

Release Date: 2023-05-26

South Africa is struggling to keep the lights on. Its power system is crumbling, leading to regular and extensive blackouts and it is the poorest who are hardest hit. Why is it in such bad shape, and what hope is there of South Africa kicking its addiction to coal and switching to greener sources of energy? Andrew Harding uncovers a story of corruption and vested interests at the heart of South Africa’s power failure.

Episode 10 - Myanmar's War in the Air

Release Date: 2023-06-02

Russia is supplying the Myanmar military with advanced fighter jets and training their pilots how to use them in a war against their own people. More than two years on from the coup, the country's military is facing a countrywide armed uprising and their troops are struggling to hold ground and recruit foot soldiers. So, the strategy is turning increasingly to the air with devastating consequences. BBC's Asia editor Rebecca Henschke follows those fighting back on the ground and in the air. And she meets defectors from the air force who give exclusive insight into the strategy and psychology behind those operating these deadly machines.

Episode 11 - North Korea: The Insiders

Release Date: 2023-06-14

For more than three years, North Korea has sealed its borders. People are banned from leaving or entering the country. Almost every foreigner who was inside has packed up and left. The world's most secretive and tyrannical state is now an information black hole. For months, three people inside North Korea have risked their lives to tell the BBC what is happening. What they reveal is shocking. Years of hard labour for those found watching foreign films and TV programmes, and execution for the ones who try to escape. Jean Mackenzie, the BBC's correspondent in South Korea, asks: is this a new dark age for North Korea?

Episode 12 - Abortion: Life after Roe v Wade

Release Date: 2023-06-23

It is a year since millions of Americans were blocked from accessing an abortion. And the debate is as divisive as ever. Our World has travelled across two neighbouring, but very different, states - Florida and Alabama - to see how restrictions are impacting essential healthcare.

Episode 13 - Hong Kong’s Exodus

Release Date: 2023-06-30

Hong Kong is facing its biggest exodus since records began. Hundreds of thousands have left since Beijing imposed a draconian national security law on the former British colony. Critics say that Hong Kong has become a police state. The majority of the political opposition have either been detained or are now living in exile. The BBC’s Danny Vincent has been following Hong Kongers determined to start a new life in the UK and those determined to stay.