Nearly two decades after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, ESPN is marking the moment with a new E60 special led by someone who lived through it. Above the Tide – 20 Years After Katrina premieres Monday, August 11 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and will be available to stream on ESPN+ shortly after.
The special is produced and directed by Julian Gooden and Hosted by Ryan Clark, Super Bowl champion and Emmy-winning NFL analyst, the hour-long special takes viewers on a deeply personal journey through his hometown of New Orleans. This marks Clark’s first E60 project, and he’s going all in—reflecting on the tragedy that changed the city forever and reconnecting with some of the people who helped shape its recovery.
Clark sits down with fellow New Orleans native Leonard Fournette, who was just 10 years old when Katrina hit, along with Drew Brees, Sean Payton, and Steve Gleason, who reflect on the emotional 2006 return of the New Orleans Saints to the Superdome. But this story isn’t just about football. It’s about resilience, culture, and a city that continues to rise—no matter the tide.
From conversations with local musicians and community leaders to intimate reflections with residents still dealing with the storm’s aftermath, Above the Tide offers a layered, heartfelt look at how far the city has come—and how far it still has to go.