Explorer Season 2006

More than 1,500 years ago, ancient writings were buried that offered alternative narratives about Jesus of Nazareth. There were many of these alternative gospels that rendered very different versions of the story and were considered scandalous and deemed heretical. Rediscovered within the last century, these texts offer more questions than answers. Secret Lives of Jesus examines these mysterious lost stories of Christ, exploring the fundamental questions surrounding the texts.

Climb aboard the newly overhauled U.S.S. Eisenhower, one of the U.S. Navy's most advanced "super carriers." The "Ike" is poised to deploy for the first time in four years, but her 6,000 crew must prove they and their aircraft are battle ready.

They breed as much as 5 times more often than European honeybees. A single swarm can deploy an attack force of 80,000 stingers. Their armies of suicide bombers can chase an intruder for a quarter of a mile, and bring down a creature as large as a horse. Cruising at up to 20 miles per hour, killer bees have already overrun vast regions of South and Central America and pushed farther north than many scientists thought possible. Now, they threaten to invade the southern U.S., heading for both coasts of the country. Can scientists, beekeepers and exterminators stop the invading hordes before it's too late?

Methamphetamine is one of the hardest drugs to quit. Its abuse is ravaging rural communities and cities alike. NGC correspondent Lisa Ling goes inside this global epidemic to find out what makes meth so addictive and destructive.

With three-inch canines and claws like switchblades, big cats are capable of taking down fleet-footed antelope or two-ton elephants. From Africa to India, you'll discover the ultimate engineering and ambush tactics of lions, tigers and leopards.

The hippo can weigh 8,000 pounds, outrun a sprinter, and shares a common ancestor with the whale. Explore the science behind this 15-million-year-old marvel.

What if a mega-earthquake hits Los Angeles? The scenarios are unthinkable: more than 18,000 dead, $250 billion in property damage, 100,000 tons of debris. NGC simulates a 7.7 quake that many scientists feel is overdue.

The polar bear, brown bear, and black bear each can weigh more than 1,000 pounds, outrun an Olympic sprinter, and take out prey with a single swipe of the paw. Deconstruct these bioengineering marvels to learn the secrets of maximum bears.

The photo shows a six-foot alligator half inside a dead 13-foot Burmese python. How could a snake overpower one of Florida's largest and most terrifying native carnivores?

They solve murders, catch spies, and prevent terrorist attacks. They are one of the most revered law enforcement agencies on the planet, and one of the least understood until now. Go behind-the-scenes with the federal agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). With re-enactments, on-location footage and interviews with agents, re-examine the agency's most challenging case - the bombing of the USS Cole - and see how the NCIS is staying one step ahead of the terrorists.

Part sub killer. Part terrorist hunter. Part spy. It's among the deepest and longest running nuclear attack submarines ever built. The Navy has kept its secrets under lock and key. Until now. Explorer travels the globe to bring viewers the story of the newest, most advanced member of the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine force, the USS Texas

Elephants are usually docile herbivores, but authorities say wild elephant attacks are increasing. Why? The Pittsburgh Zoo's "Elephant Whisperer" Willie Theison brings uncanny insight into their complex minds. In West Bengal, India, he teams up with a courageous "Elephant Squad" in a dangerous mission to relocate problem populations farther away from human beings. In Sri Lanka, Theison and local wildlife officials track down an elusive problem elephant that has been attacking villagers.

A great American city drowns in a slow-motion disaster. Eyewitness accounts and never-before-seen footage deconstruct the disaster, revealing how 250 billion gallons of water flooded the Big Easy and destroyed more than 150,000 homes. Follow the water from first strike to total deluge and discover the real story behind New Orleans' catastrophe. The most destructive disaster in U.S. history wasn't Hurricane Katrina. It was the chain of events that followed.

Deep in the heart of Texas, a fearsome invader maims animals and attacks people. Could a bizarre experiment hold the key to stopping it?

You've seen the graffiti, the tattoos, the headlines documenting their brutality. What is driving the rapid spread of the ultra-violent gang MS-13? NGC takes you inside this burgeoning criminal enterprise now terrorizing 33 states and six countries.

Surveillance is everywhere today. We introduce the new surveillance society and show how cutting edge technologies are being developed to identify, monitor and track both people and things. It is a world where each technology seems to bring advantages - to make us safer or our lives more convenient - but at what cost?

At more than 30 feet long, today's giant snakes are as big as they've ever been. But how big can giant snakes grow?