CNN sets multiplatform coverage for 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks

CNN will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with special programming, documentaries and live coverage from New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The network’s coverage will include first-person accounts from survivors, first responders and victims’ families, along with reporting examining the attacks and their lasting impact on the United States.

Programming begins Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET with a special presentation of the CNN Film “9/11,” followed by a new “Inside the Film” interview with filmmakers Gédéon and Jules Naudet. The Emmy Award-winning documentary chronicles the attacks through footage captured by the Naudet brothers and firefighter James Hanlon while following New York City first responders.

On Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET, CNN will premiere “Top of the World,” a documentary short from Oscar-nominated filmmakers Betsy West and Julie Cohen. The film coincides with both the 25th anniversary of the attacks and the 50th anniversary of the opening of Windows on the World, the restaurant that operated atop the World Trade Center.

CNN’s live “9/11: 25 Years Later” coverage will begin at 7 a.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.

Kate Bolduan will anchor from Memorial Plaza at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, with Brynn Gingras reporting from the commemoration ceremony. John Berman and Sara Sidner will also contribute from New York City.

Brian Todd will report from Washington, D.C., while Danny Freeman will be in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, covering ceremonies honoring the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93.

CNN will carry remembrance ceremonies throughout the day while examining how the attacks reshaped national security, public policy and American life.

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