Borderland

Borderland (2014)

EndedDocumentary show

Al Jazeera America presents Borderland, a new original series in which average Americans are confronted with the realities of illegal immigration while retracing the footsteps of dead border runners.

Six Americans are tasked by a frontier medical examiner with retracing the footsteps of three dead migrants — three of the nearly 6,000 illegal immigrants who perished in the desert in the last 15 years while crossing from Mexico. Gathered at the morgue, the participants are handed three case files and told, "We've given them a name. You must give them a story." The six, from all walks of life, first explore the issue on the U.S. side, embedding with law enforcement and Arizona ranchers angry at the cartels that now control not just the drug trade but the migrant routes as well. Then, split into three groups, they head for Mexico and Central America, learning about the lives of the migrants they've been asked to follow. In a twist, the medical examiner instructs the six to work their way back to the United States alongside real migrants by whatever means necessary … on river rafts, on foot through gang-controlled jungle and, once regrouped, on top the infamous cargo train known as La Bestia. Finally, from cartel-held Sinaloa state, they attempt the journeys that proved fatal to their assigned migrants — a dangerous trek through the hot badlands. They'll live. But will they learn?

Network
Scheduleevery Sunday at 21:00 (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E04Episode 4May 4, 2014
S01E03Episode 3Apr 27, 2014
S01E02Episode 2Apr 20, 2014
S01E01Episode 1Apr 13, 2014
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Borderland premiere?

Borderland premiered on October 17, 2014.

Who created Borderland?

Borderland was created by Peter A. Dowling.

What is the genre of Borderland?

Borderland is a crime drama series.

Who are the main characters of Borderland?

The main characters of Borderland are Detective Inspector Jack Deering, Detective Sergeant Charlie Barlow, and Detective Sergeant Zoe Kennedy.

Where is Borderland set?

Borderland is set in a fictional town in the Lancashire Moors.

What is the premise of Borderland?

The premise of Borderland is a team of detectives working to uncover the truth behind a series of murders in a small town on the border between the UK and Ireland.

Who stars in Borderland?

Borderland stars Brian Cox, Felicity Kendal, and Anastasia Hille.

What kind of cases does the team in Borderland handle?

The team in Borderland handles complex and often gruesome murder cases.

What is the central mystery at the heart of Borderland?

The central mystery at the heart of Borderland is the identity of a mysterious figure known only as "Goliath."

How does Borderland explore the relationship between the UK and Ireland?

Borderland explores the often tense relationship between the UK and Ireland through its setting on the border between the two countries.

What is the tone of Borderland?

The tone of Borderland is dark and gritty, reflecting the violent and disturbing nature of its cases.

How does Borderland handle its more graphic scenes?

Borderland handles its more graphic scenes with a degree of restraint, focusing more on the emotional impact of the crimes rather than sensationalizing violence.

How does Borderland's setting play a role in the series?

Borderland's setting on the border between the UK and Ireland is a major part of the series, influencing its characters and the cases they work on.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
FBI
Running

FBI

FBI is a fast-paced drama about the inner workings of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These first-class agents, including Special Agent Maggie Bell and her partner, Special Agent Omar Adom 'OA' Zidan, bring all their talents, intellect and technical expertise on major cases in order to keep New York and the country safe.

GenreDrama, Crime
Tracker
Running

Tracker

Tracker features lone-wolf survivalist Colter Shaw, who roams the country as a "reward seeker," using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement to solve all manner of mysteries while contending with his own fractured family.

GenreDrama
Crookhaven
Running

Crookhaven

The thrilling family adventure series is set at mysterious Crookhaven School where high achieving young crooks from across the world are secretly selected to hone their skills in disciplines such as Deception, Crimnastics, Forgery and Infiltration, learning how to use their skills for good and to do what is right in their own way. 

Centred around pickpocketing genius Gabriel and his archrival, headmaster's daughter Penelope, the series follows a group of eight very different, young international students as they compete for the coveted Crooked Cup.  

In a school where every teacher is a crook and traitors lurk around every corner, no-one is entirely who they seem to be as the gang uncover the dark secrets that link Penelope's missing mother with Gabriel's own mysterious past and confront a terrifying enemy - The Nameless.   

 A coming-of-age drama full of exciting twists and turns, Crookhaven is about finding your place in the world, learning who you can trust and the very nature of right and wrong. 

NCIS
Running

NCIS

NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is more than just an action drama. With liberal doses of humor, it's a show that focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former Marine gunnery sergeant, whose skills as an investigator are unmatched, leads this troupe of colorful personalities. Rounding out the team are Anthony DiNozzo, an ex-homicide detective whose instincts in the field are unparalleled and whose quick wit and humorous take on life make him a team favorite; the youthful and energetic forensic specialist Abby Sciuto, a talented scientist whose sharp mind matches her Goth style and eclectic tastes; Caitlin Todd, an ex-Secret Service Agent; and Timothy McGee, an MIT graduate whose brilliance with computers far overshadows his insecurities in the field; Assisting the team is medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, who knows it all because he's seen it all, and he's not afraid to let you know. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents travel the globe to investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.

Storage Wars
Running

Storage Wars

Storage Wars follows professional buyers and their teams as they scour repossessed storage units in search of hidden treasure. Part gamblers, part detectives, these auction pros have found everything from coffins to the world's most valuable comic book collection, paying as little as ten dollars for items valued in the millions.

Each episode of Storage Wars follows a group of bidders as they get a quick peek inside the units, aided only by the beam of a flashlight. They then must assess on the spot if the unit is worth a bid and how high they will actually go to grasp the gold. The high-stakes fun begins as we see if the resulting buy is full of mostly trash... or true treasure.