14 TV News Moments That Glued Everyone to Their Screens
These are the jaw-dropping news moments that had people holding their breath and glued to their screens as history unfolded before their eyes.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Certain news events are so alarming, emotional, or historical that they bring the world to a halt, keeping millions glued to their television screens. With tragedies that remapped nations and victories that brought people together, these events marked eras and ignited global dialogues. Whether it was the collapse of the Twin Towers, the salvation of stuck miners, or the passing away of an endearing icon, every incident turned into a collective experience, a memory carved in history forever.
1. The 9/11 Attacks (2001)
Image from Britannica
On September 11, 2001, the world viewed in terror the hijacked aircraft that crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon building, and an open field in Pennsylvania. The towers’ destruction, the dusty survivors, and the heroism of emergency personnel became iconic photos of the horror. It rewrote global security measures and launched wars, and it is one of the most unsettling moments in the history of this century.
2. The 2008 Financial Crisis Strikes
Image from Bloomberg.com
Lehman Brothers collapsed on September 15, 2008, sending shockwaves through markets around the world, unleashing the strongest financial crisis since the Great Depression. Stock markets crashed, millions lost their jobs and lives, and governments rushed to prevent the economy from crashing. The financial crisis reshaped banking laws and had a lasting impact on economies worldwide.
3. The Death of Osama bin Laden (2011)
Image from University at Albany
On May 1, 2011, President Barack Obama made a statement that a U.S. Navy SEAL team had killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. People gathered outside the White House and in Times Square, cheering as the 9/11 mastermind was brought to justice. The mission, years in the planning, was a significant turning point in the war on terrorism.
4. The Election of Barack Obama (2008)
Image from Britannica
On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama became the first Black president of the United States. His Chicago Grant Park victory speech attracted a tearful, euphoric crowd, a moment of hope and change. The election saw record-breaking voter turnout and redefined American politics for decades to come.
5. The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (2011)
Image from Britannica
More than two billion viewers around the world watched Prince William and Kate Middleton say their vows at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. The wedding was a fairytale affair, with a horse-drawn carriage, A-list guests, and Kate’s now-famous Alexander McQueen wedding dress. It was one of the most-watched live TV broadcasts ever.
6. The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster (2011)
Image from BBC
On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake off Japan’s coast triggered a massive tsunami that devastated cities and led to a meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Explosions at the reactors, radiation fears, and mass evacuations gripped the world. It became the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl and raised global concerns about nuclear safety.
7. The Death of Michael Jackson (2009)
Image from The Guardian
On June 25, 2009, it was announced that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had passed away due to cardiac arrest caused by an overdose of medication. The world mourned, and fans offered tributes as millions listened to his funeral at the Staples Center. His passing led to lawsuits, investigations, and controversies regarding the pitfalls of fame.
8. The Rescue of the Chilean Miners (2010)
Image from Britannica
For 69 days, 33 miners were buried alive in a Chilean mine, and the world saw their miraculous rescue live on October 13, 2010. The “Phoenix” capsule brought each of the miners to safety amidst cheering crowds and leaders hailing the engineering marvel and determination. It was an extraordinary moment of worldwide solidarity and hope.
9. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire (2019)
Image from Wikipedia
Flames consumed the centuries-old Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019, as the world watched in shock when the spire came crashing down. Firefighters battled for hours to rescue the building, and millions held their breath as the fate of the 850-year-old monument rested in their hands. The tragedy moved people to tears of grief and donations worth billions for its restoration.
10. The Boston Marathon Bombing (2013)
Image from AP News
On April 15, 2013, two bombs went off at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three and wounding hundreds. The search for the suspects, the Tsarnaev brothers, made Boston a ghost town as people were instructed to shelter in place. The live capture of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev several days later ended a tense chapter.
11. The Capitol Riot (2021)
Image from Free Speech Center - MTSU
On January 6, 2021, the world held its breath as a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in a bid to reverse the presidential election outcome. Footage of rioters entering offices, engaging in scuffles with police, and taking over the Senate chamber filled screens. The incident resulted in several arrests, a historic second impeachment of Donald Trump, and enduring political repercussions.
12. The Death of Queen Elizabeth II (2022)
Image from The Guardian
On September 8, 2022, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96. The news prompted worldwide mourning, a huge state funeral, and a record transfer of power to King Charles III. Millions witnessed the queen’s coffin on its last procession through London streets.
13. The COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns (2020)
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Early in 2020, COVID-19 swept the world, triggering lockdowns on an unprecedented scale and a global health emergency. Individuals listened to daily reports, observed case counts grow, economies closed down, and healthcare professionals fought fatigue. The pandemic transformed life as we understood it, rewriting travel, work, and healthcare on an unimaginable scale.
14. The Ukraine War Begins (2022)
Image from The Guardian
Russia launched a full invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, with explosions shaking Kyiv and other major cities. War gave way to a humanitarian disaster, large-scale displacement, and global economic consequences. Horrific scenes of devastation and resilience dominated news coverage as the conflict redefined global geopolitics.