Ep 15. Crisis on Wall Street: The Week That Shook the World

In the third season of CNBC Originals, an intense episode titled "Crisis on Wall Street: The Week That Shook the World" depicts the unanticipated, unprecedented downturn of the 2008 financial market. The episode chronicles the seven days in September that forever changed the American economy and global financial system through interviews with key individuals and behind-the-scenes footage. The lack of transparency in the banking system, the inflated housing market, the proliferation of subprime mortgages, and the corruption of Wall Street were all major factors leading up to the crisis.

The episode is not simply a retelling of the events leading up to the crash, but it also focuses on the harrowing week in the fall of 2008 when the global markets sank after the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers—one of the oldest and most influential investment banks. The week is viewed through the eyes of traders, experts, and other financial professionals who found themselves at the forefront of an economic tsunami. Many of these individuals still struggle to make sense of what happened and hope to avoid a similar catastrophe in the future.

The episode delves into the decisions made by the U.S. government in the weeks following the Lehman bankruptcy, including the decision to bail out insurance company AIG, and the eventual decision to inject hundreds of billions of dollars into the economy to stabilize the markets. The failure of the U.S. government to act may have caused significant additional damage to the economy, leaving many Americans unemployed and without homes. As the economy continues to recover, many questions remain unanswered that are discussed in this episode.

The effects of the economic downturn in 2008 were felt far beyond the United States. The repercussions of the crisis sent shock waves around the globe that are still being felt today, particularly in countries struggling with high levels of debt. The episode examines the global consequences of the economic crisis and how it has affected economies around the world.

"Crisis on Wall Street: The Week That Shook the World" is a compelling exploration of a defining moment in modern economic history. Despite taking place over a decade ago, the events of the week continue to resonate with people today, as policymakers continue to re-evaluate rules and regulations to ensure that the financial system becomes more stable in the future. The episode brings to light the far-reaching consequences of the crisis and the lessons learned that are leading to changes in the financial industry.

CNBC Originals takes the viewer on a journey of discovery of the factors that led to the crisis and events that ultimately caused it to unfold. It offers viewers invaluable insights into the decisions that were made and their lasting effects. This episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the roots of one of the most significant crisis in modern financial history.