David Halberstam, Malcolm Browne, Peter Arnett, Horst Faas, and Neil Sheehan reported from Vietnam during the early years of the war. As President John F. Kennedy sent U.S. troops, these journalists faced the challenge of covering a conflict many dismissed as minor. Their work revealed the truth behind the government's narratives. Halberstam stated that when the government distorts reality, journalists become crucial. The documentary illustrates their efforts to report accurately amid misinformation.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Meet Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists like David Halberstam.
Find out how the Vietnam War was reported in real time.
See the impact of journalism on government truth.

Did You Know

Five journalists featured won Pulitzer Prizes for their work.
President John F. Kennedy secretly committed U.S. troops to Vietnam.
The documentary has a runtime of 96 minutes.
Horst Faas is recognized as a legendary photojournalist.

Perfect For

Vietnam War historyJournalism enthusiastsPolitical accountability

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the five Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists featured in Dateline: Saigon?

The journalists are David Halberstam, Malcolm Browne, Peter Arnett, Horst Faas, and Neil Sheehan.

What was President John F. Kennedy's role in the Vietnam War during the time of the documentary?

President John F. Kennedy secretly committed U.S. troops to Vietnam during the early years of the Vietnam War.

What is the tagline of the documentary Dateline: Saigon?

The tagline is 'Lies, deception, and the dangerous search for truth'.

Comments

What are people saying?

Play More Like This

2h9m

The Vietnam War: Before, During and After

2024•2h9m

The Vietnam War lasted for 20 years, beginning in 1955, and was marked by significant events like the Tet Offensive and widespread anti-war protests.

The Vietnam War: Before, During and After

2024

1h41m

Conflict Journalism in South East Asia

2017•1h41m

A panel discussion features Ted Koppel, Yasutsune “Tony” Hirashiki, and Barrie Dunsmore, focusing on the role of television journalism during the Vietnam War.

Conflict Journalism in South East Asia

2017

44m

Patrolling Vietnam's Rivers - Combat Machines

2024•44m

The United States dropped 2 million bombs on the Ho Chi Minh trail during the Vietnam War in an attempt to disrupt a vital supply route for the Viet Cong.

Patrolling Vietnam's Rivers - Combat Machines

2024

1h35m

Vietnam Photographers: Capturing the War on Film

2018•1h35m

In observance of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, combat photographers from the Army’s Special Photographic Office discuss their iconic work and experiences.

Vietnam Photographers: Capturing the War on Film

2018

1h35m

The War You Don't See: Why Propaganda Hides the True Face of War

2022•1h35m

More than 300 journalists have been killed in Iraq since the invasion, marking the deadliest conflict for reporters in history.

The War You Don't See: Why Propaganda Hides the True Face of War

2022

51m

How Vietnam Bankrupted America, in Blood and Money

2025•51m

The Vietnam War features American forces fighting the Viet Cong while seeking local support.

How Vietnam Bankrupted America, in Blood and Money

2025

57m

John Wayne Joins the Fight for Vietnam

2025•57m

American forces fight in the Vietnam War to build a nation in South Vietnam.

John Wayne Joins the Fight for Vietnam

2025

48m

1968: The Grim US Tank Battles For Vietnam

2021•48m

Over 5 million Vietnamese people died in the Vietnam War, a conflict marked by intense tank battles between the North Vietnamese Army and U.S. forces.

1968: The Grim US Tank Battles For Vietnam

2021

23m

“Remembering Vietnam: Twelve Critical Episodes in the Vietnam War” Eps 1-4

2017•23m

Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence on September 2, 1945, borrowing language from the American Declaration of Independence.

“Remembering Vietnam: Twelve Critical Episodes in the Vietnam War” Eps 1-4

2017

1h6m

Influenza: The Hundred Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History

2019•1h6m

The 1918 influenza pandemic killed more people worldwide than combat during World War One.

Influenza: The Hundred Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History

2019

22m

Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi

2025•22m

In ancient Greece, the Oracle of Delphi served as a pivotal religious site where priestesses delivered prophecies attributed to the god Apollo.

Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi

2025

47m

Why Did Nasa Secretly Send 6 Men To The Bottom Of The Ocean In 1969?

2026•47m

In July 1969, NASA conducted a secret experiment involving six men in the PX-15 submarine, exploring the depths of the Gulf Stream for 30 days.

Why Did Nasa Secretly Send 6 Men To The Bottom Of The Ocean In 1969?

2026

Explore Dateline: Saigon

Cast & Crew Deep Dive Topics FAQ Stream

Where else to watch

1h38m

Last Days in Vietnam

2014•1h38m•★7.3TMDB

During the final days of the Vietnam War, American forces evacuated approximately 7,000 people from Saigon as the North Vietnamese Army closed in.

Last Days in Vietnam

2014

1h27m

Vietnam: American Holocaust

2008•1h27m•★8.8TMDB

Nearly 5 million people lost their lives during the Vietnam War due to the actions of U.S. presidents from both political parties.

Vietnam: American Holocaust

2008

1h24m

Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam

1987•1h24m•★7.1TMDB

Letters from American soldiers in Vietnam, read by actors like Robert De Niro and Martin Sheen, are paired with archival footage to illustrate their experiences.

Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam

1987

1h30m

The Fall of Saigon

1995•1h30m•★6.5TMDB

In April 1975, North Vietnamese forces launched a surprise offensive that led to the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War.

The Fall of Saigon

1995

4h10m

Vietnam in HD

2011•4h10m•★7.2TMDB

Thirteen Americans recount their experiences during the Vietnam War, paired with found footage from the battlefield in this six-part miniseries.

Vietnam in HD

2011

1h28m

Shooting War

2000•1h28m•★6.4TMDB

Over 88 minutes, combat photographers document the realities of World War II, risking their lives to capture the war's unfiltered moments.

Shooting War

2000

Browse more like this

2h9m

The Vietnam War: Before, During and After

2024•2h9m

The Vietnam War lasted for 20 years, beginning in 1955, and was marked by significant events like the Tet Offensive and widespread anti-war protests.

The Vietnam War: Before, During and After

2024

No digital watch option in your country

44m

Patrolling Vietnam's Rivers - Combat Machines

2024•44m

The United States dropped 2 million bombs on the Ho Chi Minh trail during the Vietnam War in an attempt to disrupt a vital supply route for the Viet Cong.

Patrolling Vietnam's Rivers - Combat Machines

2024

No digital watch option in your country

1h35m

Vietnam: Ghosts Of War

2004•1h35m•★8.5TMDB

The 50th anniversary of the French surrender at Dien Bien Phu marks a significant moment in the history of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Vietnam: Ghosts Of War

2004

56m

The Vietnam War: Personal Reflections

2017•56m•★8.0TMDB

More than a dozen Vietnam War veterans from central Illinois recount their experiences, including the emotional toll of losing friends and enduring Agent Orange effects.

The Vietnam War: Personal Reflections

2017

55m

Reflections on the Vietnam War

2017•55m•★9.3TMDB

Tom Brokaw hosts a program with Ken Burns and Lynn Novick discussing their series on the Vietnam War's significant effects on American society.

Reflections on the Vietnam War

2017

48m

Vietnam Requiem

1982•48m•★8.5TMDB

Five Vietnam War veterans in prison discuss their violent actions and the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder in a 1982 television documentary.

Vietnam Requiem

1982

1h28m

Image of an Assassination: A New Look at the Zapruder Film

1998•1h28m•★7.6TMDB

Abraham Zapruder's footage of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas on November 22, 1963, is digitally remastered to reveal new details and its impact on public perception.

Image of an Assassination: A New Look at the Zapruder Film

1998