Watch Coal
- 2011
- 1 Season
-
8.4 (100)
Coal was an American reality television series that ran for 10 episodes on Spike TV in 2011. The show followed coal miners working for Cobalt Coal, Big Ridge Inc., and Trinity Coal in West Virginia as they extracted coal from underground mines. The series aimed to provide viewers with an inside look into the dangers, struggles, and rewards of working in the coal mining industry. Each episode of the show focused on different teams of miners working on different projects such as drilling, blasting, loading, and transporting coal from underground to the surface. The show also highlighted the living conditions of the miners and their families, as well as the challenges they have to face on a daily basis while working in the mines. The series was narrated by Mike Rowe, known for his work on the hit show Dirty Jobs. Rowe provided insightful commentary on the work being done by the miners and the risks that they face while working underground. The show's producers also made sure to highlight the importance of coal as a source of energy for the country and the role that miners play in keeping the lights on for many Americans. One of the main themes of the show was safety, as coal mining is widely considered one of the most dangerous professions in the world. The show's producers made sure to stress the importance of following safety protocols in the mines to prevent accidents and injuries. The show captured the intense moments when accidents did occur, highlighting the swift response of the rescue teams and the heroism of the miners in putting their own lives at risk to save their colleagues. Coal also tackled the issue of environmental impact, which is often a controversial topic when it comes to coal mining. The show highlighted the steps that the mining companies took to minimize their impact on the environment, including reclamation efforts to restore the land that had been mined and measures to reduce emissions from their operations. The show received mixed reviews from critics and viewers alike. Some praised the show for shedding light on an important and often-overlooked industry and for showcasing the dedication and hard work of the miners. Others criticized the show for being too focused on the danger and drama of coal mining and for not doing enough to address the environmental concerns associated with the industry. Despite the mixed reviews, Coal proved to be a popular show for Spike TV, garnering a loyal fanbase and respectable ratings. However, the show was ultimately cancelled after just one season, leaving many fans disappointed and wondering what could have been. Overall, Coal was a well-produced and informative show about an important industry that often goes unnoticed. The show did a good job of highlighting the hard work and dedication of the miners, while also addressing the safety and environmental concerns associated with coal mining. While the show may not have been perfect, it was an important reminder of the sacrifices that many Americans make to keep the lights on and the importance of finding more sustainable and eco-friendly sources of energy for the future.