Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about Top of the World, including its CNN premiere date, streaming options, and more.
How to watch Top of the World outside the US on CNN
To watch Top of the World outside the US, use a reliable VPN and connect to a US server, then open the CNN website or watch CNN live through Hulu + Live TV. Sign in with your supported subscription to stream the documentary.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a US-based server.
- Open the CNN website to stream directly, or watch CNN live through Hulu + Live TV.
- You are all set to watch CNN’s Top of the World documentary online and from anywhere!
Top of the World Synopsis
Top of the World is a 2026 American documentary short directed by Julie Cohen and Betsy West and inspired by Tom Roston’s book The Most Spectacular Restaurant in the World. The film tells the story of Windows on the World, the celebrated restaurant that operated at the top of the World Trade Center in New York City and became an important part of the city’s dining scene.
Through firsthand accounts and archival material, the documentary looks back at the restaurant’s 25-year history and the people who worked there, including chef Michael Lomonaco, Cellar Master Kevin Zraly, hostess Nathalie Tolentino and prep cook Sekou Siby. Ruth Reichl and Carol Jenkins also provide perspective on the restaurant and New York during this period, while Denis Leary voices restaurateur Joe Baum using Baum’s words preserved in archival recordings. The film also examines the restaurant’s role as a workplace for immigrants and remembers the 79 employees and 91 guests who were killed there during the September 11, 2001 attacks.
When Does Top of the World Premiere?
Top of the World premieres on CNN on September 7, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. The documentary short becomes available to stream on demand through CNN.com and the CNN app beginning September 8, 2026.
Where to Watch Top of the World
You can watch Top of the World on CNN when it airs on September 7 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, with live streaming available to supported pay-TV subscribers through CNN.com and the CNN app.
Top of the World Cast
Here are the main people featured in Top of the World.
- Michael Lomonaco
- Kevin Zraly
- Nathalie Tolentino
- Sekou Siby
- Ruth Reichl
- Carol Jenkins
- Denis Leary as the voice of Joe Baum.
Is Top of the World Suitable for All Ages?
No. Top of the World deals with the September 11 terrorist attacks and discusses the deaths of employees and guests at the World Trade Center. It is best suited to older viewers interested in documentaries about New York City, restaurant history and the people connected to Windows on the World.
On What Devices Can You Watch CNN?
CNN can be watched across supported mobile devices, computers, smart TVs and streaming devices.
| Category | Devices |
|---|---|
| Smartphones | iPhone, Android phones |
| Tablets | iPad, Android tablets |
| Computers | Windows PCs, Macs |
| Smart TVs | Supported Samsung smart TVs, LG smart TVs |
| Streaming Devices | Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV devices |
| TV Platforms | CNN connected TV apps, supported live-TV providers |
| Web Browsers | Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge |
FAQs
Who directed Top of the World?
Julie Cohen and Betsy West directed Top of the World. They are documentary filmmakers known for working together on films including RBG and Julia.
Who produced Top of the World?
Ryan Biegel, Vicky Liu and Holly Siegel produced Top of the World. The documentary was made by CNN Films and TIME Studios in association with Montalto Pictures, Tribeca Studios and Storyville Films.
What book inspired Top of the World?
Top of the World was inspired by The Most Spectacular Restaurant in the World by Tom Roston. The book tells the history of Windows on the World and the people behind the restaurant.
What genre is Top of the World?
Top of the World is a documentary short about the history.
Who does Denis Leary voice in Top of the World?
Denis Leary provides the voice of restaurateur Joe Baum using Baum’s words preserved in archival recordings. Baum was the restaurateur behind Windows on the World and played a central role in shaping its concept.
Where was Windows on the World located?
Windows on the World was located at the top of the North Tower of the original World Trade Center in New York City.
Trailer
You May Also Check This Out
When you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about how this works.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings