ABC News Specials

It's been more than 50 years since the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Japan. To this day, Americans know very little about how that decision was reached. Did it shorten the war? Did it save American lives? Was it necessary? Were there alternatives? Did the United States need to be the first and the only nation to use an atomic bomb?

In the 1990s, Ecstasy seemed to come out of nowhere to join marijuana, cocaine and heroin as one of the four most widely used illegal drugs in the country. No other drug has ever spread so fast. To halt its spread, the U.S. Government has spent millions of dollars making a dramatic case against Ecstasy as a dangerous drug. The headline of this campaign has been that Ecstasy causes massive brain damage. But this is a claim based on flawed science, and many Ecstasy users now feel their government has no credibility. What do we know about the real risks of Ecstasy? Has the government been its own worst enemy in the fight to stop the drug's use? Peter Jennings Reporting: 'Ecstasy Rising' takes viewers through the seminal events in this story and introduces all the major players -- from Alexander Shulgin, the famous chemist who was the first person to report the effects of Ecstasy, to Michael Clegg, the Dallas businessman who gave Ecstasy its name and turned it into a recreational drug, to the drug enforcement officer who led the fight to make Ecstasy illegal, to the DJ who brought Rave to America. This special tells the definitive story of how an obscure compound, discovered in 1912 and all but forgotten for over 60 years, became the drug of choice for a generation.

Experts say over the next hundred years the "perfect storm" of population growth, resource depletion and climate change could converge with catastrophic results.

Hillary Clinton talks about everything from her marriage and her health to being secretary of state and running for president.

President Obama delivers "Focus On Our Future" State of the Union address

August 18 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. We remember the contribution of those who served, before a Remembrance Service to mark Vietnam Veterans' Day from Anzac Parade in Canberra.

Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump meet at Hofstra University.

Vice Presidential candidates Sen. Tim Kaine and Gov. Mike Pence met at Longwood University in Farmville, Va.

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump sparred at Washington University in St. Louis.

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump met for the third and final time at UNLV.

A sneak peek of a new holiday special; behind the scenes of the original "Frozen" film

ABC News anchor Robin Roberts travels across the country to spend time with the innovators, philanthropists, athletes and entertainers who left an unforgettable mark on 2016 and many generations to come in the one-hour primetime special.

At his farewell address in Chicago, President Obama shares reflections on the accomplishments of his administration and thoughts on the challenges ahead.

President Trump speaks with David Muir in his first interview since taking the oath of office to become the 45th president of the United States.

Showcasing some of Barbara's frankest, funniest and most fascinating interviews with Oscar nominees of years past.

The nominees at this year's Oscars weren't always big stars; they all got their start in small roles.

President Trump gave his first speech to both houses of Congress.

Gay rights activists Cleve Jones, Roma Guy, Ken Jones, Diane Jones and Cecilia Chung talk about their part in the movement; interviews with stars of the miniseries.

ABC News covers the solar eclipse as it travels across the United States.

Robin Roberts presents a look at how American superstar Luke Bryan and his family triumphed over tragedy and pulled through an unimaginable year.

A celebration of legendary stars and icons who died in 2017, including Don Rickles, Chuck Berry, Mary Tyler Moore, David Cassidy and more. Friends, colleagues and peers share their stories.

President Trump delivers his first State of the Union Address

Keith Urban on speaking through the 'incredible language of music'; Country stars on dealing with hardships, divorce and tragedy

A look at Meghan Markle's life as she has been adjusting to her new role and new family.

Celebrities, including Kristin Chenoweth, visit their childhood homes and reconnect.

A tribute to the legendary stars and icons the world lost this year and the legacies they left behind.

All the newsmakers, major news events, viral videos, kid obsessions and more that grabbed our attention this year.

Trump address the nation in State of the Union

Celebrities and journalists talk about the cultural and historical impact of ``All in the Family'' and ``The Jeffersons''.

ABC News Anchor Diane Sawyer talks to Cameron Douglas about growing up in a Hollywood dynasty, addiction, rehabs, crime and drug dealing, and his seven years in federal prison.

Filmed in part in front of a live audience at The New Amsterdam Theater in New York City, "Celebrating Marvel's Stan Lee" takes viewers on an action-packed journey throughout the life of Lee and across the Marvel Universe, sharing never-before-seen interviews and archive footage with Lee himself from deep within the Marvel and ABC News archives.

All the newsmakers, major news events, viral videos, kid obsessions and more that grabbed our attention this year.

Michael Strahan interviews Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, profiles America's most popular quiz show, and previews the Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time tournament.

NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, were among nine dead in a helicopter crash in California.

President Donald Trump's address to the nation, and the Democratic response from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.).

Democratic presidential hopefuls discuss the issues at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire.

Viewer questions about coronavirus; Life on lockdown in San Francisco; Parenting tips for talking to your kids about the pandemic.

Shock waves hit the economy as the number of COVID-19 cases soars in the US; Spring break shutdown; Helping hands with and hand sanitizer

Twenty years since the quiz show's launch, go behind the scenes to look at how it captured the attention of a worldwide audience and became a pioneer in live appointment television.

Nation's 2nd largest school district closes its doors due to pandemic; City in New Jersey vows to test all residents for COVID-19; 1 out of every 3 COVID-19 deaths is a nursing home resident or worker

Exploring the COVID-19 crisis and the way forward; scientists racing to find a vaccine

ABC News and National Geographic present a live streaming and television event covering NASA and SpaceX's mission to the International Space Station as American astronauts launch from U.S. soil for the first time in nearly 10 years.

ABC News reports on the protests and outrage across the country in response to the killing of George Floyd, police brutality and systemic racism against black Americans.

Martha Raddatz speaks with John Bolton, former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, about his new book, "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir."

Mary Trump speaks exclusively to ABC News about President Trump for the first time since the publication of her explosive new book

Funeral service for Rep. John Lewis held in Atlanta: President Barack Obama delivers the eulogy; Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton were among the attendees.

Winter, who was 17 when she lost her leg in the attack last year, and her family talk about the dramatic rescue, their strides toward progress and her emotional return to where the attack took place.

Undecided voters ask President Donald Trump their important questions before voting in November

How Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Kim Kardashian changed Hollywood's fame game and paved the way for a new era of celebrity and social media influencers.

The president tweeted late Thursday night that he and the first lady tested positive for COVID-19. The news comes after an adviser, Hope Hicks, also tested positive.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden answers voters' questions.

Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini and more of country's biggest stars share how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted them and the country music industry.

Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock and Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler debate in the Georgia Senate race, ahead of a runoff election in January.

A celebration of everyday heroes whose contributions reach from their hometown to across the globe.

A celebration of everyday heroes whose contributions reach from their hometown to across the globe. This gala will recognize those who are continuing to serve and create a better tomorrow.

Inside the enormous efforts made by scientists and government officials to get a COVID-19 vaccine created and distributed to the public in record time.

Celebrities, comedians, politicians, newsmakers and journalists answer the question, "How would you describe the year 2020?," in this ABC News event special.

Special analysis of the moments leading up to and after the U.S. Capitol breach.

NASA's Perseverance rover successfully touched down on Mars as part of a mission to search for signs of ancient life.

Increasing hate crimes targeting Asian Americans are a silent symptom of the coronavirus pandemic.

The president stated, "Now, because of all the work we've done, we'll have enough vaccine supply for all adults in America by the end of May."

President Joe Biden addresses the joint session of Congress and the nation

Find out more about the stunning and swift fall of the Afghan government.

The ABC News special explores the inspiring rise of women in hip-hop and is narrated by Cheryl "Salt" James of Salt-N-Pepa. Available to watch on Hulu on Oct. 19.

Country music's biggest stars, including Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina and Lady A, give a behind-the-scenes look at what a week on tour is like and how they spend their off-days at home.

George Stephanopoulos speaks with actor Alec Baldwin in his first interview following the deadly shooting on the set of the film "Rust."

Celebrities, comedians, politicians, newsmakers and journalists help ABC News look back on the biggest moments of 2021.

ABC News’ T.J. Holmes is joined by Mike Muse, Joel Leon and Justice Jamal Jones for a candid discussion with Black men, covering masculinity, mental health and fatherhood.

ABC News’ Deborah Roberts is joined by LaChanze, Yvette Simpson and Marline Francois-Madden for a candid talk with Black women on Black identity, health and mental care disparities and sisterhood.

President Joe Biden addresses the nation with his first highly anticipated State of the Union speech.

ABC News’ David Muir reports from the Ukraine-Russia border on the refugee emergency unfolding outside Ukraine. The special also features live reports by other ABC News journalists on the ground.

Robin Roberts and the ABC News team explore how COVID-19 disrupted and created lasting change across all aspects of human life in the past two years.

Take an exclusive look at the final table read and original audition tapes as well as interviews with cast, crew and guest stars of the show's eight seasons.

Coverage of the Jan. 6 committee hearings; David Muir leads the coverage, alongside ABC News' political team.

ABC News' live special examines the future of the royal family following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II after Britain's longest-reigning monarch dies at age 96.

As a nation mourns its longest-reigning monarch, all eyes are on King Charles III, who will carry on his mother's legacy.

Celebrities, comedians, newsmakers and journalists help ABC News look back on the biggest moments of 2022.

ABC News shares personal tributes celebrating the trailblazing life and career of newswoman Barbara Walters after her death at age 93.

President Joe Biden addresses the nation with his second highly anticipated State of the Union speech.

“20/20” co-anchor David Muir is in Israel with the latest on the war between Israel and Hamas.

Celebrities, comedians, newsmakers and the ABC News team look back on the biggest news and pop culture moments of 2023 in this annual special.

Host Robin Roberts takes a look back at the most iconic pop culture moments of 2023, and looks ahead to predictions for 2024.

President Joe Biden addresses the nation in his third, highly anticipated State of the Union speech.

ABC News Special details the timeline of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally and where the investigation stands ahead of the Republican Convention.

President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 election on Sunday before endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee for president.

Celebrities, comedians, newsmakers and the ABC News team look back on the biggest news and pop culture moments of 2024 in this annual special.

Remembering President Jimmy Carter's life, lessons and legacy.

Special reporting from the deadly fires in California.

President Joe Biden delivers a farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office.