Breakthrough is a scientific documentary television series on National Geographic Channel that premiered on November 1, 2015. It is produced by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer. All of the episodes are directed by guest directors such as Friday Night Lights creator Peter Berg, actors Paul Giamatti and Angela Bassett, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman and director Shane Carruth. In July 2016, the series was renewed for a second season, with Ana Lily Amirpour, David Lowery, Shane Carruth, Shalini Kantayya, Emmett Malloy, Brendan Malloy and A.G. Rojas serving as directors.