Katie Lee Biegel, widely known for her Food Network appearances, is bringing the story of Windows on the World—once the top restaurant in the World Trade Center’s North Tower—to life in a new documentary premiering this September.
- Documentary premieres September 7 on CNN
- Honors the Windows on the World restaurant and its legacy
- Produced by Katie Lee’s company Montalto Pictures with CNN Films and TIME Studios
What happened
Katie Lee Biegel, known for her culinary career on Food Network shows like The Kitchen, is expanding her creative pursuits beyond food by producing a powerful documentary about Windows on the World. Alongside her husband Ryan Biegel’s production company, Montalto Pictures, she helped create 'Top of the World' in collaboration with CNN Films, TIME Studios, Tribeca Studios, and Storyville Films.
The documentary, inspired by Tom Roston’s book, tells the story of the famed New York restaurant atop the World Trade Center’s North Tower. Originally a vibrant gathering place and a symbol of the city’s diversity and resilience, Windows on the World’s legacy is being remembered this year as the film premieres on September 7, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on CNN, followed by streaming availability on the CNN app.
Why it feels good
This project touches hearts by revisiting a communal space that represented New York City’s spirit and its people before the tragic events of 9/11. Fans and followers of Katie Lee responded with emotional comments, sharing memories and expressing their gratitude for honoring those who built lives there and those lost.
The film offers a way to remember and celebrate the stories of the staff and patrons that made Windows on the World more than just a famous dining spot. Katie Lee described the project as emotional and inspiring, emphasizing the important connection between the restaurant’s history and the city’s enduring spirit.
What to enjoy or watch next
'Top of the World' premieres on September 7, 2026, on CNN at 8 p.m. ET and will be available to stream the following day on the CNN app. Viewers can expect a moving narrative that blends history, personal stories, and the cultural fabric of New York City.
For those who appreciate heartfelt documentaries or have a connection to New York’s history, this film offers an evocative look into a place that was much more than a restaurant—it was a community symbol. Fans of Katie Lee can also continue to explore her culinary journey through her ongoing Food Network projects and her production company’s future endeavors.