Biographical documentaries

biography he
From world leaders including Volodymyr Zelensky to icons of pop culture like Elizabeth Taylor or billionaires such as Elon Musk, BBC Select brings you the life stories of the influential people that shaped the past and present. Stream a range of compelling biographical documentaries from the BBC and beyond with BBC Select.

The Real Mo Farah

The Real Mo Farah

Gold medal winning Olympian and British national treasure Sir Mo Farah reveals the shocking truth about his childhood. In this compelling documentary, he describes the journey he made from Somaliland to the UK as a young boy and discusses how he was trafficked into the country aged nine and forced into child labor. And he shares a shocking secret he has kept hidden for 30 years.

Lennon's Last Weekend

Lennon's Last Weekend

In December 1980, John Lennon and Yoko Ono had not spoken to the media for years. With a new album to promote Lennon was prepared to speak to a BBC DJ. As this poignant documentary reveals, he surprised many by candidly discussing subjects he’d never spoken of before including The Beatles break-up, his relationship with Paul McCartney and his addiction battles. Just 48 hours later, he was killed.

Louis Theroux Interviews... Katherine Ryan

Louis Theroux Interviews... Katherine Ryan

Since her arrival in the UK 15 years ago, Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan has become one of the country’s most outspoken performers. Her career has grown from TV appearances to writing and executive producing her own stand-up specials and performing in venues across the globe. Louis Theroux is invited to Katherine’s home for a frank, revealing conversation about her life and her comedy.

A Life In Ten Pictures

a life in 10 pictures series 2

Watch A Life In Ten Pictures Seasons 1 and 2 with BBC Select. The acclaimed documentary series uses ten photographs from the lives of the world’s most beloved icons to tell their stories. From iconic photos to candid and private pictures, what do these images reveal? And what secrets do they hide?

Through forensic storytelling and interviews with those that knew them best, A Life In Ten Pictures explores the lives and careers of stars including Muhammad Ali, Elizabeth Taylor, Nelson Mandela, John Lennon, Carrie Fisher and Tupac Shakur.

The Real Lawrence of Arabia

The Real Lawrence of Arabia

A British Intelligence Officer known as Thomas Edward Lawrence conducted daring raids during World War I which made him a legend. But how did this man become the renowned ‘Lawrence of Arabia?’ This fascinating history documentary explores the character behind the man and tries to explain how he came to lead a small band of Arab fighters against the fourth largest army in the world.