Biographical documentaries

From world leaders like Queen Elizabeth and Volodymyr Zelensky to the kings and queens of pop culture like Avicii and Elizabeth Taylor, BBC Select tells the true-life stories of some of the most iconic people of our time. Sign up for BBC Select to watch these BBC biography documentaries in the US and Canada today.

Elton John: Uncensored

Elton John Interview BBC

In this world-exclusive interview, Sir Elton John sits down with Graham Norton to look back at his extraordinary, 50-year Grammy and Academy Award-winning career.

Elton shares many candid, personal and laugh-out-loud stories documenting the highs and lows of his life in music.

From addiction battles to health scares and fatherhood, the Rocket Man discusses subjects that are usually out of bounds.

A Life in Ten Pictures - Freddie Mercury

Life in Ten Pictures Freddie Mercury Documentary

Freddie Mercury of Queen was one of the most photographed men in history. But could a selection of photos uncover new truths about someone we all thought we knew? This revealing Freddie Mercury documentary looks at an extraordinary life through a unique lens of ten defining pictures, from iconic shots to private snaps. Secrets are revealed by those who were there and those who knew Freddie best.

A Life in Ten Pictures – Freddie Mercury is part of a 10-part series that uses iconic photography to explore the lives of global icons. This fascinating celebrity biography series uses forensic storytelling and interviews to get under the skin of Muhammad Ali, Amy Winehouse, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, Tupac Shakur and more.

Gauguin: The Full Story

Stream Gauguin: The Full Story on BBC Select

In 1903, a syphilitic and alcoholic Frenchman called Paul Gauguin died on a remote Pacific island. At that point no-one realized the incredible impact he was to have on modern art.

In this remarkable BBC art documentary, critic Waldemar Januszczak tells the story of Gauguin’s life and examines the accusations of sexual misconduct, family neglect and racism that are frequently made against him.

Turkey: The Rise of Erdogan's Empire

Turkey: Rise of Erdogans Empire

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has grown into a political giant, reshaping Turkey more than any leader in recent times. This fascinating political documentary charts his rise from humble roots to a powerful, controversial ruler. How did he reach such heady heights, what methods has he used to quell dissent, what controversies have dogged his regime and how far is he willing to go to hang onto power?

EP 1: Rise To Power
The early political life of Erdogan including imprisonment and a remarkable comeback.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is one of the most powerful rulers in Turkish history. But where did he come from? This fascinating documentary charts his rise from the popular mayor of Istanbul to a period in prison and banishment from political life. He soon reversed this ban and became a pioneering Prime Minister. But after 10 years of rule, a massive protest movement threatened to topple his government.

Ep 2: Facing Dissent
Erdogan cracks down hard on dissent, becoming the most powerful leader of modern Turkey.

After a decade in office Erdogan, once a popular ruler in Turkey, now faced a massive protest movement, coupled with a corruption scandal. This compelling political documentary looks at how Erdogan quashed dissent and consolidated his power, eventually becoming President. But soon a violent coup would put his life in danger. How would Erdogan survive this latest attempt to oust him from office?

Mark Zuckerberg: The Billionaires Who Made Our World

Mark Zuckerberg: The Billionaires who made our world

Facebook and other social media platforms have changed the way we communicate forever. But who exactly is the mysterious man who created this ubiquitous social network? This revealing documentary looks at the life and career of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg focusing on his triumphs and failings. Is he just a misunderstood geek or a dangerous, ruthless operator?