Biographical documentaries

biography genre header
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.

Coco Chanel: Unbuttoned

Coco Chanel: Unbuttoned

The definitive portrait of Coco Chanel, the original influencer whose iconic designs such as the little black dress, costume pearls and Chanel No 5 perfume, remain symbols of luxury, style and power. Despite her triumphs, Coco remained an enigma. Until her death, she veiled the realities of her controversial life. This compelling documentary weaves together the truth of the woman and her work.

Arthur: King of the Britons

Arthur: King of the Britons

Many legends surround the 5th century British monarch King Arthur. The Lady in the Lake, the Sword in the Stone, the Round Table, Merlin, and Lancelot and Guinevere. But what is fact and what is merely apocryphal? This edifying history documentary tries to separate the man from the myth. Was Arthur really a king? Did he even exist at all? And why are so many enduring stories linked to him?

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.

Idris Elba: Mandela, My Dad and Me

Idris Elba Mandela My Dad and Me

In 2013, acclaimed actor Idris Elba produced and released ‘Idris Elba presents mi Mandela’, an album inspired by his time researching and portraying Nelson Mandela in the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. This revealing biographical documentary follows Idris on his promotional tour as he reconnects with his roots while investigating his own family history.