History documentaries

Britain's Human Zoos

In a shocking and emotional expose, novelist Nadifa Mohamed reveals how African people were trafficked to Western countries for entertainment and experimentation. Starting in the 1890s, millions of Europeans and Americans encountered ‘native’ Africans for the first time in so-called ‘human zoos’. This deeply strange but once hugely popular enterprise has been all but forgotten. Until now.
Dynasties: The Families That Changed The World

Throughout history, certain names have cropped up again and again, holding onto the reins of power. Families that seem to continually reach the pinnacle of society. But how do they do it? This insightful historical documentary series delves into the inner workings of the world’s most powerful and intriguing dynasties. The scandals, powerplays, humble beginnings and dramatic downfalls are all explored.
Elizabeth: A Life Through the Lens

Queen Elizabeth II was the most photographed person ever. This revealing documentary explores her relationship with the camera, using rarely seen film and photos to chart her changing image over seven decades. As the media climate changed during her long reign, so did the Royal Family’s reliance on the media and photography to avoid scandals and evade press intrusion.
JFK: The Home Movie that Changed the World

Abraham Zapruder’s home movie capturing the assassination of President John F. Kennedy is one of the most remarkable documents in American history. To mark the 60th anniversary of JFK’s murder in November 1963, this revealing documentary focuses on the little-known history of the actual 8mm film that captured the horrific events and spawned endless speculation and conspiracy theories.
Lucy Worsley Investigates

Witch trials. Murdered princes. The Black Death. Uncover the shocking truth behind history’s most infamous mysteries and find out what they say about our changing society. Historian Lucy Worsley finds lost records, re-examines crime scenes and calls on experts to reframe each case in this remarkable history documentary. As she digs deeper, new light is shed on history’s most notorious moments.