The Great Commanders

Every epoch produces a general of exceptional brilliance. In this series, 6 of the most pivotal battles in history are recreated and analyzed by military historian David Chandler using contemporary sources, 3D animation, re-enactment and expert commentary. Narrated by Brian Cox








Episodes:
Alexander the Great
Napoleon Bonaparte
Julius Caesar
Ulysses S. Grant
Nelson
Zhukov

Edward and Mary: The Unknown Tudors

The compelling story of two of England's most striking monarchs: Edward VI and Queen Mary. Written and presented by Dr David Starkey, this is the compelling story of two of England's most striking monarchs: a brother and sister, tied by blood and affection, and torn apart by religion, power, and some of the bloodiest episodes in English history. Mary (who was to become England's first reigning Queen since Matilda but who is best known to generations of British schoolchildren as Bloody Mary) was the first born child of Henry VIII. For 20 years she was heir to her adored father. Then came the birth of her little half-brother Edward, and Mary found herself cast into the shadows, ignored by her father and declared illegitimate by Act of Parliament. Nonetheless she became very attached to the motherless boy, and he to her, declaring her his dearest sister. When Edward was just nine, their father died and the young boy became King, surrounded by advisors and further distanced from his beloved elder sister. But by now they were divided not just by power and status, but also by faith.

The Ancient ER

There is evidence that medicine men in millennia gone by could perform surgical techniques akin to those in modern ER practices. The Ancient ER takes us there. Egypt produced not only the Great Pyramids, but also a highly scientific system of medical treatment for the workers who built them. 2000 years ago in India, horrific injuries could be healed with methods similar to those of modern plastic surgery.

Warlords

While nations battled with bombs and guns, their leaders dueled with subtler weapons—charm, flattery, and deception. The outcome reshaped the world. This critically acclaimed four-part documentary examines the 20th century’s bloodiest conflict from a completely unique perspective: the mind games played by its principals. Taking you inside the heads of historical figures, Warlords analyzes four psychological duels—Hitler v. Stalin, Churchill v. Roosevelt, Churchill v. Stalin, and Roosevelt v. Stalin—each marked by mutual suspicion, false promises, and hidden agendas. What delusions drove Stalin to sign a pact with Hitler, his ideological enemy? How did Roosevelt boost Churchill’s resolve early in the war, without committing U.S. troops? Why did Churchill argue so vehemently for a southern invasion of Europe, and why did his two allies refuse? And why did Roosevelt trust Stalin more than he did Churchill? Using the leaders’ own words—as well as the personal recollections and private diaries of their most intimate advisors—Warlords provides surprising answers to these provocative questions. The four warlords emerge as fascinating, flawed, and fully human.

National Geographic - The Mafia Series

Unravel the dark and highly dangerous world of both the Italian and American Mafia. Meet the law enforcement officers who risked everything to bring down the biggest and most profitable multinational criminal gang.
Episodes:
Episode 1: Mafia What Mafia
Episode 2: Going Global
Episode 3: The Great Betrayal
Episode 4: The Godfathers

The Ancient Olympics

Marking the Olympic Games’ return to Athens in 2004, this programme reveals the real story of the ancient games, for both lovers of sport and history. Using a powerful mixture of original historical research, reconstructions and contemporary and archive footage from the Games, the dramatic differences and similarities between the original ancient pagan ritual and the modern Games are highlighted.

Part 1. Death or Glory
Part 2. Playing to Win

Hogfather

Hogfather is the magical, menacing, wicked, and witty family story unlike anything else you could ever imagine. From the imagination of best-selling author Terry Pratchett comes Hogfather. It’s the holiday of Hogswatch, the night when kids anticipate presents from the beloved Hogfather. But someone wants the Hogfather out of the way. Now it’s up to the most unlikely of heroes to get the holiday back on track.