Escaping Utopia • 2025

65:58

Hugh Dennis discovers what Sir Winston Churchill means to people today and explore the legacy he left behind across the globe. Hugh's journey starts with his own recollections of Churchill's funeral, as a young boy watching the flypast from the garden of his father's vicarage, and goes on to describe growing awareness of the influence and personal style of an Englishman who dominated the 20th Century political and cultural landscape like no other. Hugh meets people and visits places upon which Churchill left his indelible mark - from historians, to family members, and employees including former Personal Secretary Lady Jane Williams. There will also be famous faces such as Robert Hardy CBE who won a BAFTA for his portrayal as Churchill in Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years. Each gives their personal insight into the incredible man behind the public image.

2015 • People

43:03

In 1960, head of the Chicago mob, Tony Accardo sits at the top of the country's most powerful crime syndicate, The Outfit. But he's facing his biggest challenge yet, after his second in command, acting boss Sam Giancana becomes a target of the federal government, drawing more unwanted attention to the organization. A feud between the two mob bosses reaches a breaking point when Accardo cleverly pulls all the strings to stabilize the organization. But then the assassination of President John F. Kennedy shook the nation. Tony Accardo, the only gangster left from Capone's time, decides to sell the Las Vegas casinos and retire. But he remains the "consigliere," the Mafia's adviser in Chicago, while keeping a low-profile as a beer salesman for Fox Head Brewing Company. In 1992, after a 70-year career in the mafia, Accardo dies peacefully surrounded by family, having never spent a day in prison.

S1E8 • The Making of the Mob: Chicago • 2016 • People

177:36

Comedian, actor, president, war leader - in his own words. The extraordinary life of one of the world's most recognisable leaders, and how war in Ukraine changed everything. Produced by 72 Films. Chapter 1: The Comedian and The Dictator With unique access to Volodymyr Zelensky and Olena Zelenska, this episode charts Zelensky's extraordinary journey from aspiring comedian to president of his country. Opening with the collapse of the Soviet Union - an event which had a profound effect on Zelensky and Vladimir Putin in very different ways - to the Maidan Revolution sparking a political awakening in Zelensky, this episode explores his role as the Ukrainian president in the hit TV show Servant of the People and his decision to run for president in real life. Chapter 2: President in the Real World After the high of his election victory, Zelensky is forced to face political reality. Using in-depth interviews with Zelensky, his wife Olena Zelenska and their closest advisors, this episode puts viewers inside the room as Zelensky grapples with what it means to be the leader of a country. From Zelensky's infamous phone call with Donald Trump to his only meeting with Vladimir Putin in Paris, the former comedian has a brutal initiation into the ruthless world of power politics. As Putin becomes increasingly belligerent and the drumbeat of war grows louder, Zelensky is under a huge amount of pressure. Is Ukraine prepared for war? Is Zelensky up to the job? Chapter 3: War Leader Opening in the first hours of the Russian invasion, this final episode follows explores how Zelensky used the skills he'd honed as an entertainer to galvanise people, as well as taking viewers inside Ukraine's peace negotiations with Russia. And the Zelenskys reveal what happened in the first hours of the Russian invasion, open up about the realities of living through war and the difficulty of making life and death decisions.

2024 • People

47:01

How did the mafia evolve from gangs into a multi-national organisation run as efficiently as a legitimate business? In 1931, legendary mobster "Lucky" Luciano formed a mafia board to establish policy among the families.

S1E1 • The Mafia • 2005 • People

49:59

We countdown from 75 to 63 and showcase some of the most surprising characters. From Josephine Baker who walked along Paris streets with her pet cheetah, to leader who have forever changes the world.

S1E3 • The 101 People who Made the 20th Century • 2016 • People

55:11

What is it really like to go to war? Filled with terror, pain and grief, it also brings exhilaration, and a profound sense of purpose. In Going to War, renowned authors Karl Marlantes and Sebastian Junger help us make sense of this paradox and get to the heart of what it’s like to be a soldier at war. Veterans of various conflicts reveal some universal truths of combat with unflinching candor.

2018 • People