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The Best Episodes of Biography

Every episode of Biography ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Biography!

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Biography is a documentary television series. It was originally a half-hour filmed series produced for CBS by David Wolper from 1961 to 1964 and hosted by Mike Wallace. The A&E Network later re-ran it and

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Biography Season 1 Episode 11 - Bonnie & Clyde: The Story of Love & Death
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    S1:E11

    She was a lonely waitress longing for excitement and romance. He was a volatile ex-con who vowed he would never go back to prison. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow found each other in the slums of Dallas and for two years they led a notorious gang on a murderous crime spree covering five states. In the depths of the Great Depression, their exploits became famous nationwide. Here, newsreel footage, period accounts, and interviews with biographers bring the story of the notorious outlaws to life. John Neal Phillips, author of Running with Bonnie and Clyde, traces their journey across the Southwest that left a dozen people dead, mostly law enforcement officers. Relive the dramatic ambush that finally put an end to the gangsters and see an exclusive interview with Marie Barrow, Clyde's sister. Across the dusty roads of the depression-era Southwest, Bonnie and Clyde shot their way into American folklore.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Biography Season 1 Episode 14 - Lizzie Borden: A Woman Accused
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    S1:E14

    Her sensational case captured the attention of the press worldwide. Though she proclaimed her innocence until her dying day, she was destined forever to be associated with murder. When Lizzie Borden's father and stepmother were found brutally murdered in their Fall River, Massachusetts home, it marked the beginning of one of the most famous and sensational murder cases in history. Lizzie, a thoroughly respectable spinster, was tried for the crime. Though she was acquitted, she lived the rest of her life a pariah. BIOGRAPHY examines all the evidence in search of the truth, including period accounts, police reports and crime-scene photos. Discover how the crime and trial were sensationalized in the press worldwide and meet Borden experts who offer insight into Lizzie's life and reveal what they think really happened on that fateful day.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Biography Season 3 Episode 43 - Andrew Jackson: A Man for the People
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    S3:E43

    A portrait of "Old Hickory," President Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), from his Tennessee law days through his military career to his tenure as the seventh U.S. President. Included: interviews with historians. Monte Markham is the narrator.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Biography Season 5 Episode 7 - Albert DeSalvo: The Boston Strangler
    10.0/10(2 votes)

    S5:E7

    Albert DeSalvo was a Massachusetts criminal who became widely known as the self‑proclaimed “Boston Strangler,” a name linked to a series of brutal murders of women in the early 1960s. Raised in poverty and marked by abuse, DeSalvo developed a long record of theft, assault, and impersonation. He was first arrested for a string of “Green Man” sexual assaults, during which he confessed to the Strangler killings while in custody. Though his confession was detailed, he was never actually tried for the murders; instead, he received a life sentence for unrelated crimes. DeSalvo’s claims have remained controversial, with doubts about his guilt persisting long after his death in prison.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Biography Season 18 Episode 9 - Arnold Schwarzenegger
    9.5/10(2 votes)

    S18:E9

    He transformed the world of bodybuilding into a lucrative international sport followed by millions. He used his flex appeal to break down the doors of Hollywood, and went on to become one of the biggest box office stars in history. Arnold Schwarzenegger's life is a tale of unmatchable will power. As a teenager, he was so determined to become the greatest bodybuilder in history, he would break into the gym to train on Sundays, pumping iron until collapsing on the floor. This dedication made Arnold an instant star in this first body building contest. He went on to revolutionize and singlehandedly popularize the sport. He tackled Hollywood with the same fervor, and the same results. In revealing interviews, incredible clips and behind- the-scenes footage, Biography presents the side of the superstar that is rarely seen private, thoughtful and humorous. This is the ultimate insider's look at the man who sets his sights on what he wants and gets it and he wants it all.

    Director:Kevin Knoblock
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Biography Season 6 Episode 13 - Edward R. Murrow: Voice of America
    9.2/10(191 votes)

    S6:E13

    He virtually invented broadcast journalism, setting all its standards and breaking all its rules. Edward R. Murrow is the pivotal figure in the history of TV news. But before he helped define that medium, he was already revered for his brilliant radio coverage of World War II. In bringing the epic struggle to millions of listeners worldwide, he became known as "the voice of America." This definitive profile includes extensive clips of these historic broadcasts along with footage from his career as a television pioneer. Discover how the insightful "hard news" programs he considered his best work never got the ratings he hoped for, and how he soon learned to give the viewers what they wanted creating the light, "frothy" celebrity profile that many feel is the curse of TV journalism to this day. Extensive interviews with colleagues and friends explore this professional paradox and reveal how it spilled over into his private life.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Biography

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  7. Biography Season 1 Episode 3 - Bob Hope: America's Entertainer
    9.0/10(1 votes)

    S1:E3

    His career started in the glory days of vaudeville. More than 70 years later, he is revered as the most popular and influential entertainer of the century, the show-biz giant all others are measured against. On stage and screen, on TV and radio, on Broadway and USO stages worldwide, Bob Hope has enjoyed a career of unmatched popularity. In this special, feature-length presentation, Biography traces his remarkable life, from his vaudeville debut he had third billing, behind a trained seal to entertaining the troops of Desert Storm. Extensive clips capture his greatest performances, while family photos and the recollections of friends, colleagues and family provide an intimate portrait of the private man. And Hope himself reflects on his life and legacy, from his groundbreaking work in TV and radio to his close friendships with U.S. presidents. Biography proudly presents the incredible life of an entertainer who has left his mark not just on his profession, but on the nation.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Biography Season 10 Episode 27 - RFK: His Many Sides
    8.8/10(147 votes)

    S10:E27

    A man who believed that we could be better than ourselves, he was on his way to becoming a great leader-but on June 5th, 1968, his life was cut short. Biography presents an intimate profile of RFK, one of the nation's most promising young politicians. Learn how he yearned to win his father's hard-won approval and the stolid support he provided for JFK. Witness his influential role in the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Civil Rights Movement and his role as a surrogate father, son, and husband after JFK's assassination. Discover the personal Bobby Kennedy, from his Harvard days to his close relationship with wife Ethel. Drawing on rare archival footage and interviews with those who knew him best, RFK: His Many Sides traces the remarkable life a man who died before his time, leaving the nation to forever wonder, "What if?"

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Biography Season 11 Episode 22 - Peter O'Toole: Acting Out Loud
    8.8/10(115 votes)

    S11:E22

    The life of the magnetic, mercurial actor whose brilliance and unpredictability made him one of cinema’s most unforgettable figures. The episode traces O’Toole’s journey from his early days on the British stage to his explosive international breakthrough in Lawrence of Arabia, a performance that instantly cemented his legend. Biography delves into his fearless approach to acting, his love of language, and the intensity he brought to roles in films like Becket, The Lion in Winter, and My Favorite Year. The program also examines the wild, hard‑living persona that followed him off‑screen—his rebellious streak, notorious drinking, and the personal struggles that complicated his career. Through interviews, archival footage, and candid reflections, the episode paints a vivid portrait of an artist who lived loudly, performed boldly, and left behind a legacy defined by passion, wit, and uncompromising talent.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Biography Season 1 Episode 13 - Frederick Douglass
    8.7/10(110 votes)

    S1:E13

    As a young man, he experienced the brutality of slavery firsthand. As an outspoken leader of the abolitionist movement, he became one of the most powerful voices in American history. Frederick Douglass inadvertently found his calling while giving an impromptu speech at an anti-slavery meeting in 1841. As a formerly enslaved man, he quickly became not only a persuasive speaker, but also a poignant symbol of freedom. His insightful and eloquent lectures and tireless efforts to educate the public about the realities of slavery significantly furthered the abolitionist cause. This inspiring BIOGRPAHY program chronicles Douglass's remarkable life, from his childhood in slavery to his crucial work on behalf of formerly enslaved people following the Civil War. Rare photographs and extensive interviews with leading historians offer a revealing portrait of this extraordinary man.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Biography Season 6 Episode 5 - Caligula: Reign of Madness
    8.6/10(140 votes)

    S6:E5

    His reign lasted only four years and he was dead at the age of 28. Yet, as the third emperor of the Roman empire, he remains one of the most notorious rulers in history. Best remembered for his bacchanalian lifestyle and callous, heavy-handed ruling style, Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, or “Caligula,” as he was known, packed a lot into a very short life. In this incisive program, Biography goes beyond the legend to explore the anguished life of this infamous emperor. Discover how the first six months of Caligula’s rule were marked by a surprising degree of clemency and how a violent illness seemingly transformed him into the monster that history remembers today. Featuring interviews with leading scholars, Caligula: Reign of Madness is the ultimate profile of Rome’s most reviled ruler: the bizarre, bloodthirsty Caligula.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Biography Season 11 Episode 1 - Drew Barrymore: Beating the Odds
    8.6/10(104 votes)

    S11:E1

    Discover the life of the actress who grew up in the glare of Hollywood fame and fought her way back from personal turmoil to become one of the industry’s most resilient and beloved figures. The episode traces Barrymore’s early breakthrough in E.T., her chaotic childhood in a legendary acting family, and the struggles with addiction that nearly derailed her career before she reached adulthood. Through interviews, archival footage, and candid reflections, Biography explores how Barrymore rebuilt her life, reclaiming her career with acclaimed performances and a newfound sense of independence. The program highlights her evolution into a successful producer, entrepreneur, and talk‑show host, showcasing the determination and optimism that define her public persona. Ultimately, the episode presents a portrait of a woman who transformed hardship into strength, emerging as a symbol of perseverance and creative reinvention.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Biography Season 6 Episode 16 - Elizabeth: The Reluctant Monarch
    8.5/10(132 votes)

    S6:E16

    The episode presents an in‑depth profile of Queen Elizabeth II, exploring how a young woman who never expected to rule became one of the most enduring monarchs in modern history. Through archival footage and expert commentary, it traces her early life, the abdication crisis that unexpectedly placed her father on the throne, and the responsibilities that fell on Elizabeth as heir. The program examines her steady, measured approach to leadership, her commitment to duty, and the personal sacrifices required by her role. By highlighting key moments from her early reign and the challenges of guiding a changing nation, the episode portrays Elizabeth as a thoughtful, disciplined figure whose reluctance gave way to a lifetime of service.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Biography Season 10 Episode 2 - Al Lewis: Forever Grandpa
    8.5/10(129 votes)

    S10:E2

    Celebrate the life and career of the larger‑than‑life character actor best known as the lovable, sharp‑tongued Grandpa Munster. The episode traces Lewis’s early years in New York, his eclectic path through vaudeville, radio, and stage work, and the distinctive personality that made him unforgettable both on and off camera. Biography explores how The Munsters cemented his place in pop culture, yet only hinted at his wide‑ranging talents — from political activism to restaurant ownership to his later work in film and television. Interviews with friends, colleagues, and family reveal a man who embraced eccentricity, championed social causes, and maintained a fierce loyalty to his fans. Ultimately, the program paints a warm portrait of an entertainer whose humor, heart, and unmistakable presence ensured he would always be remembered as “Grandpa,” but was so much more.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Biography Season 11 Episode 33 - Angie Dickinson: Tinseltown's Classiest Broad
    8.5/10(129 votes)

    S11:E33

    Profiles the life and career of the actress whose blend of glamour, wit, and toughness made her one of Hollywood’s most distinctive leading ladies. The episode traces Dickinson’s rise from small‑town beginnings to breakout roles in films like Rio Bravo and Ocean’s 11, where her confident screen presence set her apart in a male‑dominated industry. Biography explores her transition to television stardom with Police Woman, highlighting how she brought nuance and strength to one of TV’s earliest female action heroes. The program also delves into her personal life—high‑profile relationships, the pressures of fame, and the private challenges she faced behind the scenes. Through interviews, archival footage, and reflections from colleagues, the episode paints a vivid portrait of an actress who embodied style and resilience, leaving an enduring mark on both film and television.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Biography Season 9 Episode 25 - Henry Fonda: Hollywood's Quiet Hero
    8.4/10(168 votes)

    S9:E25

    An intimate look at the life and career of the actor whose understated strength and moral clarity made him one of cinema’s most enduring figures. The episode traces Fonda’s Nebraska roots, his early stage work, and his breakthrough roles in films like Young Mr. Lincoln and The Grapes of Wrath, where his quiet intensity became his signature. Biography explores how Fonda’s reserved nature contrasted with the powerful characters he portrayed, and how his personal struggles — including complex family relationships and bouts of self‑doubt — shaped his work. Interviews with colleagues, critics, and members of the Fonda family illuminate his disciplined approach to acting and his late‑career renaissance with films such as On Golden Pond. The program paints a thoughtful portrait of a man whose integrity, restraint, and emotional honesty defined him as Hollywood’s quiet hero.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Biography Season 10 Episode 17 - General George Patton: A Genius for War
    8.4/10(96 votes)

    S10:E17

    General George S. Patton was a walking, talking, fighting machine whose personality was bigger and noisier than one of his Sherman tanks. He was tough. He was vain. He was brilliant. And in a world gone mad with war, he was our greatest field commander. His slashing armored columns dismembered the panzers of Hitler's Thousand Year Reich with matchless thunder and dash. Passionate and arrogant, he slapped soldiers and cried over them; he was vilified and deified. But when it came time for the bloody business of war, George Patton had no peers. This revealing profile takes a look at the complex personality of the man who struck fear into Nazi generals and left Allied superiors questioning his sanity. March into battle with George S. Patton, a man who lived and died a warrior.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Biography Season 10 Episode 21 - Joseph Stalin: Red Terror
    8.4/10(121 votes)

    S10:E21

    Examine the brutal reign of the Soviet dictator whose quest for absolute power transformed his nation into a state ruled by fear. The episode traces Stalin’s rise from a Georgian seminarian to Lenin’s successor, revealing how his cunning and ruthlessness allowed him to dominate the Communist Party. Biography explores the purges, forced collectivization, and show trials that defined his regime, exposing the staggering human cost of his paranoia and ambition. Through archival footage, eyewitness accounts, and expert analysis, the program portrays how Stalin’s policies led to famine, mass executions, and the creation of a vast network of labor camps. It also considers his role in World War II and the postwar expansion of Soviet influence. Ultimately, the episode offers a chilling portrait of a man whose iron grip and ideological zeal left millions dead and reshaped the course of the 20th century.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Biography Season 1 Episode 10 - Napoleon Bonaparte: The Glory of France
    8.3/10(127 votes)

    S1:E10

    He took France to its greatest period of influence in history. But his ego and thirst for ever more power led to one of the greatest downfalls ever. Napoleon Bonaparte stands as one of the greatest military commanders to ever live. As a ruler he brought France to unprecedented heights of glory only to see it unravel as a result of his arrogance. Examine the life and legend of the Corsican commander's greatest military victories in detail. Trace his rise to power and tragic decline, and explore the monumental legacy that continues to influence the world to this day.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Biography Season 6 Episode 12 - Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping Psychic
    8.3/10(112 votes)

    S6:E12

    While appearing to sleep, he touched the lives of thousands and saw into the future. His remarkable gift made him the most famous spiritualist since Nostradamus. Edgar Cayce downplayed his apparently supernatural abilities, saying, "I don't do anything you can't do, if you're willing to pay the price." The price must have been high indeed, for he seemingly traveled through space and time with his mind alone. Biography profiles the life of the man known as "the sleeping psychic." See how he predicted both World Wars and the 1929 stock market crash, and diagnosed the illnesses of people sometimes thousands of miles away, all from a trance-like sleep. See how his prescriptions for the afflictions he diagnosed foreshadowed many of the staples of today's holistic and homeopathic cures. Spiritualists and cynics examine his gift and career, while contemporary accounts and interviews with those he helped cure testify to his astonishing abilities.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Biography Season 7 Episode 44 - Dean Martin: Everybody Loves Somebody
    8.3/10(111 votes)

    S7:E44

    Throughout his legendary partnership with Jerry Lewis and years of solo stardom, his laid‑back charm made everything look easy. Dean Martin was one of America’s greatest celebrities for more than 50 years. Discovered by Jerry Lewis in Atlantic City, the young singer joined the madcap comedian to create one of the most famous entertainment teams ever. When their tumultuous ten‑year partnership ended, Martin went on to a string of solo successes as an actor and singer. Biography presents the definitive Dean Martin story—including movies with the Rat Pack and knocking the Beatles from the top slots in the charts—drawing on rare clips and photos and candid interviews with family, friends, and co‑stars. From his early days as a card shark and prizefighter to his zenith as the highest‑paid entertainer in the world, Dean Martin profiles a truly unforgettable man.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Biography Season 11 Episode 26 - Ida Lupino: Through the Lens
    8.3/10(121 votes)

    S11:E26

    Profiles the trailblazing actress‑turned‑director who carved out a unique place in Hollywood by refusing to accept the limits placed on women in the industry. The episode traces Lupino’s rise from her early acting career—marked by standout performances in films like They Drive by Night and High Sierra—to her groundbreaking work behind the camera, where she became one of the first female directors in the studio era. Biography explores her independent spirit, her willingness to tackle taboo subjects such as unwed motherhood, disability, and sexual assault, and the formation of her own production company to tell stories others avoided. Through interviews, archival footage, and reflections on her pioneering achievements, the program paints a vivid portrait of a woman who challenged convention, mastered both sides of the lens, and left an indelible mark on film and television history.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Biography Season 11 Episode 31 - Bob Fosse: Dancing on the Edge
    8.3/10(93 votes)

    S11:E31

    The life of the groundbreaking choreographer and director whose unmistakable style reshaped American musical theater and film. The episode follows Fosse from his early days as a vaudeville performer to his rise on Broadway, where his angular movements, turned‑in knees, and smoky sensuality became instantly recognizable. Biography explores his triumphs with works like Cabaret, Chicago, and All That Jazz, highlighting his relentless drive for perfection and the creative risks that made him a visionary. The program also delves into Fosse’s turbulent personal life—his struggles with addiction, demanding work habits, and complicated relationships—revealing the tension between his artistic brilliance and self‑destructive impulses. Through interviews, archival footage, and behind‑the‑scenes insights, the episode paints a vivid portrait of a man who lived and created on the edge, leaving an indelible mark on the world of dance and entertainment.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Biography Season 11 Episode 32 - William Holden: An Untamed Spirit
    8.3/10(123 votes)

    S11:E32

    Explore the life of the charismatic, adventurous actor whose blend of rugged charm and emotional depth made him one of Hollywood’s most compelling leading men. The episode traces Holden’s rise from a young discovery at Paramount to acclaimed performances in classics like Sunset Boulevard, Stalag 17, and The Bridge on the River Kwai. Biography delves into the contradictions that defined him—his professionalism and talent contrasted with a restless nature, love of travel, and struggles with alcohol that complicated both his career and personal relationships. Through interviews, archival footage, and reflections from friends and colleagues, the program reveals a man driven by curiosity and independence, often at odds with the studio system that made him a star. Ultimately, the episode paints a vivid portrait of an actor whose untamed spirit shaped a remarkable career and left an enduring legacy in American film.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Biography Season 11 Episode 14 - Mick Foley: Madman Unmasked
    8.2/10(28 votes)

    S11:E14

    Dive into the life and career of one of professional wrestling’s most fearless and inventive performers. The episode traces Foley’s journey from a passionate fan making homemade wrestling videos to his rise through brutal independent circuits and eventual stardom in WWE. Biography explores the creation of his unforgettable personas—Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love—each reflecting a different facet of his creativity and resilience. The program highlights Foley’s legendary matches, including the punishing bouts that cemented his reputation for enduring unimaginable physical punishment, most famously his fall from the Hell in a Cell structure. Through interviews, archival footage, and Foley’s own reflections, the episode reveals the humor, intelligence, and heart behind the chaos. Ultimately, it presents a compelling portrait of a performer who turned pain into storytelling and became one of wrestling’s most beloved and unlikely icons.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Bonnie & Clyde: The Story of Love & Death" is the best rated episode of "Biography". It scored 10/10 based on 1 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 6/15/1987. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Lizzie Borden: A Woman Accused".