He is the world's most influential and admired writer, a man whose imaginative genius still moves us, nearly four centuries after his death. William Shakespeare's tumultuous life produced an unmatched legacy of drama and poetry. But the Bard's own story remains, for the most part, a mystery. Piece together the clues of Shakespeare's identity, from his comfortable youth in Stratford-on-Avon and his marriage to an older woman at 18 to the night of carousing that led to his death at age 52. Film excerpts, dramatic readings and location footage provide a glimpse into his little-known- life and his astonishing 20-year career as a playwright and actor. Turn back the pages of time for a remarkable portrait of William Shakespeare the greatest writer the English language has ever known.

William Shakespeare: A Life of Drama

Peter Graves

Jack Perkins

Season 6

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Abbott and Costello were one of America’s most beloved comedy duos, blending sharp timing with timeless humor. Bud Abbott, the straight man, and Lou Costello, the bumbling comic, rose to fame in the 1940s through radio, film, and television. Their signature routine, “Who’s on First?”, became a cultural landmark, showcasing their mastery of wordplay and rhythm. Together, they starred in classics like Buck Privates and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, bringing laughter to audiences during wartime and beyond. Though their partnership ended in the 1950s, their influence on comedy endures—an unforgettable mix of wit, warmth, and chaos that defined an era.

Abbott and Costello

Abraham Lincoln rose from a frontier log cabin to become America’s 16th president, leading the nation through the Civil War and preserving the Union. Self‑taught and driven, he became a lawyer, legislator, and a central figure in the new Republican Party. Elected in 1860, he guided the country through secession, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and delivered the Gettysburg Address—an enduring statement of democratic ideals. His leadership ended tragically when he was assassinated in 1865, but his legacy as the Great Emancipator and defender of self‑government remains unmatched.

Abraham Lincoln: Preserving the Union

They were the world's first people, the first to live, the first to love, the first to yield to temptation. According to Genesis, God created Adam from the dust of the earth, then formed Eve from Adam's rib. Their simple story of temptation and innocence lost has endured and resonated in the hearts of Westerners for thousands of years. As a creation legend, morality play and love story, the tale of Adam and Eve has always been a source of fascination. This extraordinary program combines expert interviews, abundant location footage and rare paintings and artifacts to create a unique portrait of the two people who started it all. This is an in-depth look at Adam and Eve, the man and woman who gave humans their humanity.

Adam & Eve: Lost Innocence

He held the U.S. Navy together while America struggled to rebound from Pearl Harbor, and his cunning strategies eventually led the U.S. to WWII victory. When the United States was suddenly plunged into the second world war, a courageous and resourceful leader was needed to take command of the Navy in the Pacific. The man chosen for the job was Admiral Chester Nimitz, and he was given the vital responsibility of turning a shattered American fleet into the most devastating naval power in history. From his childhood in Fredericksburg, Texas, to the historic moment when he signed the Japanese statement of surrender aboard the USS Missouri, Biography chronicles the life and distinguished military career of this much celebrated admiral. Featuring interviews with military experts, friends, family, and colleagues, the biography of Admiral Chester Nimitz is filled with determination, fearlessness, and conviction.

Admiral Chester Nimitz: Thunder of the Pacific

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.

Albert DeSalvo: The Boston Strangler

His drive to help his deaf mother communicate led to one of the most important inventions of the 20th century. But the telephone was only one of many notable contributions he made to fields ranging from medicine to aviation. Alexander Graham Bell left his mark on the world with the invention of the telephone. But he might have been a footnote in history if not for his lawyer, who filed for the patent a mere two hours before his rival Elisha Gray, who had also unraveled the mysteries of communicating by wire. From his childhood in Scotland and his long struggle to get out from under his father's shadow to the invention of the precursors to the X-ray machine and Iron Lung, Biography traces the life of the famed inventor. Discover how he saved National Geographic from financial ruin, and why Helen Keller dedicated her autobiography to him! Biography proudly presents a tribute to a man whose life and genius touched millions.

Alexander Graham Bell: Voice of Invention

She was the world’s greatest female sharp shooter of her day. Her legend—while rife with contradictions—has been the source of endless films, books, and theatrical productions. Inspired by the skill of her father, the young girl from Ohio who would later become the famous Annie Oakley, began her shooting career out of pure necessity. Upon the death of her father, Annie supported her family by shooting game in order to put food on the table. Her unmatched proficiency soon led her to participate in shooting competitions. After witnessing one of these performances, the renowned Sioux chief, Sitting Bull, gave her the nickname “Little Miss Sure Shot.” From her troubled childhood to her raving success with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, this is the saga of the conservative Victorian woman who turned the American frontier upside down with her unrivaled bravado and skill.

Annie Oakley: Crack Shot in Petticoats

Audie Murphy was one of America’s most celebrated World War II heroes, receiving 33 military decorations. Yet despite winning immense national acclaim, he never escaped the pain and trauma of the battle that made him an icon. From his difficult childhood in Texas to his tragic death at 46, Audie Murphy: Great American Hero offers a rare glimpse into Murphy’s valorous and tumultuous life. Follow the young soldier into action in Italy, France and Germany, and hear from the men who fought alongside him. Accompany Murphy as he parlays his heroic status into a career as an actor and writer while enduring an ongoing struggle with battle fatigue and drug abuse. Through clips, newsreel footage, and the memories of those who knew him, Audie Murphy: Great American Hero recounts the laudatory and tragic tale of a truly remarkable man.

Audie Murphy: Great American Hero

In an age of intrigue and vice, he was a voice of morality and virtue. Twenty-five hundred years after his death, he is revered as one of the greatest teachers in history, even credited as galvanizing East Asia's current "economic miracle." Confucius's name is synonymous with ageless wisdom. Biography journeys back into China's troubled feudal era to uncover his dramatic story, from his childhood poverty and long road to enlightenment to his years as a celebrated teacher. Leading scholars reveal why his message of "five virtues" was not always accepted by the period's leaders and interviews with a direct descendant provide a personal glimpse into Confucius's legend. Confucius: Words of Wisdom explores the life and legacy of the ancient sage whose timeless message remains deeply influential to this day.

Confucius: Words of Wisdom

He began his career as an unknown entrepreneur in the tiny town of Cisco, Texas. Today, his name graces some of the world's most prestigious addresses. The son of a humble shopkeeper, Conrad Hilton built a billion-dollar hotel empire from the ground up-and nothing, not even the Depression, could stop him. Biography narrates the comprehensive story of Hilton's colorful life, from his first hotel-a rundown Texas inn-to his acquisition of the Waldorf Astoria. Friends and family recall his early adventures-including friendships with presidents and glamorous relationships with Hollywood's elite-and rare photographs and archival footage offer an inside glimpse into an unpredictable life of extraordinary success. Join Biography for the rags-to-riches story of Conrad Hilton, self-made billionaire and "innkeeper to the world."

Conrad Hilton: Innkeeper to the World

His unerring courage made him one of history's most beloved kings. Chosen by God to be the next ruler of Israel, David was a mere shepherd boy when he walked onto the field and slew the Philistine giant Goliath. He was a hero to his people and conqueror of the holy city of Jerusalem. He ruled peacefully for over 40 years. But with one terrible mistake, a restless King David set in motion a string of tragedies that nearly destroyed his family and his kingdom. This extraordinary program tells David's complete story, drawing on rare paintings and artifacts, interviews with experts and extensive visits to ancient holy lands. Here is an intimate look at the triumphs, passions and failures of one of the Old Testament's greatest heroes the legendary King David.

David and Goliath: A Biblical Battle

Edward VIII, born in 1894, was the charismatic yet controversial King of the United Kingdom who abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson, a decision that shook the monarchy. His brief reign was marked by charm and modernity but overshadowed by scandal and political tension. After abdication, he became the Duke of Windsor and lived in exile, his reputation further tarnished by alleged sympathies toward Nazi Germany during World War II—earning him the moniker “The Traitor King.” Despite his royal birth, Edward’s pursuit of personal happiness over duty left a legacy of romance, rebellion, and enduring controversy.

Edward VIII: The Traitor King

To some, she was a hero. To others, she was a symbol of naked ambition. To the world, she remains a legend. María Eva Duarte de Perón—Evita—is one of the most controversial figures in history. A minor actress when she married Argentine president-to-be Juan Peron, her political power and prestige eventually equaled, or perhaps eclipsed, his. Was she a power-hungry opportunist, as detractors claim? Or was she really the savior of the working poor? In this remarkable program, rare photographs and films tell Evita’s real story, from her humble birth to her tragic death from cancer at 33. Close aides and bitter enemies offer firsthand accounts, and popular artists—including playwright Tim Rice—consider why she continues to fascinate us today. Join Biography for an unforgettable look at a 20th-century icon!

Evita: The Woman Behind the Myth

He stood defiantly at the center of some of the worst crises of the Cold War. After over 40 years of rule, he remains one of the most controversial political figures of all time. Join Biography for a revealing portrait of Fidel Castro, the last great communist leader. Fidel Castro led a remarkable three-year fight to rescue his country from a corrupt regime. Yet this rebel leader—who once claimed that he wasn’t interested in leading the new government—became a tyrant, imprisoning and executing thousands of political opponents in the process of transforming his nation. Through rare archival footage and personal interviews, this extraordinarily insightful program explores the life, rise, and rule of this iconically bearded, cigar-smoking Cuban leader known to many as El Comandante.

Fidel Castro: El Comandante

Thomas Alva Edison, America’s most prolific inventor, revolutionized modern life by securing 1,093 patents and pioneering the first industrial research laboratory. This profile chronicles his journey from a curious youth to a global icon, exploring breakthrough creations like the phonograph, incandescent light bulb, and early motion pictures. Beyond his professional triumphs, it delivers a balanced look at his personal life, examining how an obsessive work ethic strained his family relationships and fueled his cutthroat instincts as an aggressive entrepreneur.

Thomas A. Edison: Father Of Invention

It lasted over a decade and claimed a dozen lives. But the feud that has been immortalized in folklore wasn't nearly as bad as many others it just got more press. The Hatfields and McCoys lived along the Tug Fork River on the Kentucky-West Virginia border in the late 1800s. According to most, their feud began when Floyd Hatfield took a hog from Randolph McCoy in 1878. By the time everything was settled 11 years later a dozen folks were dead and the national press had turned the feud into front-page news. In this definitive BIOGRAPHY historians and descendants of feud members help separate legend from reality as both sides are presented. Discover the forbidden romance that flamed the fires, relive the fatal encounters, and follow contemporary accounts. Journey to the rugged Appalachians for the real story of the most famous feud in American history.

Hatfields & McCoys: An American Feud

Everyone knows the story of the many wives of Henry VIII. But that sordid tale is but a small part of the life of a remarkable leader who led his country for almost four decades. One of the best-known monarchs in history, Henry VIII was coronated at the age of 18. Join leading historians as they explore the life and 38-year reign of the legendary king who transformed his nation. Find out how he used his political brilliance to united England and Wales and establish the Kingdom of Ireland. And discover the complete story behind his most lasting accomplishment the creation of the Church of England. Learn the ironic end to his quest for a son, which led to his many marriages, and explore how his legacy continues to shape England to this day. Biography presents a searching profile of one of history's most capricious and powerful kings.

Henry VIII: Scandals of a King

Jeffrey Dahmer was not a typical serial killer. He did not come from an abusive, impoverished, or violent background. On the contrary, his father was a learned chemist who taught Jeffrey how to garden, play tennis, and raise sheep for 4-H competitions. He took scouting trips and played in his wooded backyard with neighborhood boys. He spoke in a monotone voice much like his father and tended to keep his private thoughts to himself; but he always had a sense of humor. What tormented Jeff and drove him to kill in a macabre and disturbing pattern had nothing to do with his environment. There is no single catalyst that can explain the presence of evil in the likes of someone like Jeffrey Dahmer. A host of factors eclipsed each other and converged upon this man to make him what he was. Jeffrey, it seems, chose and was forced down, all the wrong paths in his life. Jeffrey said he never acted out of hate, but was guided by a sickness he could never satiate.

Jeffrey Dahmer: The Monster Within

In the aftermath of his father’s assassination, he was fixed in our collective memory as the small boy bravely saluting the final act of Camelot’s brief glory. Later, he became the ultimate eligible bachelor and high-profile torch-bearer of the “Kennedy mystique.” But when John F. Kennedy, Jr. lost his life in yet another of the Kennedy family’s front-page tragedies, many knew him only as the handsome jet-setting scion of America’s most famous political dynasty. Now, go beyond the headlines for exclusive interviews with long-time friends, reporters and other insiders to meet the man behind the alluring image. Through numerous film clips and rarely seen Kennedy family photographs, follow “John-John” from his White House boyhood to his marriage to the beautiful and accomplished Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. In this truly fascinating biography, gain a surprising new perspective on the private life of the man regarded around the world as “America’s Prince.”

John F. Kennedy Jr.: Child of a Dream

His sense of adventure brought him to America. His bravery made him the country's greatest naval hero. The son of a Scottish gardener, John Paul Jones went to sea at age 12 with the British navy, making his way to America after killing a sailor in self-defense during a mutiny. He joined the fledgling American Navy, and in 1779 became captain of the Bon Homme Richard. In an epic battle with the British frigate Serapis, he responded to the enemy captain's premature assumption of victory with the immortal words, "Sir, I have not yet begun to fight," and went on to win the battle. Maritime experts, leading historians, and Naval officers reflect on the legacy of the swashbuckling hero in this definitive look at his life. And learn about his many accomplishments after the Revolution, when he went on to fight in the Russian navy and lived in Paris during the French Revolution. Join Biography for the story of an inspirational leader and the founder of the American naval tradition.

John Paul Jones: Captain of the High Seas

Marie Antoinette, born Archduchess of Austria, became Queen of France at just 19 after marrying Louis XVI. Initially adored for her beauty and charm, she soon became a symbol of royal excess amid France’s growing poverty. Her lavish lifestyle at Versailles and infamous phrase—“Let them eat cake,” though likely apocryphal—fueled public outrage. As revolution swept through France, she faced imprisonment and trial, ultimately executed by guillotine. Though vilified in her time, history now views her as a complex figure—both victim and participant in the downfall of the French monarchy.

Marie Antoinette: The Tragic Queen

His drastic reforms led to the end of his nation as the world knew it. But ultimately, he was undone by his own success. Mikhail Gorbachev is one of the most compelling figures of the 20th century. The son of a mechanic from the Caucasus, his vision to change his nation was shaped by his childhood experiences under Stalin's rule. Biography interviewed the former Soviet Premier at length for this historic program. In it, Gorbachev recounts how he rose through the party ranks without betraying his radical visions for the future. Once in power, however, the changes were swift and sweeping. Extensive footage chronicles the turbulent years of his rule, from the first stirrings of Glasnost to the unsuccessful coup attempt that marked the last gasp of the old, hardline leadership. And Soviet historians and political experts detail his world-changing legacy. Like no other program, this is a gripping, first-person portrait of one of the most influential men in history.

Mikhail Gorbachev: A Man Who Changed the World

He was a complex man and a reluctant prophet. But when called upon to save his people, he overcame his doubts and fears and defeated the most powerful empire on earth. Born of Hebrew slaves and raised in the Pharaoh's courts, Moses performed some of the Old Testament's greatest miracles. Yet the man who delivered his people from 2,000 years of bondage and received the Ten Commandments from God was often beset by self-doubt. How did Moses manage to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness of Sinai? This extraordinary program tells the story of the Exodus in all its majesty, using abundant location footage, rare paintings and artifacts, and interviews with biblical experts. Join Biography for an in-depth portrait of one of the Bible's most fascinating figures.

Moses and the Ten Commandments

His mastery of desert warfare transformed a tiny, beleaguered nation into a respected military power. But in a world fueled by hatred, he came to champion a different cause: Peace. Moshe Dayan occupied the center stage in Israel for more than 30 years. A hero in the War for Independence, his finest hour came in 1967 with his command of the stunning victory in the Six Day War. Now Biography brings you the complete story of this famed commander. Through rare vintage footage and exclusive interviews, you’ll go behind the scenes at top-secret planning meetings, witness the catastrophe of the Yom Kippur War and, ultimately, follow Dayan on his quest for peace with his Arab enemies. Join Biography for an extraordinary look at the warrior-statesman who personified the fighting spirit of his nation.

Moshe Dayan: A Warrior's Story

With humanity perched on the brink of destruction, his righteousness saved the world. Every schoolchild knows the story of Noah's ark and how he brought the world's animals on board "two by two." But what do we actually know about Noah the sailor, the vintner, the farmer and healer the holy man who is said to have lived for 950 years. This remarkable program creates a complete portrait of Noah, prophet of the Flood, using interviews with experts and historians, film footage from the Holy Land and rare paintings and artifacts. Join Biography for a fascinating study of the figure who envisioned a terrible end and new beginning for mankind.

Noah and the Ark: Voyage to a New Beginning

His political savvy took him to the height of governmental power. Corrupt political practices caused him to suffer a humiliating fall and ultimately cost him the presidency. Richard M. Nixon's life was a rollercoaster ride of supreme highs and devastating lows. Born on a modest ranch in Yorba Linda, California, the ambitious young Republican was a successful two-term vice president until a string of political pitfalls sent him into an early retirement. After his stunning career comeback finally put him in the seat of power at the White House, his presidency came crashing down in the wake of the infamous Watergate scandal. In this in-depth program, Biography offers a detailed look at this extraordinarily complex man. With rare photographs and interviews with close friends and observers, this is a portrait of one of the most significant political figures of the 20th century.

Richard Nixon: Man and President

Saddam Hussein rose from a harsh childhood in Tikrit to become the dominant force in Iraq’s Ba’ath Party. After joining the party in the 1950s, he took part in the failed 1959 assassination attempt on President Qasim, fled to Egypt, and returned after the 1963 coup. He was imprisoned, then steadily climbed the Ba’ath hierarchy, helping orchestrate the 1968 coup that brought the party back to power. By the 1970s, he was Iraq’s de facto ruler, formally assuming the presidency in 1979 after purging rivals. He led Iraq into the devastating Iran‑Iraq War (1980–1988), then invaded Kuwait in 1990, prompting the Gulf War and severe UN sanctions. By 1996, Saddam remained firmly in control, ruling through repression, a vast security apparatus, and a cult of personality.

Saddam Hussein

Saint Patrick was born in Roman Britain and became one of Ireland’s most influential religious figures. Kidnapped by Irish raiders at sixteen, he spent years enslaved as a shepherd, turning to faith for strength. After escaping, he trained for the priesthood, eventually returning to Ireland with a mission to convert its people. Blending Christian teaching with local customs, he used familiar symbols—like the shamrock to explain the Trinity—to make his message resonate. Patrick traveled widely, founded churches and monasteries, and helped shape Ireland’s spiritual identity. Though surrounded by legend, his legacy endures as a symbol of resilience, devotion, and cultural unity. Despite centuries of mythmaking, Patrick’s legacy endures as a symbol of perseverance, faith, and cultural unity—celebrated worldwide every March 17.

Saint Patrick: Man, Myth & Magic

The very name conjures up images of the good life black tie affairs and high society balls. Yet their long saga proves that money is no guarantee of happiness or stability. John Jacob Astor built an empire by parlaying a job in the fur business into a real estate empire so vast he became the richest man in the world. Follow the fortunes of five generations of Astors in this special Biography. From John's son William, who doubled the family fortune and earned the nickname the landlord of New York, to the astounding charitable contributions of the Astor Foundation, the incredible story of the famed family comes to life through interviews with family members, archival footage and period accounts. Trace the feud and reconciliation that led to the creation of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel and find out how the Titanic disaster forever transformed the Astors. Biography presents the astonishing chronicle of the Astors, whose legacy is as grand as the hotels that bear their name.

The Astors: High Society

In 1885, court jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé was commissioned by Czar Alexander III to create a special jeweled Easter egg for Russia’s Empress Marie Feodorovna. Fabergé’s creation—a perfect replica of a hen’s egg, fitted with ingenious gold traps and filled with precious stones—delighted the royal family and began an imperial tradition. In this revealing program, Fabergé’s descendants and leading historians tell the complete story of the master jeweler’s life, from his rise to international fame to his narrow escape from a Bolshevik firing squad. Jewelry experts explain why Fabergé’s rare eggs are still some of the most coveted art objects in the world. The world’s great collectors share a privileged look at his work and review his remarkable creations.

The Fabulous World of Fabergé

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, created by Victor Hugo in 1831, tells the tragic story of Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer of Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral. Raised in isolation by the stern archdeacon Claude Frollo, Quasimodo’s life changes when he meets the kind and beautiful gypsy Esmeralda. Despite his appearance, he shows deep compassion and courage, defending her from cruelty and injustice. Set against the backdrop of medieval Paris, the tale explores themes of love, faith, and societal prejudice. Quasimodo’s devotion and heartbreak make him one of literature’s most enduring symbols of inner beauty and humanity.

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 has produced new episodes since 1987. The older version featured historical figures such as Helen Keller and Mark Twain, or long-dead entertainment figures such as Will Rogers or John Barrymore. The A&E series has placed the emphasis on such people as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Plácido Domingo, Freddie Mercury, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Eric Clapton, Pope John Paul II, Gene Tierney, Selena, Diego Rivera, Mao Zedong and Queen Elizabeth II, and fictional characters like The Phantom, Superman, Hamlet, Betty Boop, and Santa Claus. The program ended up profiling enough figures that in 1999, A&E spun it off into an entire network, The Biography Channel.

William Shakespeare: A Life of Drama

Seasons27

Season 5 Episodes33

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