Biography
Specials
TV-PG
First hosted by veteran actor Peter Graves, and later by Jack Perkins, this popular Arts and Entertainment Network series profiled the lives of notable figures in the history of entertainment, sports, arts, science, politics and warfare. The show is notable for its in-depth research, which often provides viewers with little-known information about well-known people.
Where to Watch Specials
33 Episodes
- Frank Zappa
E2Frank ZappaFrank Vincent Zappa was an American composer, electric guitarist, record producer, and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, electronic, orchestral, and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed album covers. Zappa produced almost all of the more than 60 albums he released with the band Mothers of Invention and as a solo artist. This biography hosted by Peter Graves tries to touch on a portion of his life... - Hitler And StalinE6
Hitler And StalinAdolf Hitler was the leader of Nazi Germany from 1934 to 1945. He initiated World War II and oversaw fascist policies that resulted in millions of deaths. Joseph Stalin, the first general secretary of the Communist Party, took over after Vladimir Lenin's death and became the leader of the Soviet Union. - Alien Intent
E8Alien IntentFor those who feel that they've survived a close encounter with an extraterrestrial, questions linger and torment them long after the incident has ended: Who were these things? Where did they come from? Am I losing my mind? Why was I chosen? In this special, world-renowned UFO expert Whitley Strieber attempts to answer these questions, by helping those who are struggling to find closure from their haunting and seemingly very real personal encounters. Strieber, along with a network of leading scientists and researchers, tackle the UFO phenomenon on a human level, reaching out to those who have had paranormal experiences with an objective mindset and a determination to find the truth. - Al Capone: ScarfaceE11
Al Capone: ScarfaceIn the thrilling underworld of speakeasies, Tommy Guns and turf wars, Al Capone was the undisputed emperor of Chicago. Scarface was many things to many people a ruthless and vindictive murderer, a generous patron, and a wild and glamorous impresario. But to all, Capone is the most notorious gangster in American history. Follow his journey from the immigrant neighborhood of his youth to the glittering circles of Chicago's powerful elite with this in-depth program. Rare photographs, films and exclusive interviews paint an extraordinary portrait of the man who became the ultimate American anti-hero. And historians reveal how accountants brought down the ruler of a vast criminal empire. Learn the true story of the legendary gangster who will forever be known as Scarface. - John and Abigail Adams - Love and Liberty
E12John and Abigail Adams - Love and LibertyFounding father John Adams and his wife, Abigail, made valuable contributions to budding U.S. independence; the second president played a key role in the American Revolution, the Constitutional Congress and the Constitution itself, while Abigail housed local militia during the revolution, and her many letters are now priceless historical documents. This biography tells their story through interviews with descendants, politicians and historians. - George Lucas: Creating an EmpireE13
George Lucas: Creating an EmpireThis two-hour special, spiced with some wonderful film clips, charts Lucas' life from his small-town childhood in Modesto, Calif., to his rocket ship ride into the moviemaking stratosphere and beyond after the momentous release of "Star Wars" in 1977. Having pioneered state-of-the-art special effects and an acclaimed movie sound system (THX), the shy and aloof Lucas is considered one of film's archetypal gear heads and gizmo wizards. - Guns N RosesE14
Guns N RosesGuns N' Roses are an American hard rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1985. The band, led by frontman and co-founder Axl Rose, has gone through numerous line-up changes and controversy since its formation. Guns N' Roses have released five studio albums, two EPs, one live album, and three music video DVDs during its career. The band is currently working on the infamous album Chinese Democracy, which has been in production for over a decade. Once released, the album will be the first original recording from Guns N' Roses since the 1991 releases of Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II. Guns N' Roses have sold an estimated 90 million albums worldwide, including 39 million in the United States. - Lynda CarterE15
Lynda CarterA look at the life and career of the ravishing actress who became a pop culture icon portraying TV's "Wonder Woman". But Lynda Carter had a long journey to stardom before transforming into the sexy super heroine who gave bad guys a lesson in girl power. She was a lounge singer and beauty queen before taking on the role of the comic book character. Now she's enjoying life as a D.C. power wife and loving mother. Loni Anderson and Kenny Rogers share their recollections of Carter. - John F. Kennedy, Jr.: The Death of an American PrinceE24
John F. Kennedy, Jr.: The Death of an American PrinceRecalling the life of John F. Kennedy Jr., the magazine publisher and son of JFK. Included: his life in the limelight, his career in the New York City DA's office, and his 1999 death in a plane crash. - Biography Close-Up: Sesame StreetE26
Biography Close-Up: Sesame StreetThis two-hour special exploring the history and pre-school educational Muppet magic of the beloved PBS children's series is filled with quirky delights, including never-before-seen footage of the original "Sesame Street" pilot from the landmark series that first went on the air in 1969, and fascinating behind-the-scenes encounters with various Muppeteers, including Big Bird's human alter ego, Carroll Spinney, and the gentle, witty man behind Elmo, Kevin Clash, as they rehearse and work. - Biography: Dolly
E28Biography: DollyExplores the genius songwriter behind the rhinestones and the private individual who reveals almost everything in the lyrics of her songs. Featuring exclusive interviews with Dolly herself, her musicians, co-writers and producers, the documentary explores why Dolly is considered one of the greatest and most important songwriters of modern times. Also captures Dolly’s celebration at the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s home of country, on the 50th anniversary of her very first performance there. - David Cassidy - The Last Session
E29David Cassidy - The Last SessionThe original ‘Biography’ documentary special “David Cassidy: The Last Session,” intertwines an intimate biography of the late David Cassidy as told through his own words in never-before-heard audio tapes from 1976 with a raw and poignantly filmed final recording session. Grappling with the onset of dementia and headed into the studio to record a tribute to his father, Jack Cassidy, David invited a documentary film crew to chronicle the journey. During production David fell gravely and unexpectedly ill and it was during this time, he revealed to producers that his struggle with alcoholism had continued up through the recording session, and that his doctors had concluded that alcohol poisoning had likely been the chief cause of his tragic health decline, including his dementia. He would tragically pass away a few weeks later. For the first half of the 1970’s David was one of the world’s biggest rock stars, breaking venue attendance records internationally and reaching a level of fame that rivaled that of the The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley himself. This profoundly revealing documentary explores that level of celebrity from the inside as few films have ever done. Interview participants include rocker and lifelong friend Alice Cooper; journalist and publicist Elliot Mintz; “The Partridge Family” stars Danny Bonaduce and Brian Forster; David’s cousin Charles Douglas; Grammy Award-winning musician Kim Carnes; songwriter and musician Dave Ellingson; rock photographer Henry Diltz; Grammy Award-winning drummer Hal Blaine; “The Partridge Family” producer Mel Swope; former Tiger Beat magazine editor Ann Moses; former Rolling Stone writer Robin Green; David’s childhood friend Sam Hyman; composer, producer and keyboardist Craig J. Snider; guitarist Dave Robicheau; drummer Teri Cote; bass player Frank Fabio and David’s neuropsychologist Dr. Barbara Peavey. - Biography: Kenny Rogers
E31Biography: Kenny RogersChronicles Roger’s life from his childhood, through the rise and fall of The First Edition, the iconic release of “The Gambler,” and to the height of his career as a successful solo artist, actor and pop-culture icon. Utilizing live performances and behind-the-scenes moments from Rogers’ 2017 star-studded farewell concert in Nashville, this “Biography” special pays tribute to a true country music legend. - The Nine Lives of Ozzy OsbourneE34
The Nine Lives of Ozzy OsbourneTraces Ozzy’s life from his childhood in poverty and time in prison, to fronting legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Black Sabbath and successful Grammy Award-winning solo career, to one of rock’s elder statesmen and a loveable 21st century television dad. The two-hour documentary explores how Ozzy has continually reinvented himself and his career to propel himself toward greater success.
