Magnificent Obsessions

Season 1

Magnificent Obsessions details the stories of six people with interests that go far beyond hobbies, in which the quest is so passionate that it has taken over their lives. The series' subjects have obsessions ranging from investigating Sasquatch to building the world's most elaborate sandcastles to studying Dracula.

Where to Watch Season 1

49 Episodes

  • Animation Art / Pottery
    E1
    Animation Art / PotteryBefore the age of CGI, TV cartoons were hand drawn. Each frame was a beautiful work of art. If you like art, this collection of ancient and modern pottery will astound you. See the masterful use of color by artists old and new.
  • Baseball / Boardgames
    E2
    Baseball / BoardgamesWhether it’s out on in the field or in the comfort of your own home, everyone loves games. Check out these two incredible collections of baseball memorabilia and antique board games.
  • Coney Island / Black Americana
    E3
    Coney Island / Black AmericanaSome collections are so unique that you can only find them here! Check out this wonderful collection of Coney Island antiques, including original signs and ride pieces. In the second half, discover the unique and evolving world or black americana.
  • Campaign Items / Snow White
    E4
    Campaign Items / Snow WhiteEvery presidential campaign has left its mark on history, but someone has a piece of every single one. In the second half of the show, see a collection of one of the most cherished stories of all time, Snow White.
  • Model Trains / Cameras
    E5
    Model Trains / CamerasThis father/daughter team are some incredible collectors. With thousands of pieces in their home, they make a strong case that the “collecting” gene can be passed down through generations.
  • Houdini / Statue of Liberty
    E6
    Houdini / Statue of LibertyTwo iconic American legends, one forever immobile, the other a master of mobility and escape. See some of Houdini’s actual performance props as well as pieces of Lady Liberty herself.
  • Zeppelins / Dollhouses
    E7
    Zeppelins / DollhousesAirships were an incredible feat of technology that unfortunately never “took off”, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t someone out there still fascinated by them. On a smaller scale, literally, we see the incredible miniature world of Dollhouses.
  • Tools / Posters
    E8
    Tools / PostersWe take modern day tools for granted, but once upon a time, things like the drill were powered by hand. You walk past street posters every day, but typically never look at the beautiful artwork that went into them.
  • Arms and Armor
    E9
    Arms and ArmorMeet Greg Martin, a man who has spent over half a century amassing one of the world's most important collections of arms, armor, and historic memorabilia, featuring thousands of firearms and remarkable artifacts.
  • Folk Art / Napoleon III
    E10
    Folk Art / Napoleon IIIAfter 30 years of collecting American Folk Art, Ralph Esmerian is looking for a place to put it all! The Vice Chairman of Forbes Inc., Christopher Forbes, has amassed a collection of Napoleon III artifacts so vast, it’s spilling into his workplace.
  • Superman / Batman
    E11
    Superman / BatmanIt’s a battle of epic proportions as two of of America’s greatest superhero collectors go head to head! It’s the man of steel against the caped crusader, who’s collection will emerge victorious?
  • Slot Machines / Oddballs
    E12
    Slot Machines / OddballsThe best thing about being a slot machine collector is that you have the key to the back door; you can never lose! Balls, spheres, orbs, round objects, see one of the most unique collections in the world: Oddballs.
  • Classic Cars
    E13
    Classic CarsMillionaire, adventurer, and bestselling author. Clive Cussler has it all and has done it all. To the world, he’s the master of the American action adventure novel. There’s just something about these beautiful old cars that truly drives him.
  • Demolition Derby
    E14
    Demolition DerbyFor some, the thrill of driving is in the race. For derby drivers, the game is simple; last car standing wins. See these brave men and women take the wheel and smash, crash, and bash each other until only one car is still running.
  • Roller Coasters
    E15
    Roller CoastersPaul Drabek rode his first roller coaster when he was 5 years old, and he hasn't stopped riding since. If he's not in a seat flying through the air, he's designing digital roller coasters to ride in the comfort in his home.
  • Roller Derby
    E16
    Roller DerbyThis underground sport has been around for decades and has slowly evolved into what is present day roller derby. See these tough ladies train, compete, and rough each other up in a sport that is highly under appreciated.
  • Civil War Reenactment
    E17
    Civil War ReenactmentAll over the country, hundreds of Civil War enthusiasts pay homage to their forefathers in these spectacular displays. Musket and cannon blasts ring through the air, captains shout orders, and soldier charge forward to fulfill their obsession!
  • Gliders
    E18
    GlidersOnce the tow plane hits the release button, pilots are able to experience the "most free form of flying". Without any aid from engines or motors, these gliders can soar surprisingly great distances.
  • Unknown
    E19
    Unknown
  • Pyrotechnics
    E20
    PyrotechnicsWhen it comes to fireworks, these guys know their stuff. You will be amazed at how much time and effort goes into a 10 minute firework display.
  • Skydiving
    E21
    SkydivingThese two sisters have been through some tough times, but they've found a magnificent obsession that really turned their lives upside down... jumping out of an airplane!
  • Surfing
    E22
    SurfingHawaiian natives introduced the world to surfing over 200 years ago. Even though the boards of today are much more advanced than in the past, surfing is still far from easy. See a group of passionate women who live and breath for this sport.
  • Surfing
    E23
    SurfingHawaiian natives introduced the world to surfing over 200 years ago. Even though the boards of today are much more advanced than in the past, surfing is still far from easy. See a group of passionate women who live and breath for this sport.
  • Historic Aircraft
    E24
    Historic AircraftThe Collings foundation feels that people can appreciate history better if they can live it, feel it, smell it, touch it, and participate in it. There's plenty to see, but the most spectacular is the fleet of still-flying historic aircraft.
  • Dog Shows
    E25
    Dog ShowsThey're man's best friend, but whose best friend is best? Go behind the scenes and see what it takes to win "best in show".
  • Unknown
    E26
    Unknown
  • Barnstorming
    E27
    BarnstormingPerforming breathtaking stunts in pristine vintage airplanes, the Flying Circus fights to keep the golden age of Barnstorming alive.
  • Revolutionary War Reenactment
    E28
    Revolutionary War ReenactmentThe revolutionary war marked America's independence from England once and for all, but some people want to live it over and over again!
  • Tattoos
    E29
    TattoosTattoos have been a beautiful art form for thousands of years. What drives people to undergo the pain and suffering of the needle, and what keeps them coming back for more?
  • Drag Queens
    E30
    Drag QueensWhen someone says "Drag Queen", an image immediately comes to mind. Let these performers smash some stereotypes and show you what's behind the curtain.
  • Stunt Cycles
    E31
    Stunt CyclesThe Ives family is not your normal family. Their days are spend in the backyard, working together on a death-defying passion. Whether it's off a ramp or locked in a metal globe, the Ives have an unusual set of family values.
  • Mixed Martial Arts
    E32
    Mixed Martial ArtsThis is a hobby where pain is the name of the game. These athletes eat, sleep, and breathe this sport, and they won't stop until they are champions of the world.
  • Medieval War Reenactment
    E33
    Medieval War ReenactmentThe Society for Creative Anachronism devotes itself to recreating life in the middle ages. See archery, cooking, and the crowd favorite: full armored heavy combat.
  • Kinetic Art
    E34
    Kinetic ArtJust as much engineering as they are works of art, these wacky vehicles must traverse pavement, water, mud, and sand to reach the finish line.
  • Sand Sculpting
    E35
    Sand SculptingWith little more than sand and water, these sculptors transform a Florida shoreline into an outdoor art gallery. For 3 days, these artists endure heat and wind to bring their amazing visions to life.
  • Blimps
    E36
    BlimpsIt's time to get bigger than life and lighter than air as we take a bird's eye view of Blimps. They come in all shapes and sizes, and growing technology may change the face of aviation history.
  • Punkin Chunkin
    E37
    Punkin ChunkinIt's not pumpkin chucking, it's punkin chunkin! Whether it's air cannons, trebuchets, catapults, or centrifugal machines, the goal is simple: throw the "punkin" the furthest!
  • Big Cats
    E38
    Big CatsWe're not talking about overweight house cats, these are dangerous and exotic wild animals. You can take care of one of these beasts for years, but one wrong move and you might still end up on the menu.
  • Homing Pigeons
    E39
    Homing PigeonsMost people think that these birds are just rats with wings, running amok in urban areas. Very few realize that the common pigeon has been bred over thousands of years to fly hundreds of miles home.
  • Lawnmower Racing
    E40
    Lawnmower RacingWho says lawnmowers are just for mowing lawns? With a few modifications, your standard lawnmower can turn into a rough riding, mud slinging speed machine. Find out what makes this growing motor-sport so darn fun.
  • Drifting
    E41
    DriftingDrifting is a new kind of sport that features cars going sideways through a course. See the incredible amount of time and money these racers put into their cars, and what it really takes to be a drifter.
  • Falconry
    E42
    FalconryMan has been hunting with birds of prey throughout the ages. Falconers brave the winter chill, trekking through briars and dense woods to hunt with their avian companions. Few get to experience such a partnership with an incredible animal.
  • Circus
    E43
    CircusThe sights, the sounds, the smells! For over 200 years, the circus has provided millions with good old fashioned family fun. Meet the performers who make this wonderful show their profession.
  • Witches
    E44
    WitchesSalem has a notorious history of executing witches, but those days of discrimination are long gone. Meet the men and women who practice what they consider "real witchcraft".
  • Zelda the Bulldog
    E45
    Zelda the BulldogSometimes, a small idea explodes into a national sensation. "Zelda's Wisdom" is a line of greeting cards that showcases Zelda the Bulldog. This is the story of how some tough times turned into a booming business.
  • Elvis
    E46
    ElvisElvis Presley recorded over 900 songs, sold over a billion records, and influenced the careers of some of the greatest entertainers in history. Although his life was short, he truly earned his title as the king of rock and roll.
  • Mountain Unicycles
    E47
    Mountain UnicyclesAs if mountain biking weren't extreme enough, these adrenaline junkies take things to the next level. By outfitting their unicycles with mountain tires, they traverse some pretty intimidating terrain.
  • Cat Shows
    E48
    Cat ShowsThey may not be as popular, but Cats can be bred and shown just like dogs can. Meet some of the most fancy felines in the business, and the owners who raised them.
  • Rocket Man
    E49
    Rocket ManThe men and women in search of extreme speed will strap a rocket to just about anything, including a custom made ATV. Something is about to get broken, but will it be world records or bones?

 

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