Spotlight on the Troubles: A Secret History

Season 1

Northern Ireland's descent into late 1960s violence, the British Government's response, the rise of the Provisional IRA, alleged security force-loyalist paramilitary collusion, and the arduous journey to peace after almost 3,000 deaths.

Where to Watch Season 1

8 Episodes

Episode 1
E1
Episode 1Northern Ireland’s leading team of investigative journalists reveal important new discoveries about the outbreak of the conflict known as the Troubles, 50 years after troops were deployed.
Episode 2
E2
Episode 2New revelations about how the IRA went from anticipating victory to fighting a bloody, long war against Britain, with Gerry Adams emerging as the republican leader of his time.
Episode 3
E3
Episode 3Jennifer O’Leary uncovers IRA arms connections around the world and charts how republicans built a political strategy in parallel with their armed campaign.
Episode 4
E4
Episode 4At the end of the Seventies, the IRA built its own internal security system to root out informers. But British intelligence found a fatal flaw that unlocked many of the IRA’s secrets.
Episode 5
E5
Episode 5Unionist anger grew as IRA attacks on the security forces killed members of their community. When Margaret Thatcher signed the Anglo-Irish Agreement in 1985, giving the Republic of Ireland political influence in the North, the anger spilled over leading to loyalist groups rearming. Using intelligence leaks to boost their campaign of killing, new information reveals MI5 agents operating inside the largest loyalist group, the Ulster Defence Association.
Episode 6
E6
Episode 6An investigation into the murders of two young brothers uncovers secrets from the loyalist gang that carried out the attack.
Episode 7
E7
Episode 7The inside story of how the Troubles ended told by those who fought the IRA's war and by those at the heart of peace efforts.
Behind The Scenes
E8
Behind The ScenesA behind-the-scenes look at how investigative journalists in Northern Ireland track down stories, uncover secret papers and persuade people to speak out.