Biographical TV series have always been a tightrope to walk. It must accurately portray the real facts with sensitivity, utilising the limited resources they are given. Even the best biopics face controversy, no matter how hard they try to balance accuracy with creative liberties.
Yet, some shows manage to nail the delicate balance. Here are 10 of the best biographical TV series you should watch right now to appreciate the art that goes behind making these true stories come to life.
10. American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story (2017)
Matt Whelan takes up the title role of Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy magazine, in this series, which takes up nearly six decades of his personal life and career. It traces the rise of his magazine empire and the complicated influence it had on the culture of the time.
‘American Playboy’ is notable for offering a nuanced look at both Hefner and the broader social changes of his era. Moreover, it takes up a very interesting format by combining interviews, archival footage from Hefner’s personal collections, and cinematic re-enactments of other historical moments.
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9. Z: The Beginning of Everything (2015)
Based on the novel by Therese Anne Fowler, ‘Z: The Beginning of Everything’ offers a fictionalized yet emotionally charged look at Zelda Fitzgerald’s life. Christina Ricci shines in the role of the American socialite, writer, and Jazz Age icon.
It takes up her courtship and turbulent marriage with renowned author F. Scott. Fitzgerald, and her struggle to claim an identity of her own. Ricci’s performance alongside the lush recreation of the 1920s makes the show a must-watch for period drama fans.
8. Halston (2021)
This series chronicles the life of the legendary designer Halston, who was responsible for defining the fashion landscape of the 1970s. Remarkably portrayed by Ewan McGregor, we witness the rise and fall of the famed designer, along with the impact he had on the high-end industry.
Now, the limited series definitely embellishes some aspects of celebrity culture, but remains rooted in showing Halston’s journey to become a global fashion icon, while also revealing the turbulence in his personal life.
7. Self Made (2020)
Inspired by the biography ‘On Her Own Ground’, ‘Self Made’ tells the story of America’s first Black self-made female millionaire. Octavia Spencer takes up the portrayal of Madam C.J. Walker, the African American haircare pioneer and mogul.
Her most charming portrayal won her an Emmy nomination. Though the show takes some artistic license, Spencer’s performance makes it an unforgettable watch.
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6. The Offer (2022)
Where else do we get to see the behind-the-scenes mastery that went into a culture-defining masterpiece such as ‘The Godfather‘? ‘The Offer’ takes up the never-before-revealed story behind the making of Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 film.
This fascinating series gives fans a glimpse at chaos, politics, and teamwork in the inner workings of the film industry that changed Hollywood forever.
5. Narcos (2015-2017)
Led by Wagner Moura’s magnetic performance as Pablo Escobar, ‘Narcos’ dramatizes the exceptional rise and the terrible fall of the Medellín Cartel. Though it also shifts in later seasons to the Cali and Guadalajara cartels.
The Netflix hit takes us to the underground world of drug lords and billionaires, showing the politics of cocaine production and distribution. It blends many real-life facts with some dramatized narratives. But that makes it an even more compelling watch.
4. American Masters (1986-present)
Running for nearly four decades, this PBS documentary series produces biographies on enduring personalities who have left an incredible cultural impact on our world. From writers and musicians to historical figures, ‘American Masters’ approaches every episode with careful research.
Some of the most favorite episodes of the series are those centered on Harper Lee, Edgar Allan Poe, Alexander Calder, and Elie Wiesel, each providing an intimate portrait preserving their memory.
3. The Crown (2016-2023)
Beginning with Queen Elizabeth II’s early reign, ‘The Crown’ expands into the personal and political life of the British royal family. The Netflix phenomenon is notable for its lavish production, making it a favorite for critics and fans alike.
Of course, the series often takes liberties to dramatize the facts, but it also exceptionally captures the public mood of that era. Moreover, the star-studded cast and the remarkable costume design make it a must-watch for fans of historical pieces.
2. When They See Us (2019)
Based on the events of the 1989 Central Park jogger case, this limited series examines the wrongful conviction of five Black and Latino teenagers from Harlem. Their lives turn upside down after being falsely accused of charges related to the sexual assault of a white woman in Central Park, NYC.
The series features some of the most devastatingly powerful performances of all time to show the arrest and trial, as well as the lifelong impact the case had on these boys and their families.
1. Chernobyl (2019)
This award-winning mini-series reconstructs the April 1986 nuclear plant disaster. It is largely based on the recollections of Pripyat locals, as told by Nobel Laureate Svetlana Alexievich in her book ‘Voices from Chernobyl’.
Because of this, ‘Chernobyl‘ depicts some of the lesser-known aspects of the catastrophe, especially the narratives of firefighters, volunteers, and miners who were first on the scene. These are often overlooked but essential to understand the political corruption that goes behind such a tragedy.
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