Uncover the Past: The Top History Documentaries on TV

OUR TOP PICKS:  

The Real Peaky Blinders

BBC Two, Friday 18th August, 9pm + BBC iPlayer

Discover the true story behind the legendary Peaky Blinders gang in the gripping documentary series, The Real Peaky Blinders. In the gritty streets of 19th and 20th century Birmingham, uncover the real history that inspired the hit TV show alongside tales of crime, survival, and a bygone era.

The Real Spies Among Friends

Available now on BBC iPlayer

Journey through history with the notorious Cambridge spy ring, led by Kim Philby and his fellow traitors in the documentary behind the hit ITVX series A Spy Among Friends. Explore the shadowy landscapes where real-life spies operated, and uncover the thrilling narratives that shaped history, including the hidden alliances, high-stakes missions, and the complex web of relationships that reveal the genuine secrets behind the spy game. 

Colosseum  

BBC Four, Wednesday 16th August, 9pm + BBC iPlayer 

Are you not entertained? Colosseum takes you on a captivating journey through the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, spotlighting the awe-inspiring Colosseum – an iconic arena that witnessed the power of Rome's rulers and the fierce struggles of its gladiators. 

The 1970s Supermarket 

Channel 5, Wednesday 16th August, 9pm + My5 

Immerse yourself in the riveting tale of Britain's retail evolution from quaint corner stores to colossal megastores, complete with shopping carts, spirited liquor aisles, and the advent of barcodes. In its premiere episode, discover how the nation embraced the convenience of canned delights like the timeless wartime favourite, Spam. Join Chris Clarke as he conjures up the delightful Angel Delight dessert and delve into the origins of frozen food giants Iceland and Bejam, ignited by the home freezer revolution. 

Lost Relics of the Knights Templar

BLAZE, Mondays at 9pm from 24th July

Join the world's most prolific treasure hunters, Hamilton White and Carl Cookson, on their ultimate quest. They're used to handling priceless loot like Nazi artifacts, Roman coins, Viking relics, and Celtic gold, but now they're on the hunt for treasures of the Knights Templar. With a collection including Templar relics, such as a black obsidian chalice, a Templar sword, an alabaster libation vessel, and an iron reliquary box, they embark on a journey across Europe and the Middle East. Joined by local historians and trusted allies, they uncover the secrets and significance behind each item in their extraordinary hoard. However, revealing their treasures to the world requires establishing their provenance, a challenging task given the Knights Templar's notorious secrecy. Join Carl and Hamilton on this historic quest, aided by renowned historian and presenter Dan Jones.

Legends of the Pharaohs 

BLAZE, Fridays at 9pm  

Don’t miss this ambitious new series that brings to life some of the most remarkable tales from the age of the Pharaohs. 

Filmed on location, the docuseries takes you right back to Ancient Egypt to step into the real lives of those who lived there. Trace the history of this fascinating civilisation by witnessing the stories of the great pyramid builders and their lasting legacies, from the first true pyramid by Djoser to the last Pyramid of Giza.  

World War II in Colour 

Watch on My5 

This collection of rare and often unseen World War II footage in colour brings to life one of history’s most pivotal moments in history.  

Forbidden History 

Watch on UKTV Play 

Join Jamie Theakston as he investigates some of the lost (or even forbidden) stories from history to take a closer look at long-held conspiracy theories to track down ancient civilisations and remarkable relics.  

Titanic: Stories From The Deep 

Watch on UKTV Play 

In this ground-breaking series, we’ll delve deep into the Atlantic Ocean to uncover the history which still lies on the surface. Using cutting-edge technology, discover the amazing and personal artefacts salvaged to tell the story of the Titanic and it’s victims.  

The Buildings That Fought Hitler 

Watch on UKTV Play 

Rob Bell steps back into the defences of Britain that protected againnst the threat of the Nazis, and remain standing to this very day.  

My Name is Ottilie

Available on BBC iPlayer

You know Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James, but have you heard of Ottilie Patterson? The Irish blues singer spent years in the US jazz scene, singing alongside legends such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Muddy Waters, and Soul singer Dana Masters is taking a deeper look into her life.

1978: Winter of Discontent

Available on My5

With the worst weather in a decade, rising inflation and food shortages, 1978 saw a huge wave of industrial action sweeping the country. Hospitals only admitted emergency cases, schools closed, rubbish piled up, and Britain changed forever.

Empire of the Tsars: Romanov Russia with Lucy Worsley

Available on BBC iPlayer

For over 300 years, one family ruled over the vast country of Russia. Now, Lucy Worsley is telling the story of the Romanovs, and the people they controlled.

The Chernobyl Disaster

Available on My5

If the award winning docu-drama on the same topic left you wanting more, this three part series has you covered for hard facts. Ben Fogle narrates this deep dive into the events of the nuclear accident, from 1986 to modern day.

The Long Road to War

Available on Netflix

Focusing on the buildup to WWI rather than the war itself, this documentary traces the origins of the conflict all the way back into the 19th century, and ends at the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

The Fall of Anne Boleyn   

Available on My5 

Tracy Borman hosts this three-part docuseries about Anne Boleyn’s tragic fate, retracing her final steps leading to her condemnation and execution in May 1536. A story we all know well, Borman delves further into what led to her death, including a series of miscarriages, Henry VIII’s break with Rome, and the intense political crisis she helped bring about.  

Descendant

Available on Netflix

More than 50 years after the slave trade was abolished in the US, an Alabaman man made a bet that he could smuggle a slave ship without getting caught. He was successful in his plan, abducting 110 Africans and taking them to be sold in America. The ship itself was sunk in order to hide the crime, but more than a century later, the descendants of the original enslaved people are on the hunt for the vessel.

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