In order to probe the reality behind the Lawrence of Arabia myth, and test the veracity of T E Lawrence's account of his wartime exploits in `The Seven pillars of wisdom', writer and explorer Michael Asher retraces the footsteps of Lawrence, using the same methods of transport, equipment and resources Lawrence would have used in his day. This takes Asher and his Arab companion - a Bedouin descendant of Lawrence's great tribal ally, Auda bu Tayi of the Howeitat - through the deepest deserts in the Middle East to the coast of Jordan. Along the way they find, still untouched from Lawrence's day, remnants of his work, campaigns and life, including Turkish military trains that he destroyed through his guerrilla war tactics.
This documentary looks at the fun-loving Etruscans, who invented two spectator sports, gladiatorial combat and chariot racing. They were sophisticated people, with a sculptural and painting tradition, a religion based on human-type gods which they had learned from the Greeks and a complicated set of rituals for divining the future, which they handed down to the Romans.
The tungsten titans - and the women who love them.
Stoned In Suburbia is a social history film, examining the change in people's opinions to cannabis over the past 50 years. Discussing the impact of the 60's sexual revolution, the Hippie movement, the emergence of the Punks right up until the modern day.
Along with one of his last interviews and spectacular archive footage, Denis Law, Alex Ferguson and Bobby Charlton share their memories of George Best.
James May looks at the mechanics of hunting, catching and killing, shark-style. What makes this superb ocean predator such a perfectly evolved hunting and killing machine?
The Real Sex Traffic takes us to "ground zero" of the sex trade - Moldova and Ukraine - where traffickers effortlessly find vulnerable women desperate to go abroad and earn some money. The film focuses on the remarkable story of Viorel, a Ukrainian man on a mission to find his pregnant, trafficked wife in Turkey. Interwoven with Viorel’s story, we meet other victims, traffickers and the families that have been torn apart by the trade in human flesh.
The Monaco Grand Prix (French: Grand Prix de Monaco) is a Formula One race held each year on the Circuit de Monaco. Run since 1929, it is widely considered to be one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world, alongside the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans (informally known as the Triple Crown of Motorsport). The circuit has been called "an exceptional location of glamour and prestige."
Featuring writer and cultural historian Vladimir Paperny and actor Oleg Vidov, this documentary, narrated by Alexei Sayle, examines animated Russian propaganda films including Vultures.
A history of the Clash, the legendary British punk band. Included: candid interviews with guitarist/singer Mick Jones; archive footage of the band.
The first truly comprehensive feature length cinema documentary ever made about Beethoven. With over 60 live performances.
In this special documentary, Sky News gains an unprecedented insight into the lives of the Parachute Regiment's elite reconnaissance platoon, whose role is to infiltrate deep into enemy territory and bring back vital intelligence.
MIGHTY UKE travels the world to discover why so many people of different nations, cultures, ages and musical tastes are turning to the ukulele to express themselves, connect with the past, and with each other. From the Redwoods of California through the gritty streets of New York, from swinging London through Tokyo’s highrise canyons to Hawaii, ukers tell the story of the people’s instrument: The Mighty Uke.
To the uninitiated, Moog was the dog in the 80s cartoon series, Willo' the Wisp, but to those in the know, Dr Robert Moog was the maverick inventor and cult icon behind the eponymous synthesizer. This fascinating documentary explores Bob Moog's story in his own words. The advent of the synthesizer revolutionised music. An entirely new analogue instrument, it had electronic components but was made user-friendly by incorporating a traditional keyboard. Its influence was huge: Moog synthesizers were used by everyone from popular musicians like The Beatles and Stevie Wonder to jazz pioneers such as Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. In this documentary, Bob Moog shares his ideas about creativity, design, interactivity, spirituality and of course, the invention that rocked the world.
Released in the US as 'Penguins 3D'. Narrated by David Attenborough, "Penguins 3D" celebrates the destiny of a very special King Penguin, who returns to his birthplace in the sub-Antarctic. Known as Penguin City, the island is home to hundreds of albatrosses, fur seals and brawling elephant seals-as well as six million penguins! Somehow our hero must earn his place among the island inhabitants and fulfill his destiny by finding a mate and raising a family. What follows is the story of the most challenging time in a King Penguin's life, when he is driven to nurture and defend his offspring against harsh weather and fierce predators. This cosmic drama plays out in one of Earth's last great wildernesses, amid steep mountain ranges and windblown plains half buried beneath snow and ice. "Penguins 3D" is an unforgettable tale of one King Penguin's journey through his species' central rite of passage.
Paul McGann tells the story of British motoring across the ages, through the iconic cars and incredible personalities that helped establish the UK as a major driving force in the global motoring industry. Each of the four programmes focus on one aspect of British motoring: Speed; Glamour; Icons and Trail Blazers. Paul explores a key story that ties in with the episodes central theme, as well as creating a wider picture for the viewer via archive footage, visits to some of the nations most impressive motoring museums, and interviews.
‘Ad Men’ profiles 50 years of British advertising to coincide with the launch of the 5th season of ‘Madmen’. Ridley Scott’s RSA Productions lifts the lid on 50 years of British advertising, and the men behind some of the most compelling visuals of our era. ‘Ad Men’ features interviews with advertising legends such as Charles Saatchi, David Puttnam, Alan Parker and John Hegarty about the new consumerism they created. The film is based on Sam Delaney’s book ‘Get Smashed – The Story Of The Men Who Made The Ads That Changed Our Lives’ and follows the evolution of the industry from the 1960s through to the 1980s and into the millennium, looking at the impact of adverts such as Levi’s ‘Laundrette’, Heineken’s ‘Refreshes the Parts’ and Ridley Scott’s iconic 1984 Apple Macintosh advert – how they influenced consumers and gave executives power.
Join Kylie backstage and on the road as she tours the world with her ground-breaking Aphrodite – Les Folies tour. This documentary follows Kylie, the cast and crew from the conceptualisation of the tour, right through rehearsals and their six months on the road.
Bradley Wiggins – A Year In Yellow is an in-depth, no-holds barred documentary that explores the life of one of Britain’s brightest sport starts. Cameras follow Wiggins as he takes on some of Europe’s toughest races and tries to balance his professional and personal life. With exclusive access to those closest to him, the film captures the man behind all the headlines and sporting achievements, from his arduous training schedule that sees him taken away from his family for months at a time to struggling to cope with enormous media pressure.
David Bowie is one of the most pioneering and influential performers of modern times. He's had a long and successful career and been a major figure in the music world for over four decades, during which time it is estimated he has sold about 140 million albums. As the Victoria and Albert Museum's David Bowie exhibition proves itself the fastest seller in the institution's history, leading music critics and DJs explore the life, music, legacy and larger-than-life stage characters of the glam rock legend, who recently made a chart comeback with his first album in a decade, The Next Day. This documentary explores the life and career of musician and actor David Bowie, who recently returned to the top of the charts with The Next Day, his first album in a decade. Music critics and DJs offer their thoughts on the London-born artist's colourful career and enduring success.
Music critics and fans look back at the 30-year career of progressive rockers Pink Floyd, famed for their hugely successful concept albums and elaborate live shows.
This documentary looks at the influences of Queen and their formidable front man Freddie Mercury. Friends and fans of the legendary British rock band reflect on their remarkable career and how they continually pushed the musical envelope with each album leaving a legacy of outstanding songs and videos that shaped popular culture. The film includes archive interview footage of Freddie in the 80s, as well as contributions from leading figures in the music industry. Find out about the story behind their show stealing performance at Live Aid, their collaboration with David Bowie and the sadness behind the video of These Are The Days of Our Lives.
Typhoon Haiyan swept through the Philippines and left a trail of destruction in its wake, with winds that gusted up to 270km/h creating walls of water two storeys high. Thousands of people have died and millions more are struggling to survive, desperate for food, water and shelter, in a crisis that has triggered one of the world's biggest relief operations. The full impact of Typhoon Haiyan is explored in this heartbreaking but insightful documentary combining extraordinary first-hand accounts from survivors, footage from several dedicated film crews on the ground in the Philippines, and expert testimony from renowned scientists.
Documentary charting the rise of one of Britain's biggest indie rock groups, from their 1980s origins at London's Goldsmiths College to their 1994 number one album Parklife. Music critics Michael Bonner, Hamish MacBain and John Aizlewood examine how Food Records helped the four-piece band - Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree - find fame with their distinctly English sound This enjoyable biography charts the rise of the band that, perhaps more than any other, came to symbolise British guitar music in the 90s. Inescapably, those execrable cliches "Britpop" and "Cool Britannia" are tossed about with impunity, but the programme's makers have at least shown some restraint in not dwelling too long on the manufactured feud with a certain Manchester group. Instead, we get a potted visual discography that showcases a string of intelligently crafted pop albums
Sky News searches for those running the people smuggling trade in the Mediterranean, where Africans die trying to cross the sea.
Sky Movies takes a look at the new Christopher Nolan Sci-Fi blockbuster in this movie special. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway
In the aftermath of the devastating Nepal earthquakes, this documentary uncovers stories of survival and struggle, as well as examining the science behind the natural phenomena.
In this one-hour special, accomplished modern artist and illustrator Julie Verhoeven re-interprets the iconic 1970s book through a piece of artwork and in doing so expresses her understanding of the joy of sex in the 21st century. On her journey, Verhoeven meets the original The Joy of Sex illustrator Chris Foss, who reveals the behind-the-scenes detail of putting together the original collection of images.
Theres an invisible community in the UK. Clandestine, elusive and living on our streets are around 16,000 UK brethren members, Britains most secretive sect. Exclusive brethren are not allowed to watch tv, go to the cinema, listen to the radio, go to cafes or restaurants, dance or read literature. Cut off from the world and all the evil in it, they only know what their elders tell them and are taught not to question anything. This documentary follows 25-year-old Emma as she attempts to leave one of Britains most secretive organisations, the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. We hear the extraordinary stories of ex-brethren and get a rare insight into this secret sect. https://skyvision.sky.com/Brand/2399/escape-from-the-secret-sect
American police chiefs have been to Scotland to learn new techniques in how to avoid shooting violent suspects. As numerous fatal police confrontations cause public anger across the US, officers are rethinking when, and how, they use force. Last year, police in the US shot and killed around 1,000 civilians, many of them unarmed.
A profile of broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough, whose career has included being controller of BBC Two and making numerous groundbreaking wildlife programmes
The former EastEnders actor visits Iraq and Syria to follow Kurdish armed forces to the front lines of the ongoing fight against the so-called Islamic State.
One-off, spoof documentary in which Steve Coogan's perennially over-reaching broadcaster heads to the nebulous `north' to see how the other half live. Seeking to make amends for a controversial on-air gaffe, in which Alan apparently managed to offend anyone who considers themselves a `northerner', Norwich's finest sets out to immerse himself in the lives of the very people he slighted, as he investigates what he refers to as the `schasm' between the UK's haves and the have-nots, perhaps even transforming himself into a sought-after TV star in the process.
Mockumentary "Colourful television personality Louie Spence has been taken on as a cab driver for Harlow-based Metro Cars for a week's trial. In his new Sky 1 show Louie Spence: Taxi Driver, Louie can be seen driving around the town at the wheel of a mini cab. According to the show, the reason for the sudden change of career is that five years after his appearance in Pineapple Dance Studios he has found bookings have dried up, leaving him in need of another source of employment. To prepare for the show, Louie completed a genuine mini cab driving test and got himself a private operator's license before being offered a job at Metro Cars. The show features Louie picking up and dropping off customers, sometimes following them on to their jobs, nights out or events – including football training at Harlow Town FC, taking part in an amateur wrestling tournament and performing at a retirement home. A spokesman for the show, which was filmed in February, said: "Add in to this the potential for the odd celebrity passenger, a tempestuous and often flirtatious relationship with a radio dispatch operator and the day-to-day shenanigans of a real-life cab office and you've got a recipe for a joyous and fun mix of real-world actuality and Louie's traditional breakout happening."
Documentary chronicling the making of Blur's acclaimed 2015 comeback album The Magic Whip, charting its origins in Hong Kong to the band performing material in London's Hyde Park.
On the eve of the first TV debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, Amanda Walker examines whether 'The Donald' can do what was once thought impossible and get into the White House.
Martin Brundle, Damon Hill and Ted Kravitz join Simon Lazenby to discuss the shock retirement of F1 world champion Nico Rosberg, and what it means for Mercedes and the sport.
Claude Monet was an avid horticulturist and arguably the most important painter of gardens in the history of art, but he was not alone. Great artists like Van Gogh, Bonnard, Sorolla, Sargent, Pissarro and Matisse all saw the garden as a powerful subject for their art.
The computer revolution. In a world becoming ever more technologically advanced, and reliant upon computers, a team of scientists and musical theatre writers team up to devise a recipe for success in musical theatre and then task computers to use that knowledge and generate a hit.
Ross explores the arduous journey taken by those desperate to leave Libya for Europe, witnessing the many dangers the migrants encounter along the way
Primodos was a pregnancy test pill prescribed regularly in the 1960s that used a massive dose of hormones to produce results. Soon after its introduction women who'd used it were giving birth to babies with deformities. For decades the victims and their families have been campaigning for their case to be heard. Now Sky News journalist Jason Farrell presents the findings of his six-year investigation, in which he alleges a cover-up and collusion between Primodos' manufacturer and the UK medicines regulator. One of the campaigning mothers gives a sorrowful reason for their fight: “Until we have an answer, we always have to consider that we're to blame.”
Sky Cinema takes a special look at the latest take on the classic Marvel superhero, starring Tom Holland, Michael Keaton and Robert Downey Jr.
Mariella Frostrup interviews Andrew Morton, the author of Diana: Her True Story, a biography of the Princess of Wales that was published in 1992. The book caused huge controversy when it was serialised in the Sunday Times, as it offered an intimate insight into Diana's personal troubles and her experiences of life in the royal household - but it was only after her death in 1997 that Morton revealed she had been the source for much of his information. In this programme, he reveals how he was shunned by fellow journalists and received death threats from terrorist groups, and why he sought a statement of support from the princess as he tried to restore his reputation
A Sky News special takes a look at Princess Diana's final hours, the extraordinary events leading up to her funeral and her enduring legacy
The story of Apple Corps, the multimedia corporation founded by the Beatles that became one of the most colourful, outlandish and chaotic companies that ever existed
Documentary telling the story of the pioneering and influential British heavy rock band, with cameras also following them as they enter the studio to record a new album. Narrator Rick Wakeman
Documentary maker Toby Sculthorp explores Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship and how it reflects the changing face of Britain and the monarchy
Documentary about Sex Pistols' infamous appearance Bill Grundy's TV show, featuring contributions by then bassist Glen Matlock, publicist Eric Hall and studio director Tony Billey
Comedy panel show in which host Romesh Ranganathan is joined by Danny Dyer, Katherine Ryan and Richard Osman to review predictions they made 12 months ago about 2018
Why do so many people get divorced at Christmas? What exactly is a three-bird roast? And why does everyone panic about getting a new sofa in time? Micky searches his mind for everything he loves and loathes about Christmas. But it's not just those burning questions keeping Micky awake. He wants to find out more about Britain's Christmas craze. In this cheeky festive special, he visits a tinsel factory in Wales and finds out why people do unspeakable things at their office Christmas parties. He discovers how semi-nudity and New Year resolutions come together in a rather surprising way, shares his take on 2018 and reveals why, for some, Christmas is all about wizards, stone circles and bad sandals. Plus, if you've ever wondered who the world's most inappropriate Father Christmas is, you'll get to meet him as Micky heads to Santa training school.
New republican prime minister Jack Barker strips the royals of their assets and titles and the Queen and her family are forced to move to a rundown council estate. The locals don't exactly roll out the red carpet, but new neighbours Bev, Tony, Violet and Spiggy prove to be unlikely allies.
Jason Manford hosts as the Royal Albert Hall is transformed into a rock'n'roll winter wonderland for a concert filled with Christmas classics, with performances from the likes of Chrissie Hynde, the Vamps, Holly Johnson, Alexander Armstrong, Melanie C and Ricky Wilson
A countdown the 20 most thrilling moments from the fantasy drama based on George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels. Cast members and celebrity fans also discuss the series and there is a look at who the main contenders for the Iron Throne really are.
Special film about the life of A Passage to India author EM Forster, following his huge growth as a writer and the twists and turns of his personal life.
A moving new TV documentary about the secret life of one of England's most acclaimed writers.
For the first time, this film tells the full story of the cunning fraudster who posed as an MI6 agent to con his ex-girlfriend out of her Money. Sky News’ crime correspondent Martin Brunt spent four years tracking down Acklom, uncovering his vast criminal network and the people he managed to con out of thousands of pounds. Now, in a brand new Sky Crime documentary, Martin tells the story of Acklom and how he became so elusive.
Following the success of the Sky Atlantic drama series, this special documentary heads to Ukraine to meet some of the people involved in dealing with the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986.
From Harry Potter to He Who Shall Not Be Named, Alex Zane explores the secrets behind the vibrant characters of the much-loved wizarding world brought to life by JK Rowling.
Cockney comic Micky Flanagan gives viewers the backstage treatment at his 2017 sellout An’ Another Fing tour in this documentary. Culminating in a run at the O2 in London, it has since become one of the world’s biggest comedy tours, and this film charts Flanagan’s slow burn success from unvarnished archive footage of him performing in London pubs to then honing his brand of straight-talking observational comedy that can connect with an arena crowd.
An exploration of the life and career of the Beatles superstar, with a look at the strange parallels between him and his killer Mark David Chapman.
Introducing a feature length film charting the sensational highs and lows of two of boxing’s biggest icons Frank Bruno and Mike Tyson.
Creation Stories tells the unforgettable tale of infamous Creation Records label head Alan McGee; and of how one written-off young Glaswegian upstart rose to irrevocably change the face of British culture.
A story celebrating Greece's biggest football triumph back in 2004, and 'King' Otto Rehhagel, the coach that lead them to victory.
A Sky Original documentary chronicling French rally driver Michèle Mouton's battle to rise to the top of the male-dominated world of rallying in the 70s and 80s.
Comedians James Acaster, Guz Khan and Alex Brooker have all been obsessed with the classic 1990 comedy Home Alone ever since they were kids. Christmas isn't Christmas until you've watched kid Kevin McAllister, played by Macauley Culkin, set a series of deadly traps to deter the inept burglars "The Wet Bandits" from breaking into his house. But there's one big burning question that all Home Alone fans need answering; would Harry & Marv have survived those traps in real life? Well, it's time to find out! Guz & James will be stepping into the shoes of the Wet Bandits, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, and will be assisted by an engineer as they build their own versions of some of the most memorable boobytraps from the film such as the 'The Blowtorch to the Head' and 'The Swinging Paint Can'. They'll find out what damage they would do in real life, figure out how science can help them survive the traps.
A chance to relive England's historic victory in the Women's European Championships. With behind-the-scenes content, interviews with the key protagonists, and the very best of the action from throughout the tournament, as the Lionesses captivated the nation and gave England victory in a major football tournament for the first time in 56 years.
The inside story of a legendary night and the last perfect rave This remarkable new feature documentary takes us back to 2002 and an extraordinary moment in time, when social and cultural history reached a crossroads. The Big Beach Boutique 2 was a UK rave event, with the iconic Fatboy Slim as DJ. Forty thousand ravers were expected on the beach in Brighton that day, but more than a quarter of a million turned up, and the event made history – both good and bad. Now, 20 years on, this film tells the story of the people and the event through moving interviews (including Fatboy Slim), exhilarating archive and visual alchemy. But it’s also about hedonistic times and the last hurrah of the rave movement before it ascended from the underground to the mainstream. It also explores a darker side through the disobedience, disorganisation, danger and jeopardy around the rave – and the slightly weird turn- of-the-century pop politics in play.
The tragic tale of the relationship between Ferrari team-mates Gilles Villeneuve and Didier Pironi is finally revealed
Nasser Hussain meets some of the most successful leaders in sport to find out how they inspire, motivate and manage their teams to succeed at the highest level.
Feature length Sky Original documentary charting the rise of racing driver Nigel Mansell, the Williams F1 Racing team and how they came together to fight for the Formula 1 Drivers Championship
Chart the dramatic fall and rise of Luton Town, as the Kenilworth Road outfit prepare to make their long-awaited return to England's top flight after 31 years away.
A definitive portrait of a unique, working-class hero and one of the world’s most beloved boxers - Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton. The documentary, with incredible access to Ricky and unseen archive footage, charts his journey from the Hattersley estate near Manchester to headlining on the strip in Las Vegas is an emotional insight into a brilliant sporting hero. Earmarked for greatness from the moment he turned professional, Ricky quickly rose to the pinnacle of his sport. Adored by the public, he was a raging force in the ring, but the eventual pain of defeat would become utterly unbearable. Triumph, and pride were replaced by depression, addiction, and shame. His courage was clear, but it hid a darkness that would overwhelm him. Crucially, his relationships with those closest to him fell apart. A near decade estrangement from his family and split from his coach pushed Ricky to his absolute rock bottom and an attempted suicide.
Featuring exclusive interviews from stars including Naomie Harris (Moonlight, Skyfall), Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones), David Ajala (Star Trek: Discovery), and Verona Rose (Top Boy), Black British entertainers share for the first time their stories of hidden struggles of hair on set. In this powerful documentary, Fola Evans-Akingbola paints an intimate picture of how something as seemingly superficial as hair quickly uncovers a whole story about what it means to be different in a place you call home.
Stasi FC is the gripping true-crime story of how, in the late 70’s, East Germany’s secret service (The Stasi) attempted to subvert the last remaining oasis of free speech in the country – football. Living under the Iron Curtain, your choice of football club was essentially a political statement and the stadium the only area in which you could openly express your opposition. Football thus became a prime target for the authorities. Bribery, intimidation, surveillance, forced transfers and even murder ensued as the Stasi engineered a decade of uninterrupted success for their preferred team, BFC Dynamo, before it all came crashing down with the fall of the Berlin Wall.
A look at how the famous department store celebrates the festive season, including the secrets behind its famous Christmas windows and the unveiling of this year's creating - a theatrical extravaganza dubbed "Showtime!", which includes Santa Claus as a stage director, a Christmas tree diva and a stand-up comedy snowman. The programme also lifts the lid on the history of the store and reveals the colourful life of the man who created it.
In celebration of 30 years of the World Darts Championship, take a look back at the very first tournament, a classic final from 2007 and more.
The special will see comedians Chris Ramsey and Paul Chowdhry, alongside engineer Zoe Laughlin, scientifically assess stunts from much-loved Christmas action film, Die Hard. From rooftop escapes to walking over shattered glass, Chris and Paul will put these stunts to the test and along the way, the duo will set out to answer the biggest question of all…Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?
Take an irreverent and affectionate look back at the year in sport with Greg James and special guests Maisie Adam, Guz Khan and Tom Davis.
Captivating documentary exploring the haunting world of Charles Dickens' supernatural tales through actor readings, archive footage and immersive visuals.
Greg James and Maisie Adam try to follow in the footsteps of the archaeologist as they take on stunts from the film franchise, such as dodging darts and outrunning boulders. Meanwhile, Alex Brooker explores the sets and meets cast members to hear their memories of the film.
A special documentary charting the history and rise of African players in the Premier League. Featuring interviews with over 30 players who played in England's top division.
Sky Sport investigates why the rise of female coaches could alter rugby for the better. Taking an in depth look at the challenges female coaches must overcome to get to the top.
