The "In The Know" List
My list of favorite Documentaries, Docudramas, News or News Magazine Series, Specials & Movies....all the entertainment that will keep you in the know about the world around us. A documentary film or TV series is intended to "document reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education or maintaining a historical record". A news magazine or newsmagazine is a typed, printed, and published magazine, radio or television program, usually published weekly, consisting of articles about current events. News magazines generally discuss stories, in greater depth than newspapers or newscasts do, and aim to give the consumer an understanding of the important events beyond the basic facts. Docudrama (or documentary drama) is a genre of television and film, which features dramatized re-enactments of actual events. It is described as a hybrid of documentary and drama and "a fact-based representation of real event".
List activity
10 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
66 titles
- CreatorConnor SchellBill SimmonsJohn DahlStarsBrent MusburgerChuck DLarry BirdA collection of documentary films focused on sports.
- StarsRay Van Ness IIIAndrew JenksBill LeeInspired by ESPN's anniversary, ESPN Films' 30 for 30 is an unprecedented documentary series featuring films from some of today's finest storytellers. Each filmmaker brings their passion and personal point of view to their films that transformed the sports landscape from 1979 to 2009. Own select films from this acclaimed series today.
- StarsHenry Louis Gates Jr.CeCe MooreAnita HillBefore the popularity of AncestryDNA, journalist and cultural critic Henry Louis Gates, Jr. divulges the family trees of various celebrities, many times with stunning revelations.
- DirectorBrian BarkleyStarsRussell BuchananRichard FatherleyThis documentary places the war in its historical and cultural context, guiding the viewer through the causes and the major battles of the Civil War while providing insight into the lives of two stalwart men who fought for the South.
- StarsBill KurtisDave ReichertKathy MillsCold Case Files shows how timing, persistence and high-tech police work combine to catch people who have slipped through the cracks for decades.
- DirectorDerik MurrayDavid RayStarsWillie G. DavidsonGary DavisBob Einstein"I Am Evel Knievel" features footage of Evel's greatest jumps, including the seminal Snake River Canyon and Caesars Palace jumps. The film also showcases Knievel's rise from a small town rebel in Butte, Montana, to a cultural icon whose rise to super-stardom was built on nerves of steel and the ability to get up and do it again no matter the severity of the fall. He lived life like every day was his last, which led to a tumultuous life filled with stunts no man would ever dream of, encompassing meteoric success, wild hubris, ego-maniacal mistakes, and ultimately redemption. The documentary combines original exclusive interviews with archival footage of this larger-than-life character to tell Knievel's incredible story. Among those featured include Matthew McConaughey, Kid Rock, Michelle Rodriguez, Guy Fieri, Robbie Maddison and family members including sons Kelly and Robbie, and former wives Linda Knievel and Krystal Kennedy-Knievel.
- StarsMatt BlakeBill AdlerChristmas Through the Decades explores the traditions, fads, and gifts of Christmases past. Each episode includes interviews from pop culture experts and celebrities and covers popular music, TV specials, movies, toys and more for the featured decade.
- DirectorLinda Bloodworth-ThomasonStarsCindy BitneyDavid CroneJessica MitchellShane Bitney Crone's plans to marry Tom Bridegroom in California after the same-sex marriage law is passed takes a tragic turn when his partner of six years accidentally dies and Tom's family refuses Shane from attending the funeral.
- DirectorRon HowardStarsThe BeatlesJohn LennonGeorge HarrisonA compilation of found footage featuring music, interviews, and stories of The Beatles' 250 concerts from 1963 to 1966.
- DirectorTom JenningsStarsWalt DisneyWard KimballWernher von BraunThe Apollo space program: 12 manned-missions, one impossible goal. With rare archival footage and audio, this remarkable documentary sheds new light on an incredible time in human history.
- StarsJohn WayneLarry MosesA retrospective of the career of actor John Wayne, showing clips from many of his most famous films.
- StarsNancy CollinsChris ConnellySylvia L. DorseyFriends and loved ones of Farrah Fawcett recall the actress' personal struggles and final days.
- DirectorAlexandra IslesStarsMorgan FreemanRosetta LeNoireDick CampbellA documentary look at the confluence of the Red scare, McCarthyism, and blacklists with the post-war activism by African Americans seeking more and better roles on radio, television, and stage. It begins in Harlem, measures the impact of Paul Robeson and the campaign to bring him down, looks at the role of HUAC, J. Edgar Hoover and of journalists such as Ed Sullivan, and ends with a tribute to Canada Lee. Throughout are interviews with men and women who were there, including Dick Campbell of the Rose McLendon Players and Fredrick O'Neal of the American Negro Theatre. In the 1940s and 1950s, anti-Communism was one more tool to maintain Jim Crow and to keep down African-Americans.
- DirectorDenny TedescoStarsBrian WilsonDick ClarkCherA celebration of the musical work of a group of session musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew", a band that provided back-up instrumentals to such legendary recording artists as Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys and Bing Crosby.
- StarsCeCe MooreSteve ArmentroutEllen GreytakThe Genetic Detective follows investigative genetic genealogist CeCe Moore as she uses her unique research skills to transform the face of crime solving.
- StarsBrian CooneyBrian HanfordJavier SenosiainExtreme Homes is a series of tours around some of the worlds strangest, largest, and prettiest properties and their homes.
- CreatorPaul DowlingStarsPeter ThomasTom BevelSkip PalenikA series featuring detailed accounts on how notable crimes and diseases were solved through forensic science.
- DirectorKevin MacdonaldStarsWhitney HoustonEllen WhiteMichael HoustonAn in-depth look at the life and music of Whitney Houston.
- DirectorMick GroganStarsJim ConradGerald GurianNichelle NicholsIn this documentary props and other items from the original Star Trek series are tracked down and others are restored for display at various locations throughout the U.S.
- CreatorPeter ReesStarsRobert LeeJamie HynemanAdam SavageA weekly documentary in which two Hollywood special effects experts attempt to debunk urban legends by directly testing them.
- CreatorEvan HusneyJason EisenerStarsChris JerichoSteve KasanJames E. CornetteFrom backstage controversies to mysterious deaths and unsolved homicides, this series explores the darkest stories from the golden age of professional wrestling, and tries to find truth at the intersection of fantasy and reality.
- DirectorJason WiseStarsRose MariePeter MarshallCarl ReinerRose Marie, the untold story of fame, love, tragedy and 90 years of American entertainment through the eyes of the woman who did it all.
- StarsBob RossSteve RossDana JesterIn this half-hour program, artist Bob Ross paints a beautiful oil painting on canvas.
- DirectorLuc JacquetStarsMorgan FreemanRomane BohringerCharles BerlingIn the Antarctic, every March since the beginning of time, the quest begins to find the perfect mate and start a family.
- DirectorPhil KeoghanStarsJim ConradTake an epic voyage over the remote island nation of New Zealand, the last habitable landmass to be discovered on the planet. No bigger than the state of Colorado, this small country offers an incredibly diverse landscape view that changes dramatically with each mile. From snow-capped mountains to sandy beaches, and from the glacier-carved Fiordland National Park to the crater lake of Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand is a land of extremes. It's a place where fire clashes with ice and people are always pushing the limits.
- StarsBurt LancasterAverell HarrimanDocumentary film history of the Nazi-Soviet conflict in world War II.
- StarsRobin RobertsDolly PartonJad AbumradAhead of the Country Music Awards, Robin Roberts interviews country legend Dolly Parton.
- DirectorMolly HermannStarsSteve AlexanderKirk ChapmanRon GlasgowThe U.S. expands westward after the Civil War displacing the last of the free-roaming Native Americans onto Reservations. This show focuses special attention on General George A. Custer and the Battle of the Little Bighorn and Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show.
- DirectorRobert GordonMorgan NevilleStarsGore VidalWilliam F. BuckleyDick CavettA documentary on the series of televised debates in 1968 between liberal Gore Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley.
- DirectorChristopher SpencerChristopher SpencerStarsLaura BrentlingerDebbie BridgeEmilia de GeerDetailed history of the design and manufacture of the iconic Boeing 747, which was developed as an inferior sibling to Boeing's preferred option, the Super-Sonic Transport. The financial stress that Boeing faced almost put it out of business, but resulted in a masterpiece of engineering which created the way forward in safe, reliable and economic air transport.
- DirectorSam PollardStarsTaylor BranchGary Clark Jr.CommonTwo Trains Runnin' is about the search for two forgotten blues singers, carried out in Mississippi during the height of the American civil rights movement.
- DirectorJames KeachStarsGlen CampbellKim CampbellRonald PetersenAs he struggles with Alzheimer's disease, country-music legend Glen Campbell embarks on his farewell tour in the U.S., Australia, and Europe.
- DirectorJimmy ChinElizabeth Chai VasarhelyiStarsAlex HonnoldTommy CaldwellJimmy ChinAlex Honnold faces the biggest challenge of his career, climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. He pursues it Free Solo, which means climbing without a rope and alone.
- StarsEdward R. MurrowCharles CollingwoodJayne MeadowsInterviews with figures from public life.
- StarsJosh BrolinRichard MachowiczJames MeigsFrom the power of science to how physics and biology combined to shape our shared journey, experience the human story like it's never been told before.
- StarsGreg KelleyGaebri AndersonA five-part documentary series examining the gripping story of high school football star Greg Kelley who was arrested, convicted and jailed for sexual assault of a 4-year-old boy, and his supporters' quest for truth and justice.
- StarsLinda EmondLaurent LedererLisa FriedmanFind out more about the women you love and admire who have made their mark in movies, music, politics, sports, and more in these "Intimate Portraits."
- DirectorDavid EngelStarsGranville Van DusenGene KellyJune AllysonFeaturette featuring nine MGM stars of the golden age talking about their experiences at the studio.
- CreatorRalph EdwardsStarsEamonn AndrewsMichael AspelElizabeth DawnThe UK version of the popular US show. Eamonn Andrews (later Michael Aspel) surprises celebrities by presenting them with the Big Red Book before taking them into the studio to tell viewers the story of their life, featuring guest appearances by members of their family, friends and colleagues.
- StarsTab HunterUrsula AndressLinda BlairHosted by celebrity horse enthusiast, Tab Hunter, visits the stables and homes of the Hollywood movie set, where you'll see first hand how Hollywood's biggest stars ride, train and discuss their passion for these magnificent animals.
- DirectorBud FriedgenMichael J. SheridanStarsDebbie ReynoldsGene KellyAnn MillerThird installment in the "That's Entertainment" series, featuring scenes from "The Hollywood Revue of 1929," "Brigadoon," "Singin' In The Rain," and many more MGM films.
- CreatorRoone ArledgeWilliam F. BakerDonald L. PerrisStarsLara SpencerGinger ZeeRobin RobertsThey present the news and information source of the day's topics and journalism.
- DirectorDavid ClarkAl GiddingsStarsKenneth BranaghCarole BaldwinJohn E. McCoskerMarine biologist Dr. Carole Baldwin, from the Smithsonian Institutions's Museum of Natural History, and her first trips to the famed Galapagos Islands.
- DirectorHoward HallStarsKate NelliganThe Tangwalder off California's Channel Islands are full of wonders: hugging starfish, dazzling octopuses, capricious sea lions and more, shot by Howard Hall, the director of Deep Sea.
- DirectorAlexandre O. PhilippeStarsMarli RenfroAlfred HitchcockTere CarrubbaAn unprecedented look at the iconic shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960), the "man behind the curtain", and the screen murder that profoundly changed the course of world cinema.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobbie RobertsonMuddy WatersNeil YoungA film account and presentation of the final concert of The Band.
- DirectorBrett MorgenStarsJane GoodallHugo Van LawickHugo Eric Louis van LawickThe life and work of the renowned primatology scientist, Jane Goodall, especially on her research about chimpanzees.
- StarsAndrew GoughDarius AryaPeter CampbellA smart, fun countdown that details how ancient technology worked, how surprisingly advanced it was, and how it was kind of awesome.
- StarsDavid MuirElizabeth VargasMax Baer Jr.Todays theme is the Truth and Lies: The Family Manson.
- 20171h 22mTV-147.1 (41)TV MovieStarsAndy Martinez Jr.A look back at the Menendez brothers case and determine the motive.
- StarsAndrew YangH.W. BrandsBeverly GageA nation shaped by adversity; these are the stories of the challenges that helped shape a nation; surviving the starving time of the first colonies; battling for independence; heading west into the unknown; and sparking a civil war.
- DirectorGabriela CowperthwaiteStarsTilikumDave DuffusSamantha BergA documentary following the controversial captivity of killer whales, and its dangers for both humans and whales.
- DirectorDon HardyDana NachmanStarsDiane MeerTerry BlosserJanet GearheartPick of the Litter follows a litter of puppies from the moment they're born and begin their quest to become Guide Dogs for the Blind, the ultimate canine career. Cameras follow these pups through a two-year odyssey as they train to become dogs whose ultimate responsibility is to protect their blind partners from harm. Along the way, the dogs meet a community of dedicated individuals who train them to do amazing, life-changing things in the service of their human. The stakes are high and not every dog can make the cut. Only the best of the best. The pick of the litter.
- StarsDavid AttenboroughExplores and unravels the mystery of how and why animals migrate, showing some of the most dramatic and compelling stories in the natural world through spectacular and innovative cinematography.
- StarsMocean MelvinKen RogersCourteney CoxCelebrities are given the opportunity to research their family trees with surprising and often unexpected results.
- StarsDavid AttenboroughChadden HunterGordon BuchananDavid Attenborough returns with a new wildlife documentary that shows life in a variety of habitats.
- StarsMichael PetersonDavid RudolfRon GueretteThe high-profile murder trial of American novelist Michael Peterson following the death of his wife Kathleen Peterson in 2001.
- StarsChris ConnellyLarry HackettDanyel SmithRare footage and intimate details provide a deeper look at the mavericks who shaped American culture; featuring interviews with friends and family who reveal the meteoric highs and the devastating costs of fame
- StarsSigourney WeaverDavid AttenboroughNikolay DrozdovA documentary series on the wildlife found on Earth. Each episode covers a different habitat: deserts, mountains, deep oceans, shallow seas, forests, caves, polar regions, fresh water, plains and jungles. Narrated by David Attenborough.
- StarsRobert MitchumJane SeymourHart BochnerThe trials of the Henry and the Jastrow families amidst the events after the U.S.'s entry into World War II.
- StarsRobert PowellSwaylee LoughnaneRecounts the events of world War II in color.
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsJake GyllenhaalRobert Downey Jr.Mark RuffaloBetween 1968 and 1983, a San Francisco cartoonist becomes an amateur detective obsessed with tracking down the Zodiac Killer, an unidentified individual who terrorizes Northern California with a killing spree.
- DirectorDanny WolfStarsWarren BeattyElizabeth BerkleyMartine BeswickThe definitive documentary on the history of nudity in feature films, from the early silent days to the present, studying the changes in morality that led to the use of nudity in films, while emphasizing the political, sociological, and artistic changes that shaped that history. Skin also studies the gender inequality in presenting nude images in motion pictures, and follows the revolution that has created nude gender equality in movies today. It culminates in a discussion of "what are nude scenes like in the age of the #METOO movement" as well as nudity as a part of motion pictures' future. The documentary compares the use of nudity to further story-lines vs. simple exploitation, and discusses how nudity is used in movies today with the explosion of "must-see" programming and its influence on the film medium.
- DirectorTom JenningsA series of nuclear bomb test conducted outside Las Vegas in the 1950s and early 60s
- DirectorAngela TuckerStarsAlizaAntoniaBarbFacing a sex obsessed culture, a mountain of stereotypes and misconceptions, and a lack of social or scientific research, asexuals - people who experience no sexual attraction - struggle to claim their identity.
- DirectorWendy AppleStarsKathy BatesZach StaenbergJodie FosterDocumentary about the art of film editing. Clips are shown from many groundbreaking films with innovative editing styles.