Documentary

Premise: “FBI: Declassified” is a documentary series that gives viewers an inside look at the real-life, high-stakes missions of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Each episode presents a detailed examination of a notable case, unfolding the meticulous investigative process, forensic techniques, and advanced technology that the FBI utilizes. Narrated with gripping firsthand accounts by the agents involved, the show offers a thrilling and educational dive into the Bureau’s paramount cases, many of which were once classified.

Main Characters: The series doesn’t have a recurring set of actors, as it’s a documentary. However, Alana De La Garza, who appears as a presenter in some episodes, provides context and introspective commentary based on her perspective as an actress deeply involved in fictional FBI portrayals.

Themes: “FBI: Declassified” touches upon the complexities and challenges that come with national security and crime-solving. Themes of justice, perseverance, innovation, and the intricate balance between civil liberties and the needs of national security permeate the series. The documentary style also highlights teamwork, dedication, and the moral challenges faced by agents during investigations.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5. Critics appreciate the series for shedding light on the rigorous process behind major FBI operations and providing an educative view on criminal investigations. However, some critics feel that the show could benefit from deeper dives into certain topics.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-PG – Given the nature of its content about real-life crimes and investigations, the series is more suited for slightly mature viewers, though it’s not overly graphic or explicit.

Broadcast Network and Air Dates: “FBI: Declassified” airs on CBS and premiered in 2020.

TV Series Recommendations:

1. “Inside the FBI: New York”
2. “Cold Case Files”
3. “American Greed”
4. “Forensic Files”
5. “The FBI Files”

Streaming Services:

Currently available to stream on Paramount+

Related posts:

Sherlock Making A Murderer Dirty Money Planet Earth The Innocent Man Evil Genius

Powered by YARPP.

Premise: “The Imagineering Story” is a documentary series that takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes journey through the history and creation of Disney’s theme parks worldwide. The show delves into the artistry, engineering, and innovation that went into building these magical places, while also addressing the challenges and controversies faced over the years. Created by Leslie Iwerks, the series showcases the evolution of the Disney parks, from their initial conception to their current status as global entertainment destinations.

Main Characters: The series doesn’t have “characters” in the traditional sense, given its documentary nature. However, it prominently features interviews with Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind the parks. Notable figures include:

• Bob Gurr: Renowned Disney Imagineer responsible for designing many iconic park attractions.
• Rolly Crump: An Imagineer known for his work on attractions like the Haunted Mansion.
• Marty Sklar: One of the principal creative minds behind EPCOT and many international parks.
• Angela Bassett (Narrator): The acclaimed actress provides the series’ narration, guiding viewers through the history of Disney’s parks and the Imagineers’ feats.

Themes: The series highlights themes of creativity, innovation, perseverance, and the challenges of maintaining Walt Disney’s original vision in the face of corporate decisions and cultural shifts. It showcases the delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing change, as well as the dedication and passion of those who craft the magic behind the scenes.

Rating: 4.5/5 Critics have largely praised “The Imagineering Story” for its comprehensive look at Disney’s theme park history, its captivating storytelling, and the depth of its interviews. The series has been hailed for providing an unfiltered look into both the successes and failures of Disney Imagineering. However, a few critics have commented that certain controversial subjects could have been delved into more deeply.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-PG The documentary is rated TV-PG due to its thematic elements that might require parental guidance for younger viewers, especially when addressing the challenges and controversies faced by Disney.

Broadcast Details: “The Imagineering Story” originally aired on Disney+ in 2019.

Recommendations: If you enjoyed this series, you might also like:

1. “Walt Disney: An American Experience”
2. “Behind the Attraction”
3. “One Day at Disney”
4. “The Pixar Story”
5. “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom”

Related posts:

Sherlock Dirty Money Planet Earth The Innocent Man Evil Genius Blue Planet

Powered by YARPP.

Premise:
“Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief” is a documentary film that investigates the inner workings of the Church of Scientology. The film, based on the book of the same name by Lawrence Wright, features interviews with former members of the Church, shedding light on its secretive practices, controversial founder L. Ron Hubbard, and the institution’s relationship with celebrity figures like Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

Themes:
The documentary tackles the themes of belief, manipulation, and the nature of organized religion. It delves into the psychological mechanisms by which the Church controls its members and explores the ethical boundaries that the institution appears to cross in its quest for influence and power. The film also critiques the tax-exempt status granted to Scientology, questioning the relationship between church and state.

Critical Consensus Rating: 4.5/5
The film received widespread acclaim for its detailed research, compelling interviews, and incisive critique of Scientology. Critics lauded its balanced narrative and courage in taking on a notoriously secretive and litigious organization. However, some critics noted that the film may be too dense for those unfamiliar with Scientology’s intricate beliefs and history.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-MA
The documentary has a TV-MA rating due to its mature themes, explicit language, and disturbing revelations about psychological and sometimes physical abuse within the Church.

Broadcast Information:
The documentary originally aired on HBO in 2015.

TV Series Recommendations:

1. “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst”
2. “Wild Wild Country“
3. “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath”
4. “Citizenfour”
5. “Dirty Money“

Related posts:

Sherlock Making A Murderer Dirty Money Planet Earth The Innocent Man Evil Genius

Powered by YARPP.

Premise:
“Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness” is a true-crime documentary series that chronicles the bizarre world of big cat owners and sanctuaries in the United States. The series primarily focuses on Joe Exotic (real name: Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage), an eccentric zookeeper from Oklahoma, and his long-standing feud with Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist and sanctuary owner. Their rivalry takes numerous unexpected twists and turns, involving lawsuits, allegations of abuse, and even a murder-for-hire plot.

Themes:
The series explores themes of obsession, power dynamics, and the moral complexities of animal rights vs. exploitation. It delves into the American subculture surrounding exotic animals, touching on the ethics and legality of ownership and care. The larger-than-life personalities that populate this world serve as a backdrop to examine broader social issues such as manipulation, celebrity culture, and the criminal justice system.

Critical Consensus Rating: 4/5
“Tiger King” has been both criticized and praised for its sensationalistic storytelling. While the series has been lauded for its ability to captivate audiences and expose the seedy underworld of big cat exploitation, it has also been criticized for leaning too much into the spectacle at the expense of journalistic rigor. The documentary’s controversial characters and unbelievable turns of events contributed to its viral success, although some critics felt it lacked depth in exploring the ethical issues at hand.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-MA
The show is rated TV-MA due to mature content, including explicit language, scenes of animal abuse, and discussions of violent activities, making it suitable for adult audiences.

Broadcast Information:
The series was released on Netflix in March 2020.

TV Series Recommendations:

1. “Making a Murderer“
2. “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst”
3. “Wild Wild Country“
4. “Dirty Money“
5. “Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer”

Related posts:

Sherlock Making A Murderer Dirty Money Planet Earth The Innocent Man Evil Genius

Powered by YARPP.

Premise:
“Blue Planet” is a documentary series that takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey into the world’s oceans, covering everything from the shallowest coral reefs to the deepest abysses. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this visually stunning series showcases the incredible biodiversity of marine life and reveals untold stories of the deep blue. While there are no traditional “characters,” the animals and ecosystems themselves take center stage, captured through pioneering underwater cinematography.

Themes:
The overarching theme of “Blue Planet” is the exploration of life in the Earth’s oceans, highlighting both its beauty and its fragility. The series delves into environmental issues such as ocean pollution, climate change, and the degradation of coral reefs, aiming to educate viewers on the importance of conservation.

Critical Consensus Rating: 5/5
“Blue Planet” has been universally lauded for its breathtaking footage, meticulous research, and compelling storytelling. While some critics have pointed out that the series can evoke a sense of despair over environmental challenges, the overwhelming consensus is that its educational and aesthetic merits far outweigh any negatives.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-G
The series has been rated TV-G, indicating that it is suitable for general audiences. Its content is family-friendly, designed to inform and inspire without including any material that parents would find inappropriate for young viewers.

Broadcast Information:
The series was originally broadcast on BBC in the United Kingdom. The first installment aired in 2001, and it was followed by a sequel, “Blue Planet II,” in 2017.

TV Series Recommendations:

1. “Planet Earth“
2. “Our Planet“
3. “Frozen Planet”
4. “The Hunt”
5. “Life”

Related posts:

Sherlock Making A Murderer Our Planet Dirty Money Planet Earth The Innocent Man

Powered by YARPP.

Premise:
“Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist” is a crime documentary series that investigates the perplexing and notorious “pizza bomber heist” that occurred in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 2003. The series delves deep into the case, unraveling its twisted complexities through interviews, police records, and other documentary evidence. The main figures in the documentary include Brian Wells, the pizza delivery man who was coerced into robbing a bank and subsequently died, and Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong, who is considered the mastermind behind the crime. Since this is a documentary, it features the real individuals involved, rather than actors.

Themes:
The series dives into themes of criminal psychology, manipulation, and the extents to which some individuals will go to orchestrate a complex crime. It raises questions about the justice system, ethical considerations, and human behavior under extreme circumstances. “Evil Genius” takes viewers into the dark recesses of the human mind, exploring how calculated and manipulative actions can lead to devastating consequences.

Critical Consensus Rating: 4/5
Critics have lauded “Evil Genius” for its compelling storytelling, meticulous research, and suspenseful pacing. However, some critics argue that the series might lean too heavily into sensationalism. Overall, the positive elements have made it one of the standout entries in the realm of true crime documentaries.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-MA
The show has been rated TV-MA due to its mature themes, graphic content, and disturbing subject matter. It’s intended for adult audiences and is not suitable for children under 17.

Broadcast Information:
The series was released on Netflix in May 2018.

TV Series Recommendations:

1. “Making a Murderer“
2. “The Confession Tapes”
3. “Mindhunter“
4. “Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer”
5. “The Innocent Man“

Related posts:

Sherlock Making A Murderer Our Planet Dirty Money Planet Earth The Innocent Man

Powered by YARPP.

Premise:
“The Innocent Man” is a true-crime documentary series based on the 2006 non-fiction book by John Grisham. It delves into the complex details of two murders in Ada, Oklahoma, during the 1980s, and the questionable convictions that followed. Unlike scripted shows, there are no “actors,” but the series features interviews with people directly involved in the case including lawyers, victims’ families, and the convicted men themselves.

Themes:
The series grapples with heavy themes such as the American justice system, wrongful convictions, and the impact of incarceration on individuals and communities. It also explores how socioeconomic factors, prosecutorial misconduct, and public sentiment can influence judicial outcomes. Through its storytelling, the series invites viewers to question the integrity and reliability of legal systems.

Critical Consensus Rating: 3.5/5
While “The Innocent Man” has been commended for its thorough research and compelling narrative, critics have pointed out that it may not bring anything extraordinarily new to the crowded genre of true-crime documentaries. Nonetheless, it succeeds in generating thought-provoking questions about justice and morality.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-MA
The series is rated TV-MA for mature audiences due to its graphic content, including descriptions of violent crimes and sensitive subject matter surrounding wrongful convictions.

Broadcast Information:
The series originally aired on Netflix and was released on December 14, 2018.

TV Series Recommendations:

1. “Making a Murderer“
2. “The Confession Tapes”
3. “Forensic Files”
4. “Mindhunter“
5. “The Staircase”

Related posts:

Sherlock Making A Murderer Our Planet Dirty Money Planet Earth Evil Genius

Powered by YARPP.

Premise:
“Planet Earth” is a groundbreaking natural history documentary series that offers viewers an unprecedented, in-depth look at the wonders of our planet. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the series traverses various ecosystems, from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans, showcasing the intricate relationships between flora, fauna, and their environments. While there are no “characters” in the traditional sense, the real stars of the show are the myriad animals and natural landscapes captured through cutting-edge cinematography.

Themes:
The series delves into themes of ecological diversity, environmental conservation, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world. It also subtly addresses the impacts of climate change and human activity on different ecosystems, urging viewers to recognize the fragile balance of life on Earth.

Critical Consensus Rating: 5/5
“Planet Earth” has been universally acclaimed for its breathtaking visuals, educational content, and emotional storytelling. The few criticisms generally revolve around its high production cost and the environmental footprint of filming such an extensive project, but these are largely overshadowed by its positive reception.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-G
The series is rated TV-G, making it suitable for general audiences. It avoids graphic content, aiming to educate and inspire viewers of all ages.

Broadcast Information:
The series originally aired on the BBC in the United Kingdom and on the Discovery Channel in the United States. The first season premiered in 2006, followed by a sequel, “Planet Earth II,” in 2016.

TV Series Recommendations:

1. “Blue Planet”
2. “Our Planet“
3. “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey”
4. “Frozen Planet”
5. “Africa”

Related posts:

Sherlock Dirty Money The Innocent Man Evil Genius Blue Planet Love On The Spectrum

Powered by YARPP.