Gladiator: The True Story
Gladiator tells the story of an accomplished General, Maximus. who is unexpectedly handed the Emperorship of Rome by the outgoing dying emperor - instead of the Emperor's own son, Commodus. Maximus escapes being murdered by Commodus, is found half-dead by some slave-traders who sell him to a gladiator trainer. He is a natural fighter, and finds his way to the Coliseum, where he wows the crowds, culminating in gladiatorial combat with his arch nemesis Commodus, where both men fight to the death.
This documentary reveals that so many of the characters from the movie are based on real-life individuals from history: the dying Emperor; the vicious Commodus; his seductive sister Lucilla. And an archaeological investigation in Rome revealed a perfectly preserved tomb of the man believed to be the inspiration for Maximus himself.
Using extensive location filming, forensic science, leading experts and drama recon, we tell the remarkable real story behind Gladiator.
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
Celebrity IOU
Celebrity IOU is a series where Hollywood A-listers express their deep gratitude to the individuals who have had a major impact on their lives by surprising them with big, heartwarming home renovations that bring everyone to tears.
The Beast in Me
Since the tragic death of her young son, acclaimed author Aggie Wiggs has receded from public life, unable to write, a ghost of her former self. But she finds an unlikely subject for a new book when the house next door is bought by Nile Sheldon, a famed and formidable real estate mogul who was once the prime suspect in his wife's disappearance. At once horrified and fascinated by this man, Aggie finds herself compulsively hunting for the truth – chasing his demons while fleeing her own – in a game of cat and mouse that might turn deadly.
The Great British Bake Off
Over 10 weeks, 12 of the best amateur bakers in Britain will whisk, knead, ice, beat and bake their way through classic British cakes, perfect patisserie, Italian delights, sticky caramel constructions and elaborate layered puddings. All 12 will be hoping to impress with their skill, creativity, knowledge and passion to clinch the Bake Off Crown. Each of the 30 new challenges have been carefully designed by judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith to reveal just who is a star baker.
Countdown
Countdown begins with a suspicious murder in broad daylight, leading Los Angeles Police Department officer Mark Meachum to be recruited to a secret task force of undercover agents from all branches of law enforcement that will investigate the death. But as the truth of a more sinister plot comes into focus, the team must overcome their conflicting personal agendas to unite and save a city of millions.
Landman
Set in the proverbial boomtowns of West Texas, Landman is a modern day tale of fortune seeking in the world of oil rigs. The series is an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, it's reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics.