Biography TV series are captivating because they unlock the secrets of famous stories, giving us an exclusive peek into the lives of remarkable individuals. They cater to our thirst for knowledge and the finest biographical dramas go the extra mile by boasting an exceptional cast and tantalizing revelations. Whether delving into the world of politics, crime, or even the seemingly frivolous realm of fashion, these dramatized tales about real people ignite and satiate our curiosity. So, to fulfill your appetite for delectable drama and intriguing history, here’s an exciting lineup of the most captivating biographical dramas from recent years, ranked from top-tier to lesser-known.
Certain biography TV shows take creative liberties with history, such as the adventurous series Our Flag Means Death or The Great, injecting a whimsical touch that adds to the excitement. Despite straying from strict documentary-like storytelling, these shows remain grounded in reality. On the other hand, most biographical dramas stay faithful to the facts, especially when recounting recent events like the Elizabeth Holmes scandal in Hulu’s The Dropout. It’s the focus on a select few individuals that transforms a historical drama or a true story into a compelling biographical narrative.
So, which of these biography TV series do you believe offers the most captivating portrayal of a real person’s life? Share your favorites and let’s witness the ascent of the finest new biographical dramas!
Latest additions: Class Act, This England, The Romantics
1. Halston
Person at the center of the story: Halston
Actors: Ewan McGregor, Bill Pullman, Rebecca Dayan, David Pittu, Krysta Rodriguez
Premiered: May 14, 2021
2. The Thing About Pam
Person at the center of the story: Pamela Hupp
Actors: Renée Zellweger, Judy Greer, Glenn Fleshler, Katy Mixon, Suanne Spoke
Premiered: March 8, 2022
3. The Great
People at the center of the story: Catherine the Great & Peter III of Russia
Actors: Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Adam Godley, Gwilym Lee
Premiered: May 15, 2020
4. Feud
People at the center of the story: Joan Crawford & Bette Davis
Actors: Jessica Lange, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, Alfred Molina, Judy Davis
Premiered: March 5, 2017
5. Inventing Anna
Person at the center of the story: Anna Delvey
Actors: Julia Garner, Anna Chlumsky, Laverne Cox, Katie Lowes, Alexis Floyd
Premiered: February 11, 2022
6. The Dropout
Person at the center of the story: Elizabeth Holmes
Actors: Amanda Seyfried, Naveen Andrews, William H. Macy, Laurie Metcalf, Elizabeth Marvel
Premiered: March 3, 2022
7. Fosse/Verdon
People at the center of the story: Bob Fosse & Gwen Verdon
Actors: Sam Rockwell, Michelle Williams, Margaret Qualley, Norbert Leo Butz, Aya Cash
Premiered: April 9, 2019
8. The Loudest Voice
Person at the center of the story: Roger Ailes
Actors: Russell Crowe, Naomi Watts, Sienna Miller, Josh Charles, Seth MacFarlane
Premiered: June 30, 2019
9. The Staircase
Person at the center of the story: Michael Peterson
Actors: Colin Firth, Toni Collette, Michael Stuhlbarg, Juliette Binoche, Dane DeHaan
Premiered: May 5, 2022
10. Julia
Person at the center of the story: Julia Child
Actors: Sarah Lancashire, David Hyde Pierce, Brittany Bradford, Bebe Neuwirth, Fran Kranz
Premiered: March 31, 2022
