Aug

THE BOLEYNS: A SCANDALOUS FAMILY

NEW SERIES! This three-part series from the BBC is a compelling period drama/historical documentary hybrid that combines reenactments and interviews with leading experts to tell the story of Britain’s famed Boleyn family. Narrated by actress Shelley Conn, the series focuses on the clan’s peak during the Tudor era when they rapidly reached prominence after Anne Boleyn (portrayed in the reenactments by Rafaëlle Cohen), daughter of ambitious Thomas Boleyn (Max Dowler), became the second wife and queen consort of Henry VIII — and mother to the future Queen Elizabeth I — in 1533. But the family just as quickly fell from power only three years later when Henry had Anne executed. “There’s a thin line between great ambition and lunacy,” Gareth Russell, one of the historians featured in The Boleyns, told the Daily Mail in an interview ahead of the series’ premiere in Britain last year. “To understand Anne’s rise and fall you need to know about her powerhungry family. They’re an extraordinary example of hubris and pain.” The series chronicles that rise and fall, a story of love, sex and betrayal that is told from the family’s unique perspective. Premieres on PBS Sundays beginning Aug. 28

LEONARDO

NEW SERIES!

Leonardo da Vinci was vegetarian long before it was in fashion. He also found himself playing a central role in quite a few murders that involved poisoning, and experienced his fair share of legal trouble. That is according to Leonardo, the eight-episode drama exploring the secrets and genius of da Vinci (Aidan Turner). Set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy (and filmed in Rome), the series dives into da Vinci’s life, work and personal struggles while showcasing how he develops into an unparalleled genius and renowned polymath whose work overturned the established order. The series is positioned as a murder/mystery.

Each episode is bookended with Stefano Giraldi (executive producer Freddie Highmore) questioning various people, including da Vinci, about the death of Caterina da Cremona (Matilda De Angelis), a close friend of the artist. In between are flashbacks, beginning in Florence before moving to Milan, that trace da Vinci’s work as an apprentice, painter and sculptor, among other things. In addition to murder, there is plenty of intrigue, romance, betrayal and politics to keep things interesting. The scenery is striking and there are many spectacles to admire, including Leonardo’s attempt to impress Ludovico Sforza (James D’Arcy), Milanese nobility, with a lavish performance that is interrupted with a public execution. — Paul Doro Premieres on THE CW Tuesdays beginning Aug. 16

Matilda De Angelis, Freddie Highmore and Aidan Turner

HISTORY’S

CRAZY RICH ANCIENTS

NEW SERIES! This enlightening new series gives a nod to the hit movie Crazy Rich Asians in its title and theme, but History takes the concept of wealth and turns back the clock, looking at the lavish lifestyles of some of the world’s most mega-moneyed icons. From the foods they ate to the parties they had and the palaces they built, it’s one jaw-dropping story after another. Here we look at some of the themes and individuals explored this season. Premieres on HISTORY Sundays

William Randolph Hearst

DANGEROUS GAME

The prized possessions of some of history’s richest people haven’t been castles, jewels or fine art. Meet the monarchs and millionaires who spent their fortunes collecting wild animals. Kublai Khan (1215-1294) This fierce 13th century warlord conquered all of China and almost all of Asia, and it’s quite possible that no one in history has owned more dogs. William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951) The early 20th century media mogul built a multimillion-dollar estate on the California coast that doubled as the world’s largest private zoo and wildlife preserve that included giraffes, chimpanzees and Bengal tigers. Moctezuma II (1466-1520) This powerful Aztec ruler of the early 16th century had an entourage that included multiple wives, concubines, bodyguards and not one, but four menageries? These animal exhibitions were filled with every type of creature in the known world.

Josip Tito

MAXIMUM SECURITY

When you’ve got a lot of stuff that’s worth a lot of money, you need to protect it. These three figures broke the bank on security features designed to prevent break-ins. Ikeda Terumasa (1565-1613) This Japanese warlord loaded his castle with so many booby traps that it could double as a Bond villain’s lair. Centuries later it did, making a cameo in You Only Live Twice. Rana Kumbha (reigned from 14331468) He’s the man behind the Great Wall of India, one of the largest fort complexes in the world. Running one lap around this stronghold would basically equal a marathon. Josip Tito (1892-1980) No one could ride out the apocalypse in more style than this former president of Yugoslavia, who built a nuclear fallout shelter with so many amenities, it could have doubled as a luxury hotel.

Louis XIV

UNREAL ESTATES

These rich ancients built palaces that are literally some of the largest, most luxurious buildings to ever grace the surface of the Earth. Nero (37-68) The Roman emperor named his palace “Domus Aurea”; in Latin, that literally means Golden House. It includes history’s largest lawn ornament: a 120-foot-tall bronze statue of the emperor. Louis XIV (1638-1715) In addition to needing a staff of up to 10,000, the French king transformed a sleepy little hunting lodge into one of Europe’s largest palaces: Versailles. Yongle Emperor Zhu Di (13601424) The most powerful ruler of China’s famed Ming Dynasty needed just 14 years and millions upon millions of dollars to build the largest royal residence in the history of the world in the heart of Beijing: The Forbidden City.

COLOSSEUM

NEW SERIES! Rome’s ancient architectural marvel is the fascinating subject of one of History’s newer series, which made its debut last month. The series uses the Colosseum as the backdrop to a thrilling story on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, through the lens of the men and women who fought and died there. While most of us know the Hollywood versions of these Roman stories via blockbusters like Gladiator and Spartacus, here we learn everything from how emperors used this amphitheater to demonstrate their power to the people who built and fought in it. Premieres on HISTORY Sundays