Watch Behind the Story with the Paley Center

Behind the Story with the Paley Center is an engaging and thought-provoking television series that features in-depth discussions between some of the most celebrated names in the entertainment industry. Hosted by a variety of leading journalists, each episode of this Sundance Channel production takes an intimate look at the people and stories behind some of the biggest and most influential shows in television history.

Drawing on archives and exclusive interviews, Behind the Story with the Paley Center takes the viewer on a journey through the history of popular television. With a focus on iconic shows like The Simpsons, The West Wing, Breaking Bad, and Sex and the City, each episode explores the cultural impact of these shows on both the television industry and wider society. The show also examines some of the key creative decisions and challenges that shaped each show, providing a window into the insights and experiences of the writers, producers, directors, and actors behind each project.

One of the standout features of the show is the way it contextualizes each series within the broader cultural and historical landscape. For example, during the episode on Breaking Bad, the show delves into the wider social anxieties that made the show resonate so deeply with audiences, such as the anxieties around the US healthcare system, the changing face of the American family, and the growing sense of economic insecurity. By deepening our understanding of how Breaking Bad grew out of, and spoke to these cultural trends, the show helps us to appreciate the show's cultural importance in a way that goes beyond mere entertainment.

What sets Behind the Story with the Paley Center apart from other shows of its kind is its commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling. Across its various episodes, the show engages with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, including the voices of women and people of color. This diversity of voices is reflected in the range of shows that the show chooses to focus on, which includes iconic shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, but also newer, less mainstream shows like Transparent and Master of None.

Ultimately, however, what makes Behind the Story with the Paley Center such a compelling and fascinating show is the depth of insight it provides into the creative minds behind some of the most iconic shows in television history. Whether it's unpacking the intricate storytelling techniques of The West Wing, or revealing the little-known secrets behind a beloved show like The Simpsons, each episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind some of the most beloved shows in TV history.

At the heart of the show's success is the Paley Center for Media itself, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of television and radio history. Drawing on the center's vast archives of cultural artifacts, Behind the Story with the Paley Center brings the history of television alive in new and exciting ways, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the medium that has become a central part of modern life.

In conclusion, Behind the Story with the Paley Center is a must-watch series for anyone interested in the history and workings of television. With engaging interviews, incisive analysis, and a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, the show offers a rich and thorough exploration of the cultural significance of some of the most iconic shows in TV history. So whether you're a die-hard fan of Breaking Bad or a newcomer to the world of television, Behind the Story with the Paley Center is a show that is sure to inform, inspire, and entertain.