Watch History's Greatest Hoaxes

History's Greatest Hoaxes is a fascinating and eye-opening documentary series from UKTV Yesterday that explores some of the biggest and most outrageous hoaxes in history. From Princes in the Tower to Crop Circles, this series seeks to uncover the truth behind history's most perplexing hoaxes.

Hosted by Tom Ward, Guy Walters, and Linda Papadopoulos, this series blends expert analysis with first-hand accounts and dramatic re-enactments to reveal the tricks and tactics behind these elaborate cons. Each episode takes a deep dive into a single hoax, exploring its historical context, its impact on society, and the often bizarre motivations behind the perpetrators.

The first episode of History's Greatest Hoaxes examines the infamous "Hitler Diaries" scandal of 1983, in which a German magazine published a series of handwritten diaries supposedly written by Adolf Hitler himself. Despite initial suspicions about their authenticity, the diaries were authenticated by several prominent historians and sold for millions of dollars. However, it soon emerged that they were in fact clever forgeries, manufactured by a skilled con artist and sold to gullible buyers who were all too eager to believe in their authenticity.

The second episode of History's Greatest Hoaxes explores one of the most notorious unsolved mysteries in British history - the case of the Princes in the Tower. In 1483, the young princes - Edward and Richard - were locked up in the Tower of London by their uncle, Richard III, and never seen again. The official story is that they were murdered, but many believe they were secretly smuggled away to safety. This episode delves into the myriad theories and circumstantial evidence surrounding their disappearance, from political intrigue to royal conspiracies.

The third episode of History's Greatest Hoaxes takes on the controversial topic of crop circles. These mysterious shapes, often found in fields of wheat and corn, first gained notoriety in the 1970s and have since become a global phenomenon. UFO enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists alike have seized on them as evidence of extraterrestrial activity, but skeptics argue that they are simply human-made hoaxes. This episode explores the science and psychology behind the phenomenon, interviewing witnesses and experts on both sides of the debate.

The fourth and final episode of History's Greatest Hoaxes tackles the subject of faked deaths. From Elvis Presley to Tupac Shakur, many pop culture icons have been rumored to have faked their own deaths for various reasons. This episode examines the various motivations for such hoaxes, from escaping legal troubles to boosting publicity, and explores some of the most intriguing and persistent rumors surrounding famous "deaths" throughout history.

Overall, History's Greatest Hoaxes is a thought-provoking and entertaining series that delves deep into some of the most fascinating and complex cons in history. With a combination of expert analysis, dramatic re-enactments, and firsthand accounts, this show offers a fresh perspective on some of history's most enduring mysteries. Whether you're a history buff, a true crime enthusiast, or just a curious viewer, there's plenty to enjoy in this engaging and informative series.

History's Greatest Hoaxes is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between March 1, 2016 and on UKTV Yesterday