Watch Secret Cities

Secret Cities is an enthralling documentary series from BBC Select, exploring the hidden stories of eight different cities around the world, each of which is steeped in a long history of secrets, intrigue, and hidden tales that have been lost or forgotten. The show takes us on an exciting journey across the globe, from Moscow to Tokyo, from Pyongyang to Istanbul, revealing fascinating hidden stories from different eras, ranging from the distant past up to the present day.

Narrated by the acclaimed British actor, journalist, and author Simon Sebag Montefiore, Secret Cities is a captivating journey into the heart of some of the world's most enigmatic urban centers, drawing on cutting-edge research, exclusive interviews, and never-before-seen archives to unveil the secrets that lie beneath their surface.

Each episode of the series focuses on a different city, exploring its hidden secrets and untold stories, as well as delving into how these secrets have shaped the city's identity over the years, both for better and for worse.

Throughout the series, we are introduced to a range of fascinating characters, including historians, architects, artists, and ordinary people with extraordinary stories to tell. These individuals offer a unique insight into the ways in which secrets shape our cities, and how they can shape our own lives as well.

The series kicks off with an episode on Moscow, exploring the history of "The Moscow Rules," a set of Cold War-era guidelines created to help American spies navigate the city's Byzantine bureaucracy and avoid detection by the KGB. From there, we move on to other cities, such as Tokyo, where we delve into the history of the Shogunate, the feudal military regime which ruled Japan for centuries, and its eventual downfall at the hands of a tiny group of revolutionaries.

Next, we move on to the enigmatic city of Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, where we explore the secretive regime of Kim Jong-un and the hidden world of the country's ruling elite. The series then takes us to Istanbul, the ancient crossroads of East and West, where we explore the story of the city's spectacular rise and fall, and how it has shaped the culture of Turkey and the whole region.

In each episode, the production team uses stunning photography and vivid storytelling to bring these cities to life, drawing on everything from drone footage and archival material to interviews with historians, locals, and experts.

Overall, Secret Cities is a fascinating look at some of the world's most secretive urban centers, revealing how their hidden histories and secrets have shaped our world today. Whether you're a history buff, a traveler, or simply someone who loves a good story, this series is sure to captivate and inform you.