Watch The Churchills

Name: The Churchills
Genre: Documentary & Biography, Mini-Series
Released: 2012-07-26
Cast: David Starkey

Not Rated
2012
1 Season
7.6 (40)

The Churchills is a historical documentary series that aired on the British television network Channel 4 in 2012. This three-part series explored the fascinating history of the Churchill family, tracing their impact on British politics and society over the course of several generations.

The show was presented by renowned historian and academic, David Starkey, who provided expert commentary and analysis throughout each episode. Starkey is a respected authority on British history, especially the Tudor period, and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this series.

The first episode of The Churchills tells the story of the family's early history, beginning with the birth of John Churchill in the early 17th century. John was a soldier and statesman who helped to shape Britain's military and political power during the 18th century. The episode explores his rise to power, his relationships with other political figures of the time, and his role in several key events in British history, such as the Battle of Blenheim.

The second episode focuses on Winston Churchill, perhaps the most famous member of the family. Winston served as British Prime Minister during the Second World War and is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders in British history. The episode explores his early life, his rise to power, and his many contributions to British society, including his leadership during the war and his efforts to promote democracy and freedom across the world.

The final episode of The Churchills takes a closer look at the family's legacy, exploring their impact on modern British society and politics. The episode examines the careers of several other Churchill family members, including Sarah Churchill, Randolph Churchill, and Clementine Churchill. It also looks at the ways in which the family's values and ideals have continued to shape contemporary Britain.

Throughout each episode, The Churchills combines historical footage, archive material, and interviews with experts and members of the Churchill family to provide a rich and detailed account of this fascinating family. The show offers a rare glimpse into the private lives and political achievements of one of Britain's most powerful and influential clans.

Overall, The Churchills is a compelling and insightful historical documentary series that offers a unique perspective on British history and society. With David Starkey's expert commentary and the show's engaging storytelling, it provides an illuminating and fascinating look at the Churchill family and their lasting impact on British life.

The Churchills is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between July 26, 2012 and on Channel 4

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Seasons

3. Grand Strategies

August 9, 2012

The final episode in the series shows how Winston Churchill drew on the lessons of John Churchill to fight World War II. At two key moments in particular, Winston's strategic sense averted disaster, and in both decisions, the influence of the Duke of Marlborough is apparent. Dr David Starkey argues that it was Winston the historian's ability to control events by naming them and giving them a narrative meaning than enabled him to shape world history long after his own fall from power, right up to the present day.

2. The March to War

August 2, 2012

Dr David Starkey shows how Winston Churchill's biography of his ancestor John Churchill - which was also serialised in the Sunday Times - changed the way Winston was seen by the public and politicians, and so prepared the way for his return to power. The first volume reinforced the perception of him as a man past his time, a warmonger. But the second volume, with its brilliant depiction of John Churchill's march to the Danube and stunning victory at Blenheim, began to mark out Winston as the only leading politician who truly knew war. As further volumes appeared, and the threat from Hitler became obvious, people increasingly began to see Winston as the man of the hour.

1. The Choice

July 26, 2012

The first episode in the series tells the story of how Winston Churchill came to write Marlborough, his million-word biography of his ancestor John Churchill. The first volume describes how John rose from obscurity to be the right-hand man of King James II. But in the crisis of 1688 John chose political principles over personal loyalty and betrayed James in the so-called Glorious Revolution that set Britain on the course to democracy, and committed her to war with the rising hegemonic power of Louis XIV's France. Dr David Starkey argues that it was Winston's absorption in the 17th century that helped him to be the first to recognise the menace of a new European hegemony, warning Parliament about the Nazis before Hitler had even come to power.

Description

Where to Watch The Churchills

The Churchills is available for streaming on the Channel 4 website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Churchills on demand at Amazon, Google Play and Apple TV.