Behind Closed Doors

Apparently, the Medici were first among the finer Italian families to perfect the subtle art of offering deals people could not refuse. "The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance" happily works the double entendre in its title through all its nuances and ramifications. In its less sinister interpretations, "The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance" gives ample testimony to the family's lavish patronage and promotion of the arts and sciences, dragging Europe kicking and screaming out of "the dark ages." The Medici revolutionized banking, commerce, diplomacy, and empire building. It was in that empire-building thing that the term "godfathers" took-on its more sinister connotations. In just four hours of spectacular footage shot on 16mm film, the PBS filmmakers quicken Paul Strathern's best-selling book, creating a suspense thriller out of reliable historical data. In its promotional materials, PBS mastered understatement, suggesting "Travel back in time to see the real human stories behind the European Renaissance and the family that bankrolled it." Had it been HBO, the same thought would have read something like, "Witness the sinister intrigues, the stone-cold violence, and the intensely sexual illicit relationships that drove the first Italian crime family to prominence." Even that description would fall a little short of the super salaciousness built into the story of how "the Medici family would rise to rule Europe"¦ Using charm, patronage, skill, duplicity and ruthlessness, they would amass unparalleled wealth and unprecedented power."

"The Weight of the Nation for Kids" is a documentary series that teaches children about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The documentary is produced by HBO in partnership with the Institute of Medicine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health. It consists of four episodes that cover topics such as the causes of obesity, the health risks associated with obesity, and ways to prevent obesity.

"Rome" is an American-British historical drama series that premiered on HBO in 2005. The show is set in ancient Rome during the reign of Julius Caesar and follows the lives of two soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, as they navigate the political and social turmoil of the time. The show explores themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal, as well as the daily lives of ordinary citizens and soldiers in ancient Rome.

"Deadly Women" is a television series that airs on the Investigation Discovery network. The show explores real-life cases of women who have committed murder or other violent crimes. The series uses interviews, reenactments, and archival footage to tell the stories of these women and the crimes they committed.

"Restaurants at the End of the World" is a documentary series that explores unique restaurants located in remote and extreme locations around the world. The series features restaurants in places such as the Arctic Circle, the Australian Outback, and the Patagonian wilderness. It highlights the innovative ways in which chefs and restaurant owners have adapted to their challenging environments.

Illustrious names behind this documentary style miniseries include the narrator Keith David and voices of F. Murray Abraham, Rene Auberjonois, and Derek Jacobi. Human history was changed by the Jewish faith and Israelites according to the thesis of this program. While slaughtered and persecuted for many years because they believed in one god (the popular belief then was in multiple gods) the Kingdom of David remained solvent and united as they concentrated on making sure their traditions and history records were passed down. With strictly held moral values and Jewish laws they persevered. Much of the filming took place on the exact grounds on which original events occurred. Episodes of the well received television program Empires: Kingdom of David have included "The End of Days", "By the Rivers of Babylon", and "The Book and the Sword" and each of which notably covered a specific period in Jewish history. The Kingdom of David is part of a documentary series from Public Broadcasting with the title of Empires.