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."

"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.

The TV show "Witness" is a documentary series that focuses on photojournalists and their experiences covering various global conflicts. The show features interviews with these journalists as they recount their stories and provide insights into their work. The series aims to give viewers a deeper understanding of the risks and challenges photojournalists face while covering conflict zones.

"Unveiled: Surviving La Luz del Mundo" is a documentary TV show that tells the story of the controversial religious group, La Luz del Mundo (The Light of the World), and its leader, Naason Joaquin Garcia. The show follows the group's history, beliefs, and scandals, including the arrest of Garcia on charges of sexual abuse and trafficking of minors.

"Black and Missing" is a documentary series that highlights the stories of missing people of color. The series sheds light on the challenges faced by families and law enforcement agencies in finding missing people of color, and the disproportionate media coverage that missing white people receive compared to missing people of color. The series is hosted by Derrica Wilson and Natalie Wilson, the co-founders of the organization Black and Missing, which aims to bring attention to the cases of missing people of color.

Oakland's Harborside Health Center is the nation's largest medicinal cannabis dispensary. Founder and executive director Steve DeAngelo has made twin missions of providing the best possible product to the patients who make up his client base, and educating the rest of the country about the regulation and taxation of those goods. WEED WARS takes an up close and personal look at the reality of running a controversial medicinal cannabis business.