Watch David Starkey's The Churchills

David Starkey's The Churchills is a fascinating historical documentary series that delves into the captivating lives and political ambitions of one of Britain's most famous political family dynasties - the Churchills. The show follows the lives of three members of the Churchill family - John Churchill, Winston Churchill, and Clementine Churchill - and examines their roles in shaping British history, politics, and society.

The series takes a well-balanced and insightful approach to storytelling, weaving together historical facts and anecdotes with personal experiences and memories of the Churchill family members. The vivid and skillful narration by Starkey, one of the UK's foremost historical scholars, instills the program with an authoritative and informative tone that keeps viewers engaged.

This six-part series begins with the story of John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, and arguably the most successful military commander in British history. Through detailed research and vivid re-enactments, the program re-creates John Churchill's legendary victories on the battlefield, including the Battle of Blenheim, which was a decisive victory for the British against the French in the War of the Spanish Succession.

The series then moves on to Winston Churchill, who is one of the most celebrated politicians of the 20th century. Through previously unseen archival footage and interviews with Churchill's contemporaries, the show provides a deeply insightful and revealing portrait of the complex and multi-faceted personality of this charismatic leader.

Starkey also shines the light on the fascinating and unusual personal relationships that defined Churchill's family life, including his marriage to the formidable Clementine Churchill. Through a mixture of interview footage, historical accounts, and personal letters, the series draws viewers into the world of the Churchills, portraying their private and public lives with a vivid and engaging sense of storytelling.

The show also covers the darker side of Churchill's political legacy, including his controversial attitudes towards race and empire, which continue to generate heated debate to this day. This unflinching exploration of Churchill as a complex character, combining both admirable qualities and flaws, adds depth and nuance to the show's portrayal of the legendary statesman.

Throughout all these stories, Starkey's detailed and knowledgeable commentary provides the backbone to the program. His incisive observations and acute insights into British history, politics, and society are coupled with his remarkable ability to bring the past to life with flair and gusto.

Overall, David Starkey's The Churchills is a must-watch for fans of British history and anyone wanting to learn more about one of the most important and influential families in UK politics. The series brings together a wealth of impressive historical research, engaging storytelling, and expert analysis, making it both an informative and entertaining addition to the documentary genre.