Watch Empires of New York

Empires of New York is a gripping six-part docuseries from CNBC that provides an unfiltered look at the rise and fall of some of New York's most legendary business tycoons. Exploring the history of the city's financial center, the show chronicles the ruthless ambition and cutthroat competition that has defined New York's economic landscape for centuries.

The show features a stellar cast of experts and insiders, including Paul Faggione, Paul Giamatti, and Gregory Vlachakis, who offer unique insights into the world of high finance and the personalities that have shaped it. Each episode focuses on a different era or industry, tracing the ups and downs of key players and their companies as they navigated the turbulent waters of New York's economy.

From the immigrant entrepreneurs of the early 20th century to the hedge fund barons of today, Empires of New York provides a fascinating look at the people and institutions that have made the city the global financial capital it is today. Through in-depth interviews with industry insiders and never-before-seen archival footage, viewers gain a deeper understanding of how New York's fortunes have risen and fallen over the past century.

The first episode, "The King of Wall Street," explores the career of Joe Kennedy, the patriarch of the Kennedy political dynasty and one of the most powerful figures in American finance during the Roaring Twenties. Known for his shrewd investments and ruthless business tactics, Kennedy was a master of the stock market who amassed a vast fortune before the Great Depression wiped out much of his wealth. The episode also examines the rise of Wall Street as a global financial center and the role of Jewish immigrants in shaping the banking industry.

In the second episode, titled "The Mob on Wall Street," the focus shifts to the seedy underbelly of New York's finance scene, as the city's criminal underworld colludes with corrupt financiers to line their pockets at the expense of the public. The episode looks at the infamous insider trading scandal that rocked Wall Street in the 1980s, as well as the role of organized crime in manipulating stock prices and defrauding investors.

The third episode, "The Bronx Was Burning," takes viewers back to the economic turbulence of the 1970s, when New York City was on the verge of bankruptcy and areas like the Bronx were ravaged by poverty and crime. Against this backdrop, the episode looks at the rise of the South Bronx-based hip hop movement and the entrepreneurs who built multimillion-dollar empires from its music and culture.

Later episodes explore topics like the rise of hedge funds and the role of private equity in restructuring struggling companies. Along the way, viewers are treated to insights from some of the most successful and influential figures in the world of finance, including billionaire investor David Rubenstein and former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Paul Volcker.

Overall, Empires of New York is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of American finance and the personalities that have shaped it. With its compelling mix of archival footage, expert analysis, and intimate interviews, the show offers a unique perspective on one of the most fascinating and influential cities in the world.

Empires of New York is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on November 29, 2020.