Watch House of Maxwell

House of Maxwell is a gripping five-episode series that explores the life of one of the most colourful and controversial figures of 20th-century publishing - Robert Maxwell. The show, produced by BBC Select, is packed with fascinating anecdotes, exclusive interviews, and rare footage that give viewers a glimpse into the complex world of the man who once dominated the British media landscape.

The series begins with Maxwell's early life, from his birth in Czechoslovakia in 1923, to his experiences during the Second World War as a member of the British army. We then see how Maxwell made his fortune in the 1950s and 60s, acquiring numerous publishing houses and newspapers, culminating in his purchase of the Mirror Group in the mid-1980s. Through interviews with former colleagues, business partners and family members, we learn about Maxwell's mercurial personality, his obsession with power, and his tendency to bend the rules to achieve his objectives.

One of the most interesting aspects of the show is the way in which it explores Maxwell's relationships with his family members. We see how he initially relied on his brother Ian to help him build his empire, but later became estranged from him. We also learn about the close bond he had with his daughter Ghislaine, who went on to become a key figure in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The show does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of Maxwell's personal life, including his alleged involvement with the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, and his financial mismanagement of the Mirror Group, which eventually led to its collapse in 1991.

Throughout the series, we get a sense of the scale of Maxwell's ambitions and the lavish lifestyle he enjoyed, with access to his sprawling Oxfordshire estate and his luxurious yacht, which he famously named 'Lady Ghislaine' after his daughter. However, we also see how Maxwell's megalomania and financial recklessness ultimately led to his downfall, with his mysterious death at sea in 1991, shrouded in controversy and conspiracy theories.

Despite the many revelations about Maxwell's life and career, the show manages to maintain a balanced and nuanced approach to its subject matter. It is clear that the producers have done their research, with a wealth of archive footage and interviews with people who knew Maxwell providing a rich and detailed portrait of his life. However, the show also leaves room for the viewer to draw their own conclusions about this complex and enigmatic figure.

Overall, House of Maxwell is a brilliantly produced and compelling documentary series that sheds light on one of the most fascinating and controversial figures of modern British history. With powerful storytelling and a wealth of fascinating archival material, this show is sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in media, politics, and the lives of the rich and powerful.

House of Maxwell is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on April 3, 2022.