Watch The Making of Merkel

The Making of Merkel is a documentary series produced by BBC Select that delves into the life and career of Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany. Over the course of four episodes, the show provides an in-depth exploration of Merkel’s personal story, political strategies, and legacy.

The first episode of the series focuses on Merkel’s early years, beginning with her upbringing in socialist East Germany. Through interviews with friends, family members, and political experts, the show illuminates Merkel’s formative experiences and the challenges she faced as a young woman in a society that was at once oppressive and ideologically charged. From here, the series traces Merkel’s rise to power, as she moves from the world of physics research to East Germany’s newly formed democracy following the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The second and third episodes of The Making of Merkel examine Merkel’s time as a politician, starting with her entry into the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and her appointment as the Minister for Women and Youth under Chancellor Helmut Kohl. The show details Merkel’s strategic approach to politics, her willingness to take on tough issues like immigration and energy reform, and her role as a mediator between European nations during the Eurozone crisis. Throughout these episodes, The Making of Merkel offers insights into Merkel’s leadership style, her staunch commitment to principles like fiscal responsibility and the rule of law, and the challenges she faced in steering Germany through a period of political and economic upheaval.

The fourth and final episode of The Making of Merkel examines Merkel’s legacy, both within Germany and on the global stage. The show highlights Merkel’s accomplishments, including her role in eliminating nuclear power and promoting renewable energy, as well as her contributions to the fight against climate change and the refugee crisis. At the same time, the show acknowledges the critiques leveled against Merkel by those on both the right and the left, and offers a nuanced assessment of her tenure and its impact on Germany, Europe, and the world.

Throughout The Making of Merkel, the show’s creators weave a compelling narrative that offers viewers an intimate, insider’s perspective on one of the most significant figures of our time. Combining archival footage, candid interviews, and expert analysis, the series offers a rich and nuanced portrait of a leader who transformed German politics and helped shape the course of European history. Whether you’re a longtime Merkel fan, a student of politics and history, or simply curious about one of the most fascinating figures of recent memory, The Making of Merkel is a must-see documentary series that will inform, enlighten, and inspire.