Watch The Radical Story of Patty Hearst

The Radical Story of Patty Hearst is a six-episode miniseries that premiered on CNN in 2018. It is an in-depth exploration of the infamous kidnapping and subsequent radicalization of heiress Patricia Hearst, which captivated the nation in the 1970s. The series is hosted by Jeffrey Toobin, a legal analyst and author, and Brian Stelter, a media correspondent. They guide viewers through the complex web of events and personalities involved in the case, providing historical context and analysis.

The miniseries begins with a brief overview of the Hearst family's wealth and influence, establishing the backdrop for the kidnapping. Patricia Hearst was taken from her San Francisco apartment in 1974 by a left-wing domestic terrorist group called the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA). The group demanded a ransom for her release, but when the Hearst family failed to pay, they declared Patricia a prisoner of war and announced her conversion to their cause.

The subsequent months were marked by a string of dramatic events, including bank robberies, shootouts with police, and an explosion that killed several members of the SLA. Patricia was eventually apprehended by the FBI and charged with several crimes, including bank robbery and conspiracy.

However, what makes the Patty Hearst case so intriguing is that, rather than becoming a sympathetic victim of the SLA, she chose to join their cause and participate in their crimes. The Radical Story of Patty Hearst delves into this transformation, exploring the psychological and ideological factors that led Patricia to align herself with her captors.

The series features interviews with a wide range of people connected to the case, including former SLA members, Hearst family members, law enforcement officials, and journalists who covered the story at the time. These interviews are interspersed with archival footage from the 1970s, creating a vivid and immersive picture of the era.

In addition to providing a detailed account of the Patty Hearst case, the miniseries also explores the broader cultural and political context in which it took place. This includes the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and the rise of radical left-wing movements in the United States.

Throughout the series, Toobin and Stelter act as knowledgeable and engaging guides, providing analysis and commentary that helps viewers understand the complexities of the case. They also contextualize the events of the Patty Hearst case within the broader historical and cultural context of the 1970s, allowing viewers to understand its lasting impact on American society.

Overall, The Radical Story of Patty Hearst is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most notorious kidnapping cases in American history. It combines compelling storytelling with insightful analysis to create a nuanced and engaging portrait of Patricia Hearst and the era in which she lived.

The Radical Story of Patty Hearst is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (7 episodes). The series first aired on February 11, 2018.