Biography (1987)
The landmark A&E documentary series that profiled hundreds of history's most compelling figures across 27 seasons.
Biography - Series Information
- Original Title: Biography
- First Air Year: 1987
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 27
- Number of Episodes: 327
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: April 6, 1987 (United States - TV-PG), April 6, 1987 (Brazil - 12)
- Networks: CBS, A&E
- Production Companies: Towers Productions, Departure Films, Atlas Media, Actuality Productions, Foxstar Productions, Working Dog Productions, Stage 3 Productions, Electric Sky Productions, Eagle Rock Entertainment, Sharp Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Biography - Plot
Biography is a documentary television series. It was originally a half-hour filmed series produced for CBS by David Wolper from 1961 to 1964 and hosted by Mike Wallace. The A&E Network later re-ran it and has produced new episodes since 1987. The older version featured historical figures such as Helen Keller and Mark Twain, or long-dead entertainment figures such as Will Rogers or John Barrymore. The A&E series has placed the emphasis on such people as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Plácido Domingo, Freddie Mercury, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Eric Clapton, Pope John Paul II, Gene Tierney, Selena, Diego Rivera, Mao Zedong and Queen Elizabeth II, and fictional characters like The Phantom, Superman, Hamlet, Betty Boop, and Santa Claus. The program ended up profiling enough figures that in 1999, A&E spun it off into an entire network, The Biography Channel.
Biography - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of the series' sweeping documentary scope.
Where to Watch Biography
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Biography - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Peter Graves
- Scarlett Johansson
- Aileen Wuornos
- Dawn Botkins
- Arlene Pralle
- Steve Glazer
- Tyria Moore
- Donna Jay Fulks
- Eva Braun
- Adolf Hitler
Writers
- Lucy Chase Williams
- Daniel J. Golden
- Peter Jones
- Paul E. Gierucki
- Scott Lenz
Executive Producers
- Kevin Burns
- Donna E. Lusitana
- Craig Haffner
Biography - FAQs
What is Biography about?
Biography is a long-running documentary series that profiles the lives of notable historical figures, celebrities, politicians, and cultural icons. Originally produced for CBS in the 1960s, the A&E revival explored subjects ranging from Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley to Queen Elizabeth II and fictional characters like Superman.
When did Biography first air?
The A&E revival of Biography first aired on April 6, 1987. The original CBS version of the series, hosted by Mike Wallace and produced by David Wolper, ran from 1961 to 1964 before A&E re-ran those episodes and began producing new installments.
Who hosted the Biography series on A&E?
Peter Graves served as the primary host of Biography during its long run on A&E. His authoritative and measured on-screen presence became closely associated with the series, making him one of the most recognizable faces of the documentary format on American television.
How many seasons does Biography have?
Biography ran for 27 seasons, comprising 327 episodes in total. The series aired on A&E from 1987 until 2012, spanning over two decades and profiling an extraordinarily wide range of subjects from world leaders and entertainers to historical and even fictional figures.
Is Biography cancelled or still airing?
Biography has ended. The series concluded in 2012 after 27 seasons on A&E. Its cultural impact was significant enough that A&E launched a dedicated spin-off network called The Biography Channel in 1999, which later rebranded as FYI.
What is the content rating for Biography?
Biography carries a TV-14 content rating in the United States, indicating that some material may be unsuitable for children under 14. Given the series' coverage of complex historical events, crime, war, and controversial public figures, parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers.
Did Biography inspire its own television network?
Yes. The popularity and volume of Biography episodes led A&E to launch The Biography Channel in 1999, a dedicated cable network built around the documentary format. The channel later rebranded as FYI, shifting toward lifestyle programming, but its origins trace directly to this series.
Where can viewers watch Biography online?
Streaming availability for Biography varies by region and platform. To find the most current and comprehensive list of services offering the series, including subscription, rental, and purchase options, check JustWatch for up-to-date viewing options available in your area.
More About Biography
Explore further details about Biography through these authoritative external resources.