Documentary AreaSimply the best Documentaries

Drama-documentary presented by Alan Yentob, with Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role as Van Gogh. Every word spoken by the actors in this film is sourced from the letters that Van Gogh sent to his younger brother Theo, and of those around him. What emerges is a complex portrait of a sophisticated, civilised and yet tormented man. The film won a Rockie for Best Arts Documentary at the Banff World Media Festival in 2011, receiving critical acclaim for its fascinating insight into the life of the artist and its unique approach to storytelling.

The fourth episode sees host Neil deGrasse Tyson exploring our eternal quest to end hunger and honoring Nikolai Ivanovic Vavilov, pioneer of modern plant breeding, who risked his life for a discovery that would change the history of science. Vavilov's story is marked by both the tenacity and creativity and is particularly tragic. Interwoven into Vavilov's somber narrative are warnings and treatments of science and its ethical implications, especially when science itself comes under attack from political forces.

Widespread dietary changes are needed if we’re to combat the range of health problems associated with obesity and the environmental damage caused by industrial farming. Switching to a vegan diet is a potential solution, but selling the idea to the meat-eaters around the world is a tricky proposition.

This programme describes the Red Army's dramatic advance and the German's brutal resistance. Witnesses reveal how the final days of the conflict were barbarous almost beyond comprehension.

It is the ultimate in adventure travel, but it is not for the faint of heart. But the sights — from Jupiter’s churning red eye to Saturn’s glittering rings — are out of this world. The series takes viewers on a breath-taking journey through the planets in our Solar System. See stunning images of each planet including highly detailed images captured by today’s ultra high-tech telescopes. Advanced animation takes you up close and personal with these distant worlds, as we plunge through space to get a better look at the neighbours.

Explore the extremes of North America in this fascinating documentary, where the continent's wildlife faces daunting challenges and embraces opportunities presented by its ever-changing seasons. From the resilient lynx navigating the harsh Yukon winter to the enchanting spectacle of fireflies lighting up Mississippi nights, witness the ingenious survival strategies of animals in the face of extreme weather. Encounter the drama of tornadoes sweeping the Great Plains and the strategic pursuits of predators like the American badger.
With stunning visuals and compelling narratives, this documentary unveils the relentless spirit of North America's diverse inhabitants in the midst of nature's trials and triumphs.