Rock 'n' Roll America - Season 1
Season 1
Episodes
Sweet Little Sixteen
Episode one focuses on the origins of the sound in 1950s America. It was a rhythm-driven mix of blues, boogie woogie and vocal harmony championed by young music pioneers such as Fats Domino and Little Richard, which was nurtured by small independent record labels and, pre-Civil Rights Act, drew young white and black kids together.
Whole Lotta Shakin'
Episode two picks up the rock ‘n' roll story with its surge across the country and its move into mainstream culture. This was thanks to seminal TV appearances from the likes of Elvis, who made his small-screen debut with a rendition of Heartbreak Hotel before his notoriously sexualised performance of Hound Dog that caused shockwaves across conservative America. This led to the emergence of a second generation of young, white rock ‘n' rollers including The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent, who drove the sound forward.
Be My Baby
This episode includes an interview with the late Ben E King, filmed at the Electric Lady Studios in New York in February a few months before his death in April at the age of 76. In this, one of his final TV interviews, the legendary singer talks about the recording and impact of the song There Goes My Baby, which he co-wrote in 1959 for the revamped line-up of The Drifters. The track was the first hit for the new-look band with King as their lead singer.
Other exclusive interviews featured in the programme include Jerry Lee Lewis, Chubby Checker, The Ronettes' Ronnie Spector, Barrett Strong, Eric Burdon and Pat Boone.
Recently Updated Shows
The Daily Show
Hosted by a rotating cast of comedy greats, The Daily Show remains the go-to source for provocative satire, insightful interviews and an award-winning team of correspondents and contributors.
Late Night with Seth Meyers
Seth Meyers, who is Saturday Night Live's longest serving anchor on the show's wildly popular "Weekend Update," takes over as host of NBC's Late Night — home to A-list celebrity guests, memorable comedy and the best in musical talent.
As the Emmy Award-winning head writer for "SNL," Meyers has established a reputation for sharp wit and perfectly timed comedy, and has gained fame for his spot-on jokes and satire. Meyers takes his departure from "SNL" to his new post at "Late Night," as Jimmy Fallon moves to The Tonight Show.
Ancient Aliens
Ancient Aliens explores the controversial theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth for millions of years. From the age of the dinosaurs to ancient Egypt, from early cave drawings to continued mass sightings in the US, each episode in this hit History series gives historic depth to the questions, speculations, provocative controversies, first-hand accounts and grounded theories surrounding this age old debate. Did intelligent beings from outer space visit Earth thousands of years ago?
MobLand
With the most powerful clients in Europe, MobLand will see family fortunes and reputations at risk, odd alliances unfold, and betrayal around every corner; and while the family might be London's most elite fixers today, the nature of their business means there is no guarantee what's in store tomorrow.
MobLand follows two generations of gangsters, the businesses they run, the complex relationships they weave and the man they call upon to fix their problem.