The BEST episodes of America's Book of Secrets
Every episode of America's Book of Secrets ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of America's Book of Secrets!
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of the most legendary monuments and powerful organizations in the United States? America’s Book of Secrets lifts the veil of mystery, giving you unparalleled access to historical narratives and insider information previously hidden from the public. Through in-depth research and exclusive channels, this series delves into a variety of familiar but enigmatic American institutions, from the FBI and the Pentagon to Fort Knox and Area 51. Go beyond the locked doors and security checkpoints of government agencies, famous landmarks and stealthy societies to glimpse the hidden worlds you were never intended to see.
#2 - Serial Killers
Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 4/26/2013
They are secretly stalking America's streets and highways, hiding in plain sight and compelled by one simple motive: the thrill of taking another person's life. Since the 1970s, the United States has produced an estimated 1,400 serial killers--more than double the combined total of the rest of the world. What causes a seemingly normal human being to engage in serial acts of murder? This episode uncovers the psychological, biological and sociological make-up of these dangerous murderers. Why do they kill? How can they be identified and stopped before they strike? Former FBI profiler Clint Van Zandt, criminal psychologists Eric Hickey and Helen Morrison, journalists, scientists and law enforcement experts reveal the secret motives of serial killers like "BTK Killer" Dennis Rader and Jeffrey Dahmer--and explain why Ted Bundy, Donald Harvey "The Angel of Death" an the "Grim Sleeper" Lonnie Franklin Jr. were able to evade capture for years while they amassed a shocking number of victims.
Watch Now:Amazon
#3 - America's Secret Army
Season 3 - Episode 5 - Aired 4/26/2014
They operate in the shadows… Men trained to kill… without leaving a trace. But who are these secret forces? What are their covert methods? And, can they be trusted to protect the interests of the American people? Delve into the clandestine operations of the United States most expertly trained secret weapons. But what exactly are these surreptitious services designed to do–and whom do these stealth-like soldiers ultimately report to? Are the strategies of these covert armies effective in keeping the United States one step ahead of its power hungry enemies? National Security Attorney Mark Zaid reveals details about the prestigious Delta Force unit that have remained a well-kept secret–until now. Former Attorney General John Ashcroft discusses the concept of asymmetrical warfare and how our government employs it today. And author Peter Singer describes the underground war being waged over the internet.
Watch Now:Amazon
#4 - The Secret Space Program
Season 4 - Episode 1 - Aired 5/11/2021
On December 20, 2019, the newest branch of the armed services was established–Space Force. But nearly two decades earlier in 2002, a man named Gary McKinnon claimed he had discovered evidence that a secret military space program already existed… after hacking top-secret Pentagon and NASA computers. Does this suggest that the U.S. has a much greater presence in space than the public is aware? Could we even have occupied bases on the Moon and Mars?
Watch Now:Amazon
#5 - The Secret Service
Season 3 - Episode 9 - Aired 5/24/2014
They are an elite force of brave men and women who put their lives on the line. Their mission: to guard the most powerful person in the world. But just who are these American heroes? And what secrets are they protecting? This episode goes inside one of the most top-secret law enforcement agencies in the United States. But is there more to the Secret Service than just protecting America's greatest asset? And do recent scandals signify a growing problem within the ranks? Current director of the U.S. Secret Service, Julia Pierson, discusses the history of the agency and the growing threats against the office of the President. Former U.S. Secret Service special agent, Dan Bongino, reveals the grueling agency selection process and the psychology involved in assessing ever-present dangers. And Political Journalist, Marc Ambinder, examines the scandal in Cartagena, Columbia and how it has impacted the culture within the Secret Service.
Watch Now:Amazon
#7 - Scientology
Season 3 - Episode 1 - Aired 3/29/2014
It is one of the most secret organizations in America. A religion–based on the cosmic revelations of an inspired genius–that boasts more than 100,000 faithful followers throughout the world. We'll reveal the hidden origins, strict doctrine, secret language and celebrity allure of the wealthy and influential institution. Former Scientologists disclose the reasons they were drawn to the church–and why they left. Jenna Miscavige Hill, niece of Scientology's current leader, David Miscavige, describes her difficult experiences inside the organization. Former church executive, Mark Rathbun, demonstrates Scientology's most revered spiritual technology–the "E-Meter." And watchdog Tony Ortega explains the appeal of Scientology that draws in new members. Find out why some consider Scientology a spiritual choice and others consider it a road to ruin.
Watch Now:Amazon
#10 - Big Brother
Season 3 - Episode 2 - Aired 4/5/2014
This episode uncovers the secret surveillance methods the government and big business use to watch, monitor and record our every move. Government whistleblowers, Thomas Drake and Jesselyn Radack, reveal how the NSA decided to aggressively monitor Americans' correspondence after 9/11. Documentarian Cullen Hoback explains how the government has partnered with Silicon Valley high-tech companies like Facebook and Yahoo to gather data on every American citizen. And former computer hacker Sammy Kamkar explains how someone could watch you from inside your own home. Buzzing drones overhead. Emails monitored and stored. Cell phone records tracked and analyzed. In today's digital age, is the concept of privacy now extinct? There are those who believe Big Brother is already here–and that the secret monitoring of American citizens has only just begun.
Watch Now:Amazon
#11 - Deadly Pandemics
Season 4 - Episode 10 - Aired 7/20/2021
In 2020, COVID 19 effectively shut down the entire world–and in the process, elevated pandemics to the most important issue across the globe. How do they start? Is it possible to contain them? And could COVID 19 be merely the precursor to something much worse?
Watch Now:Amazon
#12 - Fort Knox
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 2/4/2012
It is one of the most secure structures in the world. It safeguards the vast wealth of the United States... And its name is synonymous with one of the most precious commodities in the history of the world--gold. But behind this building's stone exterior are secrets. This episode unlocks the secret contents, political controversy, and cutting edge security hidden behind the gates of the world's most famous vault. How did the Unites States amass its gold? What is the precious metal really worth? Who's allowed inside the vault? What else is stashed there? Could Fort Knox actually be empty?
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
#13 - Alien Disclosure
Season 4 - Episode 9 - Aired 7/13/2021
Are governments around the world preparing mankind for the most startling event in human history–the official disclosure of extraterrestrial contact? Or even an extraterrestrial presence on Earth right now? And if so, why is this happening now, what form might the announcement take, and what might happen in its aftermath?
Watch Now:Amazon
#14 - The Ku Klux Klan
Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 4/19/2013
They are the original domestic terrorists, hiding underneath white hoods and flowing robes, and taking cover in the rights and freedoms that they are actively seeking to destroy. The Ku Klux Klan--although officially considered by the U.S. Government to be a racist organization--is not an illegal one. And while objectionable to most Americans, its philosophy of racial intolerance is protected as free speech under the First Amendment. But just how large, powerful, and dangerous is the Ku Klux Klan? This episode exposes the nearly 150 years of KKK history and the many attempts to discredit the Klan's demands for segregation and white supremacy. Johnny Lee Clary, once the Imperial Wizard of the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi, shares inside knowledge of the Klan, including the secret handshakes, secret greetings, and the secret goals of the odern hate group.
Watch Now:Amazon
#15 - FBI vs MLK
Season 4 - Episode 4 - Aired 6/8/2021
In 1962, Martin Luther King Jr. criticised Hoover’s FBI for refusing to prosecute white supremacists who had burnt down black churches in Albany, Georgia; Hoover took King’s criticisms as a personal insult and he ordered the FBI to investigate King.
Watch Now:Amazon
#16 - West Point
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 3/15/2012
It is the most prestigious military academy in the world. A place where cutting-edge technology converges with battle-proven tradition. But inside this launch pad for the Army's elite are secrets. Go inside the 200-year-old university to uncover the complex selection process, secret rituals and traditions and special training that each cadet experiences at the renowned institution of military might. How hard is it to get into West Point? What is the Honor Code, and what happens if a cadet breaks it? Who are the most famous--and infamous academy alumni? What special training goes into making cadets military leaders for the 21st century? West Point is where presidents, world leaders, and the Army's bravest officers are taught, trained and entrusted with some of the nation's most important secrets. Secrets that few outside the academy know... until now.
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
#17 - America's Doomsday Plan
Season 3 - Episode 10 - Aired 5/31/2014
An atomic attack… cyber warfare… a deadly airborne virus… the list of doomsday scenarios facing the United States has shaken the American psyche. But what is the government doing to protect the nation from ultimate disaster? This episode takes an in-depth look at the impending threats facing our world today. With the Doomsday Clock set to 5 minutes before midnight, is the end of the world looming just around the corner? And could our lack of preparation force us to make the ultimate choice: who will live and who will die? Survivalist Tim Ralston talks about the threat of an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) and the devastating impact it could have on the entire world. Ronald Kessler describes the cyber command center and current state of cyber warfare. Bill Kristol discusses the continuity of government and secret bunkers that would be used in the event of a catastrophic attack.
Watch Now:Amazon
#19 - Inside Area 51
Season 4 - Episode 6 - Aired 6/22/2021
In 2013–after decades of secrecy, denials, and cover-ups–the CIA declassified documents that acknowledged the existence of a top-secret military research facility known as Area 51. But despite this disclosure, six years later in 2019, millions responded to an internet post advocating to storm the gates. Why does this Top-Secret location continue to draw so much attention–and suspicion? What really goes on within its heavily secured walls? Should we be reassured by its existence? Or fearful?
Watch Now:Amazon
#20 - Doomsday Scenarios
Season 4 - Episode 7 - Aired 6/29/2021
A look at what plans the United States government has in place to deal with a major attack or catastrophic event, from the designated survivor to the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Centre and FEMA catastrophe protocols.
Watch Now:Amazon
#22 - Protecting the President
Season 4 - Episode 2 - Aired 5/18/2021
The United States has experienced four presidential assassinations, and two more assassination attempts nearly succeeded. But how many more occur that never reach the public? And how far do we go to protect the commander in chief?
Watch Now:Amazon
#23 - The Playboy Mansion
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 2/18/2012
It is America's most infamous address, a place where fantasies come to life--and anything goes. But behind the security cameras and stonewalls of the Playboy Mansion are secrets. Go inside the stately residence to reveal the secret places, decadent gatherings, and special indulgences usually reserved for beautiful women and Hollywood's elite. How hard is it to get an invitation to the Playboy Mansion? How did Hugh Hefner transform the Mansion into a palace of pleasure? Who is the most notorious guest? What does it take to protect the Mansion for outside intruders? Home to one of the world's most private of public figures, the Playboy Mansion is a sanctum of secrets.
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
