The BEST episodes of Channel 4 (UK) Documentaries season 2017
Every episode of Channel 4 (UK) Documentaries season 2017, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Channel 4 (UK) Documentaries season 2017!
Channel 4, in common with the other main British stations, airs a highly comprehensive range of programming. It was established in 1982 with a specific intention of providing programming to groups of minority interests, not catered for by its competitors, which at the time amounted to only the BBC and ITV.
#1 - The Super Orgasm
Season 2017 - Episode 26 - Aired 4/13/2017
For most women multiple orgasms can seem almost mythical. But some women orgasm not once, twice or even ten times, but 60, 70 or 100 times: a super-orgasm. In this documentary, a group of ordinary women with an extraordinary ability have volunteered to be put through a series of challenging tests in an unprecedented scientific investigation to reveal the truth behind the super-orgasm. With the help of these women - who include a motorbike-mad engineering student, a stay-at-home mum and a woman whose passion is singing in her Catholic church choir - a group of international scientists from a range of disciplines attempt to measure and record the super-orgasmic phenomenon for the first time. They hope to see how the brain and the body react before, during and after super-orgasm, to find out if these women are wired differently to the rest of us or whether we can all learn to have a super-orgasm.
#2 - Angry, White and American
Season 2017 - Episode 80 - Aired 11/9/2017
In the summer of 2017, the world was shocked as white nationalists, neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan took to the streets in Charlottesville, Virginia to protest against the removal of a statue of confederate General Robert E. Lee. Just weeks before the violence erupts, journalist Gary Younge meets one of the speakers from the Charlottesville rallies, the self-styled leader of the alt-right Richard Spencer, and in an explosive exchange attempts to get under the skin of his controversial views. It's one of a series of telling encounters in Gary Younge's journey across the United States a year after Donald Trump was elected. He explores how falling living standards, decreasing life expectancy and a demographic time-bomb that could see them become a minority within a generation, has sent some white Americans into angry retreat.
#3 - Big Ben: Saving the World's Most Famous Clock
Season 2017 - Episode 81 - Aired 11/12/2017
Documentary about restoration work on the iconic clock tower, which will see the bells silenced for the next four years. Anna Keay, Director of Landmark Trust, goes behind the scenes on this massive project, and talks to Parliament's principal architect and the three clockmakers who have the challenging task of taking the gigantic mechanism apart for the first time in nearly 160 years. The programme also examines the history of the clock tower, revealing how it was almost never built in the first place.
#4 - The Truth About Slim People
Season 2017 - Episode 79 - Aired 11/8/2017
There are some people who never seem to worry about what they eat, never diet or do any special exercise, and yet somehow manage to stay slim. Who are these people and how do they do it? This experiment follows 37-year-old Yemi and 41-year-old Anne Marie who appear to eat what they like and have no set exercise routines, yet never put on weight. Over a course of five days covert cameras follow them everywhere: at work, home and play. They are the envy of their friends. Is there something in their behaviour that's determining their size? Experts unpick every element of their lifestyle - from what they eat, to how much they fidget, to the amount of sleep they get. At a time when one in four people in Britain are obese, and billions of pounds are spent on fad diets, this fascinating documentary uncovers the simple secrets to being slim.
#5 - A Summer to Save My Life
Season 2017 - Episode 78 - Aired 11/2/2017
Immunotherapy is a pioneering new cancer treatment that aims to boost the body's natural defences to fight the disease. Showing success in trial phases, it often has fewer debilitating side effects than chemotherapy. This documentary follows a small group of patients over one summer as they undergo the treatment at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in London, meets them between sessions as they go about their daily lives and finds out whether immunotherapy has given them the most precious gift of all - more time
#6 - When Harry Met Meghan: A Royal Romance
Season 2017 - Episode 77 - Aired 10/28/2017
This documentary uncovers the inside story of Meghan Markle and the story of her relationship with Prince Harry to date. The programme reveals the story of Meghan's childhood in LA, and her relationship with Harry, featuring exclusive interviews with friends and colleagues. It reveals a smart, strong and independent woman with surprising similarities to Prince Harry both in her life story and values. The programme also uncovers the astonishing story of Meghan's ancestors, with original and exclusive genealogy research. It's an all-American tale of humble origins and triumph over adversity played out in the Deep South on her mother's side and in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania on her father's side. The programme traces the first moment her father's ancestors arrived in America, with some very surprising results about where they came from.
#7 - Fighting Cancer: My Online Diary
Season 2017 - Episode 76 - Aired 10/26/2017
Documentary following three young cancer patients as they intimately record their own battles with cancer and post the videos online for the world to see. Filmed over the course of a year, each patient deals with the highs and lows of unpredictable scan results, the dramatic physical changes they endure and the hope of defying the odds
#8 - My Week as a Muslim
Season 2017 - Episode 74 - Aired 10/23/2017
Saima invites Katie, who is from a predominantly white town in the north-west of England, to spend a week living with her in the heart of Manchester's Pakistani Muslim community. A team of specialist make-up and prosthetic artists transforms Katie's appearance to make it look like she is of Pakistani origin so she can experience first-hand what it is like to be a member of Saima's community
#9 - George Michael: Freedom
Season 2017 - Episode 73 - Aired 10/16/2017
The singer-songwriter narrates a documentary charting his life and career, focusing on the period around the release of his 1990 album Listen without Prejudice Vol 1. The star opens his heart about his great love and loss, as well as the well-documented High Court battle with his record label, and there is personal archive and home footage and interviews, with contributions by Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Ricky Gervais, Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson, Liam Gallagher, Mary J Blige and Tony Bennett
#10 - Public Enemies: Jay-Z vs. Kanye
Season 2017 - Episode 72 - Aired 7/31/2017
Last year, Kanye West took aim at Jay-Z in a series of onstage rants culminating in a bizarre speech begging his former mentor to not have him assassinated. Hours later Kanye had been hospitalized amid reports of a breakdown. But behind the headlines, lies the story of a fascinating creative partnership spanning two decades. With unseen footage and exclusive interviews with the people who know them best, Public Enemies: Jay Z Vs Kanye reveals the story behind these two iconic artists’ meteoric rise, and colossal falling out.
#11 - Get a House for Free
Season 2017 - Episode 71 - Aired 8/8/2017
Landlord Marco Robinson, who owns a business and property empire worth £25 million, is giving away a flat worth £120,000. First, he must find the right person or people who will benefit the most. Marco himself experienced homelessness as a young boy as he and his mother were evicted from numerous properties. Over the course of 6 weeks, Marco meets many applicants from the overwhelming response to his advert. As he gets to know the people desperate for a home, the decision becomes more difficult. Everyone he meets has a strong reason why they need his flat – from the single mum to the Syrian refugees, but ultimately he has just one property to give away. Once he finds them, their lives will be changed by this extraordinary gift.
#12 - Barbie: The Most Famous Doll in the World
Season 2017 - Episode 70 - Aired 10/4/2017
Mary Portas explores the iconic status of Barbie. The visits the manufacturer, meets the superfans, and asks if the doll can survive in an increasingly gender-neutral world.
#13 - Boris Johnson: Blond Ambition
Season 2017 - Episode 69 - Aired 10/1/2017
For over a year Channel 4 has followed one of Britain's most well-known, colourful and controversial politicians: Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson. The Godfather of Brexit is once again on manoeuvres. As he makes his latest play to realise his long-held dream to be Prime Minster, Channel 4 News Political Editor Gary Gibbon charts 14 months of Boris's time as Foreign Secretary. How does our most unlikely chief diplomat carve out a reputation as a world statesman and navigate his way through monumental gaffes, U-turns and constant public slap-downs from Theresa May? And crucially, what does Boris's first ever spell in high office tell us about whether he has what it takes to lead on the national stage?
#14 - Cruel and Unusual
Season 2017 - Episode 68 - Aired 9/2/2017
The story of the Angola Three: three men who fought for 40 years against a miscarriage of justice that left them in solitary confinement in the Louisiana state penitentiary for decades
#15 - Egypt's Great Pyramid: The New Evidence
Season 2017 - Episode 67 - Aired 9/24/2017
New discoveries are revealing the secrets of Egypt's Great Pyramid. Mystery has long surrounded the construction of Egypt's Great Pyramid, but now new discoveries are revealing its secrets, as archaeologists uncover the last surviving relic of the pharaoh Khufu.
#16 - 24 Hours Inside Your Body
Season 2017 - Episode 66 - Aired 9/13/2017
Two ordinary people take part in an extraordinary experiment, as they are filmed for 24 hours and given a unique medical MOT, using state-of-the-art medical equipment. Three world-renowned scientists will analyse the findings of patients Charlotte and Dave, as their brain activity, heart rate, movement, posture and glucose levels are all closely monitored throughout the day
#17 - White Kid, Brown Kid
Season 2017 - Episode 65 - Aired 9/4/2017
Documentary following two teenage girls from very different worlds as they try to become friends in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, which is one of Britain's most racially segregated places. The film shows how 16-year-old Siobhan and 17-year-old Farhana cross this racial divide to step into each other's world for the very first time, revealing a story that highlights the complexities of integration. As they face up to their differences, they find themselves navigating both family and community concerns
#18 - Trump's War on the Border
Season 2017 - Episode 64 - Aired 9/4/2017
A timely insight into life on the US-Mexican border during the first days of Donald Trump's presidency.
#19 - Pop, Pride and Prejudice
Season 2017 - Episode 63 - Aired 6/24/2017
The story of pop music's vital role in a social, sexual and cultural revolution 50 years ago, as homosexuality was decriminalised in the UK
#20 - Feral Families
Season 2017 - Episode 75 - Aired 10/26/2017
Ten years on since Supernanny, there's a new philosophy taking hold among British families. It's called extreme unschooling or off-grid parenting, and more and more British parents are rebelling against orthodoxy to raise their children with no rules. They claim that their children are healthier and happier and will become more rounded adults, but their kids' behaviour can also be scandalous to other parents. This documentary follows three families who are passionate about this alternative way of parenting. Mother-of-three Jenna's 13-year-old son Archie juggles fire and plays with knives, but seven years after being taken out of school, despite Mum's best efforts, he still struggles to read and write. His grandparents are so concerned that they're paying for him to have a tutor.
#21 - The World's Greatest Kids' Films
Season 2017 - Episode 62 - Aired 8/27/2017
Do you remember when Elliott first met ET? Or the magical moment Julie Andrews floated down over a London street with just an umbrella to keep her afloat? What about the terrifying sight of Scar leaping through the flames in The Lion King? Children’s films have provided some of cinema’s most cherished scenes and to this day remain firm favourites – even among big kids like me. This countdown delves into the fascinating stories behind some of the best-loved kids classics, from Home Alone to Finding Nemo, Back to the Future and beyond. Expect untold secrets, surprise revelations and fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the stars and directors who brought joy to every little girl and boy. SUMMARYA countdown of some of the greatest family movies ever made, from enduring classics like Mary Poppins to modern hits including Finding Nemo. Featuring contributions from actors and film-makers. Steven Spielberg reveals the original inspiration for ET, while Christopher Lloyd shares his memories of being transformed into The Addams Family's Uncle Fester and Who Framed Roger Rabbit's villainous Judge Doom. The programme also features directors Robert Zemeckis, Ron Howard and David Yates discussing the secrets behind classic movie moments.
#22 - Wasting Away: The Truth About Anorexia
Season 2017 - Episode 61 - Aired 8/24/2017
Mark Austin and his daughter Maddy explore the devastating effects of eating disorders and the availability of suitable care. They discuss the subject with patients, their families and Prince William.
#23 - How to Make Your Marriage Work
Season 2017 - Episode 60 - Aired 8/17/2017
The London borough of Brent boasts one of the highest marriage rates and lowest number of divorces in the country. This one-off documentary visits five Brent couples who have tied the knot to find out what keeps them together. Ranging from seven to 47 years of marriage, they discuss everything from the importance of sex in a relationship, the ups and downs of having children and whether they have ever been tempted to stray
#24 - Taxi of Mum and Dad
Season 2017 - Episode 59 - Aired 8/17/2017
One-off documentary exploring the joys and challenges of parenting teenagers today from the one place where conversations are likely to take place - the family car. Eight cars have been rigged with multiple cameras, allowing viewers to eavesdrop on the conversations between parents and their children as they catch up and connect away from their home lives
#25 - Flights from Hell: Caught on Camera
Season 2017 - Episode 58 - Aired 8/15/2017
Documentary exploring the extremes of human behaviour in airports and on planes. Footage includes angry missed check-ins to bizarre drunken antics at security, alternative safety briefings, deafening party flights and near-death experiences on flights from hell.