The BEST episodes of HBO Documentary Film Series season 2020
Every episode of HBO Documentary Film Series season 2020, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of HBO Documentary Film Series season 2020!
HBO presents a full spectrum of non-fiction programming by leading documentary filmmakers. Taking viewers from the hidden corners of America to the shocking reality of global issues, these powerful, uncompromising and award-winning films never fail to leave an impact. Now, with HBO Podcast, listen to interviews with many of our award-winning filmmakers - and even some of their documentary subjects!
#1 - 537 Votes
Season 2020 - Episode 19 - Aired 10/21/2020
537 Votes chronicles the political machinations that led to the unprecedented, contested outcome of the 2000 presidential election, including the chaotic voter recount in Florida that ended with George W. Bush winning by a razor-thin margin. From director Billy Corben and his producing partner Alfred Spellman, with Adam McKay (HBO’s “Succession”) and Todd Schulman executive producing, the film details how the international custody battle over six-year old Elian Gonzalez triggered a political earthquake in Miami-Dade County in 2000, swaying the outcome of the presidential election. With the margin of victory hinged on Florida, George W. Bush won the presidency by a mere 537 votes. With new insights, the documentary exposes the key players who contributed to the chaos in the contested Florida county, including interviews from insiders and political operatives at the time such as Roger Stone, Joe Geller, Chairman of the Miami-Dade County Democratic Party, and Al Cárdenas, Chairman of the Florida Republican Party.
#2 - The Swamp
Season 2020 - Episode 14 - Aired 8/4/2020
A behind-the-scenes documentary following members of the rebellious Freedom Caucus as they navigate friends and foes from both parties.
#3 - Under The Grapefruit Tree: The CC Sabathia Story
Season 2020 - Episode 30 - Aired 12/22/2020
Take an intimate dive into the life and career of the recently retired star pitcher CC Sabathia in this HBO Sports documentary.
#4 - The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
Season 2020 - Episode 29 - Aired 12/12/2020
How Can You Mend a Broken Heart chronicles the triumphs and hurdles of brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb, otherwise known as the Bee Gees. The iconic trio, who found early fame in the 1960s, went on to write over 1,000 songs and have 20 No. 1 hits throughout their career, transcending more than five decades of changing tastes and styles. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Frank Marshall (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Seabiscuit) with award-winning producers Nigel Sinclair and Jeanne Elfant Festa (HBO’s The Apollo and HBO’s George Harrison: Living in the Material World), the film features revealing interviews with oldest brother Barry and archival interviews with the late twin brothers Robin and Maurice. The film features a wealth of never-before-seen archival footage of recording sessions, concert performances, TV appearances, and home videos, as well as interviews with musicians Eric Clapton, music producer Mark Ronson, among others.
#5 - Baby God
Season 2020 - Episode 26 - Aired 12/2/2020
For more than 30 years, Dr. Quincy Fortier covertly used his own sperm to inseminate his fertility patients. Now his secret is out and his children seek the truth about his motives and try to make sense of their own identities.
#6 - Alabama Snake
Season 2020 - Episode 27 - Aired 12/9/2020
Explores the story of a Pentecostal minister, accused of attempting to murder his wife with a rattlesnake. Based on true events!
#7 - Crazy, Not Insane
Season 2020 - Episode 24 - Aired 11/18/2020
An examination of the research by forensic psychiatrist Dorothy Otnow Lewis who investigated the psychology of murderers.
#8 - The Art of Political Murder
Season 2020 - Episode 28 - Aired 12/16/2020
An investigation into the truth behind the murder of Guatemalan Bishop, Juan Gerardi, who was killed in 1998 just days after trying to hold the country's military accountable for the atrocities committed during its civil war.
#9 - The Mystery of D. B. Cooper
Season 2020 - Episode 25 - Aired 11/25/2020
Who is D.B. Cooper? This roller-coaster ride of a documentary brings to life the stories of four individuals fervently believed by their family and friends to be the mystery man who hijacked a 727, exchanged passengers for $200,000 and four parachutes, then leaped from the plane over some of Washington state's roughest terrain, and was never heard from again.
#10 - The Cost of Winning
Season 2020 - Episode 22 - Aired 11/10/2020
This four-part documentary series follows the 2019 campaign of the St. Frances Academy Panthers football team. Located in one of Baltimore's poorest neighborhoods, a city plagued by corruption and violence, the Panthers program has become a symbol of hope and controversy in inner-city Baltimore.
#11 - Burning Ojai: Our Fire Story
Season 2020 - Episode 21 - Aired 10/28/2020
Follows one family and the residents of Ventura County, CA through a journey of devastation, repair and survival after one of the largest wildfires in state history destroys their beloved community.
#12 - The Soul of America
Season 2020 - Episode 20 - Aired 10/27/2020
Present-day, fraught political reality by exploring historical challenges of the past.
#13 - The Perfect Weapon
Season 2020 - Episode 18 - Aired 10/16/2020
The rise of cyber conflict as the primary way nations now compete and sabotage each other.
#14 - Wild Card: The Downfall of a Radio Loudmouth
Season 2020 - Episode 17 - Aired 10/7/2020
A documentary that charts the rise and fall of prominent New York sports radio personality Craig Carton.
#15 - Siempre, Luis
Season 2020 - Episode 16 - Aired 10/6/2020
An immigrant from Puerto Rico is determined to bring the musical 'Hamilton' to his island home.
#16 - Ali & Cavett: The Tale of the Tapes
Season 2020 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/11/2020
The life and times of Muhammad Ali, as shown through the lens of his numerous appearances on The Dick Cavett Show (1968).
#17 - Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn
Season 2020 - Episode 15 - Aired 8/13/2020
A look at the events surrounding the murder of Yusuf Hawkins, a black teenager in Brooklyn, who was killed in by a group of white youths.
#18 - The Weight of Gold
Season 2020 - Episode 13 - Aired 7/29/2020
A look at the mental health challenges Olympic athletes often face.
#19 - Stockton on My Mind
Season 2020 - Episode 12 - Aired 7/28/2020
Mayor Tubbs through his first term in office as he tirelessly advances his innovative proposals for a city at a turning point.
#20 - Showbiz Kids
Season 2020 - Episode 11 - Aired 7/14/2020
A documentary about the highs and lows of children in show business, featuring interviews and examinations of the lives and careers of the most famous former child actors in the world.
#21 - Welcome to Chechnya
Season 2020 - Episode 10 - Aired 6/30/2020
A group of activists risk their lives fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in Chechnya.
#22 - Transhood
Season 2020 - Episode 23 - Aired 11/12/2020
Filmed over five years in Kansas City, this documentary follows four kids - beginning at ages 4, 7, 12, and 15 - as they redefine "coming of age." These kids and their families reveal intimate realities of how gender is re-shaping the family next door in a never-before-told chronicling of growing up transgender in the heartland. The film is a nuanced examination of how families tussle, transform, and sometimes find unexpected purpose in their identities as transgender families. Lighthearted and deeply moving, this story teaches us something new about being human.
#23 - Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn
Season 2020 - Episode 9 - Aired 6/18/2020
A look at the life and work of New York power broker Roy Cohn.
#24 - Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind
Season 2020 - Episode 8 - Aired 5/5/2020
Exploring Natalie Wood's life and career through the unique perspective of her daughter, Natasha Gregson Wagner, and others who knew her best.
#25 - Autism: The Sequel
Season 2020 - Episode 7 - Aired 4/28/2020
Autism: The Sequel revisits the stars of this musical 12 years later as the original subjects, now in their early 20s, navigate what independence means to them as they manage both challenges and triumphs as adults living on the autism spectrum.