Documentaries

Inspirational and award-winning documentaries from over 25 years of groundbreaking television

See all Documentaries on 4oD
  • Gypsy Blood

    Gypsy Blood

    Gypsy Blood examines the violent culture that some gypsy and traveller fathers hand on to their children, exploring its impact on two fathers and their young sons

  • Newport Bouncers

    Bouncers

    Funny, irreverent and often surprising film following the boys of Newport's biggest security firm over a summer of booze and brotherhood

  • MotherTruckers

    MotherTruckers

    How do women lorry drivers get on with their male colleagues, juggle families, and stay feminine? This amusing film meets the new queens of the road.

4od
Order Order by A to Z Order by Date Broadcast
  1. Undercover Boss Australia Undercover Boss Australia

    High-flying Australian executives taking extraordinary steps to ensure their companies are fighting fit by going undercover in their own businesses [S] More on Undercover Boss Australia

    Last broadcast: Friday 13 January, 9.25AM on Channel 4

  2. Britain's Greatest Codebreaker: Alan Turing Britain's Greatest Codebreaker

    Drama documentary recording the brilliance - and the destruction - of one of the 20th century's greatest minds More on Britain's Greatest Codebreaker

    Last broadcast: Monday 21 November, 9PM on Channel 4

  3. Britain's Supreme Court Britain's Supreme Court

    True Stories goes behind the scenes of Britain's new Supreme Court, where the country's top judges hear high-profile cases that will shape the nature of our society [S] More on Britain's Supreme Court

    Last broadcast: 08 February 2011, on

  4. My-Daughter-the-Teenage-Nudist My Daughter the Teenage Nudist

    Documentary about Mollie and Alex, who are among a growing number of teens and twentysomethings embracing the world of public nudity [S] More on My Daughter the Teenage Nudist

    Last broadcast: Thursday 12 January, 10PM on Channel 4

  5. Hitler The Hitler Family

    Hitler was obsessively secretive about his family. This documentary has tracked down some of Hitler's relatives who speak for the first time about living in the shadow of the Nazi dictator. More on The Hitler Family

    Last broadcast: Wednesday 11 January, 11.05PM on More4

  6. How to Be a Good Mother with Sharon Horgan How to Be a Good Mother with Sharon Horgan

    Sharon Horgan is a writer, actress and mother. Like most mums she wonders if she's bringing up her kids in the best way. In this programme she meets six mums with unusual parenting methods that they believe are best. [S] More on How to Be a Good Mother with Sharon Horgan

    Last broadcast: Wednesday 11 January, 10PM on Channel 4

  7. Babes in Hollywood Babes in Hollywood

    Every spring, thousands of aspiring child actors flock to Hollywood for the casting period for new television shows. This film follows a dozen of these aspiring Brads and Angelinas, and their families. [S] More on Babes in Hollywood

    Last broadcast: 09 August 2011, on

  8. The Lost Kennedy Home Movies The Lost Kennedy Home Movies

    Remarkable home movies revealing the private story of the Kennedy clan from 1935 through to JFK's swearing-in as President in 1961 More on The Lost Kennedy Home Movies

    Last broadcast: Sunday 27 November, 10PM on More4

  9. Rogue Baboon and Joy Reidenberg Inside Nature's Giants

    The award-winning series that gets under the skin of the largest animals on the planet. Most wildlife documentaries show how animals behave, but by exploring their anatomy, Inside Nature's Giants reveals how these creatures really work. [S] More on Inside Nature's Giants

    Last broadcast: Tuesday 10 January, 9PM on Channel 4

  10. The Pawn King: Paul Aitken The Pawn King

    In the tough economic climate, pawning is no longer just the preserve of the poor. First Cut provides a fascinating insight into the pawn-broking business. [S] More on The Pawn King

    Last broadcast: 14 January 2011, on

  11. The Mayan Apocalypse 2012 The Mayan Apocalypse 2012

    Film-maker Paul Murton explores the '2012 phenomenon', a belief that cataclysmic or transformative events would occur in that year, pinpointed millennia ago in Central America by the Maya [S] More on The Mayan Apocalypse 2012

    Last broadcast: Saturday 07 January, 10PM on More4

  12. Attack of the Trip Advisors Attack of the Trip Advisors

    A look at the virtual AA Gills and Michael Winners using Trip Advisor to have their say on hotels and restaurants, and the hoteliers and restaurateurs at war with the site More on Attack of the Trip Advisors

    Last broadcast: Monday 31 October, 9PM on Channel 4

  13. Accused: The 74 Stone Babysitter Accused: The 74 Stone Babysitter

    The story of one of the most incredible murder trials America has witnessed, following the twists and turns in the case of Mayra Rosales and the death of her two-year-old nephew [S] More on Accused: The 74 Stone Babysitter

    Last broadcast: Tuesday 03 January, 9PM on Channel 4

  14. Mummifying Alan: Egypt's Last Secret Mummifying Alan: Egypt's Last Secret

    A team of scientists attempt to mummify a specially-donated body in order to understand Ancient Egyptian mummification techniques [S] More on Mummifying Alan: Egypt's Last Secret

    Last broadcast: Monday 24 October, 9PM on Channel 4

  15. Elizabeth II on the throne The Queen's Coronation: Behind Palace Doors

    This documentary uncovers the tensions and conflict between the Queen Mother and Prince Philip in the build up to Princess Elizabeth's coronation in 1953 [S] More on The Queen's Coronation: Behind Palace Doors

  16. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip The Queen's Wedding

    A fascinating look at the romance, politics and spin that lay behind the Queen Elizabeth's marriage to Prince Philip in 1947 [S] More on The Queen's Wedding

  17. The Queen's Hidden Cousins The Queen's Hidden Cousins

    The sad but true story of Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon, the Queen's cousins who were born with learning disabilities and spent most of their lives all but forgotten in an institution More on The Queen's Hidden Cousins

    Last broadcast: Thursday 17 November, 9PM on Channel 4

  18. The Year the Earth Went Wild The Year the Earth Went Wild

    2011 has been a year of epic-scale climate and geological events across the world. This film looks back on a year of natural disasters, all caught on camera in spectacular fashion. [S] More on The Year the Earth Went Wild

    Last broadcast: Monday 19 December, 8PM on Channel 4

  19. Steve Jobs: iChanged the World Steve Jobs: iChanged the World

    The story of Steve Jobs, featuring a rare interview and providing a unique insight into what made him tick [S] More on Steve Jobs: iChanged the World

    Last broadcast: Wednesday 02 November, 11.05PM on Channel 4

  20. Japan's Tsunami: How It Happened Japan's Tsunami: How It Happened

    The science behind the earthquake and tsunami that have devastated Japan [S] More on Japan's Tsunami: How It Happened

    Last broadcast: 24 March 2011, on

  21. Amish_brand Living with the Amish

    The notoriously private Amish community opens its doors to six British teenagers who head to Ohio to see if they can hack six weeks of hard work and simple living [S] More on Living with the Amish

    Last broadcast: Thursday 29 December, 8PM on Channel 4

  22. A dog stands next to a snowy canal Snowstorm: Britain's Big Freeze

    In the first weeks of February 2009, Britain suffered its worst snow falls in 18 years. This film explores the possible factors behind the highly unusual weather. [S] More on Snowstorm: Britain's Big Freeze

  23. Murdoch: The Mogul who Screwed the News: Jacques Peretti Murdoch: The Mogul Who Screwed the News

    Jacques Peretti talks to everyone from Hugh Grant to Rupert Murdoch insiders to find out how celebrities, cops and politicians cosied up with, and then turned against, Murdoch More on Murdoch: The Mogul Who Screwed the News

    Last broadcast: 27 July 2011, on

  24. The Untold Tommy Cooper The Untold Tommy Cooper

    A unique portrait of Tommy Cooper, drawing on his manager's meticulous diaries, previously unseen archive footage, and the testimony of a variety of his celebrity fans [S] More on The Untold Tommy Cooper

    Last broadcast: Wednesday 28 December, 9PM on Channel 4

  25. WW2: Front Line Heroes World War II: The Last Heroes

    The personal stories of the soldiers who fought in World War II, brought back to life in reconstructions with real bombs and ammunition [S] More on World War II: The Last Heroes

    Last broadcast: Saturday 19 November, 8PM on Channel 4

  26. Sarah Palin: You Betcha! Sarah Palin: You Betcha!

    Nick Broomfield heads to Alaska to find the real Sarah Palin and meet the friends, family and colleagues that gave their heart, soul and belief to the charismatic, charming, intoxicating ex-hockey mum More on Sarah Palin: You Betcha!

    Last broadcast: Tuesday 27 December, 10PM on More4

  27. The Amy Winehouse Story: Jacques Peretti The Amy Winehouse Story

    Jacques Peretti examines the life of the late Amy Winehouse, in a revised and updated edition of What Really Happened More on The Amy Winehouse Story

    Last broadcast: 26 July 2011, on

  28. My Mother Diana My Mother Diana

    An examination of how Princess Diana's life and her relationship with the House of Windsor, the media and the public have shaped her son Prince William [S] More on My Mother Diana

    Last broadcast: 24 April 2011, on

  29. William and Kate: Romance and the Royals: David Starkey Kate and William: Romance and the Royals

    David Starkey puts Prince William's marriage to Kate Middleton into a historical context, to examine whether it really does constitute a break with royal tradition [S] More on Kate and William: Romance and the Royals

    Last broadcast: 27 April 2011, on

  30. britney spears Saving Britney Spears

    First Cut takes a road trip across the USA to meet the people who've made Britney's breakdown their business. Does anyone really want to save Britney? More on Saving Britney Spears

  31. BalletBoys: Next Generation BalletBoyz: Next Generation

    BalletBoyz: Next Generation follows the rise of a new all-male dance company, from auditions to a performance in Addis Ababa's City Hall [S] More on BalletBoyz: Next Generation

    Last broadcast: Sunday 25 December, 11.05PM on More4

  32. alternative_xmas_message_essex_brand Alternative Christmas Message

    Channel 4 unwraps two Alternative Christmas Messages given by contributors from some of 2011's most powerful and celebratory factual programming [S] More on Alternative Christmas Message

    Last broadcast: Sunday 25 December, 4.15PM on Channel 4

  33. Little Matador Little Matador

    A fascinating look at the rarely-seen world of child bullfighting, following the journey of three Mexican children struggling to become successful bullfighters More on Little Matador

    Last broadcast: Tuesday 20 December, 10PM on More4

  34. Bin Laden: Shoot to Kill Bin Laden: Shoot to Kill

    The complete story of the operation to find and kill Osama Bin Laden [S] More on Bin Laden: Shoot to Kill

    Last broadcast: Wednesday 07 September, 9PM on Channel 4

  35. Syria's Torture Machine Syria's Torture Machine

    Victims, refugees and activists who have experienced or witnessed brutality at the hands of Syrian President al-Assad's forces speak out More on Syria's Torture Machine

    Last broadcast: Monday 19 December, 11.10PM on Channel 4

  36. King of Christmas Lights King of Christmas Lights

    Cutting Edge explores the world of extreme Christmas decorating, meeting people who adorn their houses in festive regalia every year, and finding out why they do it More on King of Christmas Lights

    Last broadcast: Monday 19 December, 9PM on Channel 4

  37. The Arbor The Arbor

    The powerful true story of playwright Andrea Dunbar, who wrote Rita, Sue and Bob Too! and died at the age of 29, when her daughter Lorraine was ten years old [S] More on The Arbor

    Last broadcast: Saturday 17 December, 9PM on More4

  38. 50 Years of Bad Sex 50 Years of Bad Sex

    Jacques Peretti takes a critical look at five Titans of mainstream entertainment that have promoted and exploited sex, and influenced our view of what's sexy [S] More on 50 Years of Bad Sex

    Last broadcast: Friday 16 December, 10PM on More4

  39. Unreported World Australia's Hidden Valley Unreported World

    Critically acclaimed foreign affairs series offering an insight into the lives of people in some of the most neglected parts of the planet. Now available internationally [S] More on Unreported World

    Last broadcast: Friday 09 December, 7.30PM on Channel 4

  40. WWII: Air War WWII: Air War

    Extraordinary colour archive footage and personal testimony combine to tell the story of the vital fight for control of the skies during the Second World War More on WWII: Air War

    Last broadcast: Wednesday 14 December, 11.05PM on More4

  41. Dexter Dalwood 3 Minute Wonder

    Budding new directors, who haven't yet had the opportunity to make a film for broadcast, are given the chance to make four films destined for television [S] More on 3 Minute Wonder

    Last broadcast: 02 December 2010, on

  42. Transgender: Pakistan's Open Secret Transgenders: Pakistan's Open Secret

    A rare insight into the life stories transgender people in Pakistan More on Transgenders: Pakistan's Open Secret

    Last broadcast: Tuesday 13 December, 10PM on More4

  43. Calvet Calvet: A Tale of Vice, Family... and Paint!

    The story of Jean Marc Calvet, who was on the run in Costa Rica with stolen money but turned his life around through instinctive art he created in a desperate attempt to escape his demons More on Calvet: A Tale of Vice, Family... and Paint!

    Last broadcast: Tuesday 13 December, 11.15PM on More4

  44. We Need to Talk about Dad We Need to Talk About Dad

    The story of an apparently normal family who get back together to confront terrible events from their past, which were witnessed by teenage son Henry [S] More on We Need to Talk About Dad

    Last broadcast: Monday 21 November, 10.20PM on Channel 4

  45. My Transsexual Summer My Transsexual Summer

    A series that follows seven people who are undertaking a range of gender affirmation procedures as they make the journey to realise their true identities [S] More on My Transsexual Summer

    Last broadcast: Tuesday 29 November, 10PM on Channel 4

  46. The Story of Film The Story of Film: An Odyssey

    Award-winning film-maker Mark Cousins provides a worldwide guided tour of the greatest movies ever made and tells the story of international cinema through the history of cinematic innovation [S] More on The Story of Film: An Odyssey

    Last broadcast: Saturday 10 December, 9PM on More4

  47. Tony Robinson's Gods and Monsters Tony Robinson's Gods and Monsters

    Tony Robinson reveals a terrifying world of walking corpses and evil spirits - the world that our ancestors thought they lived in [S] More on Tony Robinson's Gods and Monsters

    Last broadcast: Saturday 10 December, 8PM on Channel 4

  48. Cannibals of the Stone Age Cannibals of the Stone Age

    Archaeologists are investigating a Stone Age mass grave in Germany that may force us to accept that cannibalism and human sacrifice are undeniable parts of our history [S] More on Cannibals of the Stone Age

    Last broadcast: Wednesday 07 December, 11PM on More4

  49. The Boy Who Was a King The Boy Who Was a King

    The story of Simeon II of Bulgaria's unprecedented journey from boy king to democratic leader, exploring what his tale signifies not only for him but for his conflicted country More on The Boy Who Was a King

    Last broadcast: Tuesday 06 December, 10PM on More4

  50. Confessions of an Undercover Cop Confessions of an Undercover Cop

    The inside story of Mark Kennedy, the police officer who lived a remarkable double life deep undercover as an environmental campaigner [S] More on Confessions of an Undercover Cop

    Last broadcast: Monday 14 November, 9PM on Channel 4

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