The Secret Life of...

Synopsis

This brand new and exclusive 14-part series lifts the lid on established and renowned superstars from history to reveal their secret lives. But Secret Life Of… is a biography with a difference – with its tongue firmly in its cheek, it deliciously dishes the dirt on icons of the past, including Henry VIII, Marie Antoinette and Napoleon.

First Air Date: 2012-07-31

Last Air Date: 2012-10-30

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 14

Networks: History

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Suzannah Lipscomb as Self - Expert
Danny Mahoney as Haephestion

Seasons

Season 1 (2012)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Henry VIII (2012-07-31)

Discover some unusual facts about notable historical figures. Henry VIII gained infamy as a wife-killing tyrant, but he was also a noted wrestler, poet and musician.
Ep. 2: Napoleon (2012-08-07)

Napoleon was a mighty French general, but did you know he was also a geek and an early spin doctor? And find out more about his antics in the sack in the mischievous history series.
Ep. 3: Queen Elizabeth (2012-08-14)

Lesser-known facts about major historical figures. Elizabeth I was a fiery, passionate monarch who had a host of suitors, but only one true love - and no, it wasn't Blackadder.
Ep. 4: Caligula (2012-08-21)

The Roman Emperor Caligula staged decadent banquets, watched torturing as he ate and had affairs with his senators' wives. Learn more about this tyrannical ruler today.
Ep. 5: Queen Victoria (2012-08-28)

We are very amused at this cheeky series of quirky historical biographies. Queen Victoria was a passionate figure behind closed doors, with a love shack on the Isle of Wight.
Ep. 6: Alexander the Great (2012-09-04)

Alexander the Great conquered the world by the time he was 25 - but did he do it all while drunk? Find out in this terrifically tongue-in-cheek history series.
Ep. 7: Lord Byron (2012-09-11)

This playboy Romantic poet had a flair for fashion and a love of travel, but is perhaps best known for his sordid and complex love life. Hear about the eventful life of Lord Byron.
Ep. 8: The Borgias (2012-09-18)

The decadent Borgia family produced three popes and yet were suspected of committing a host of crimes - including murder by arsenic poisoning. Hear about their unsavoury history.
Ep. 9: Marie Antoinette (2012-09-25)

She was the gambling addict who enjoyed a life of luxury, but the mob grew angry at her decadent ways. Learn more about this iconic Queen of excess who had her cake and ate it.
Ep. 10: Casanova (2012-10-02)

X-rated history series. Giacomo Casanova's name is still synonymous with seduction. Find out more about this 18th century womaniser who charmed his way into high society.
Ep. 11: Marquis de Sade (2012-10-09)

The Marquis de Sade was a complex man, a revolutionary philosopher and a sexual deviant who spent a lot of his existence in jail. Hear more about his life story in this racy biopic.
Ep. 12: Mata Hari (2012-10-16)

The glamorous Mata Hari was a Dutch exotic dancer who moonlighted as a German spy in World War I. Hear all about this iconic historical figure in the engaging biographical series.
Ep. 13: Catherine the Great (2012-10-23)

Catherine the Great was a powerful woman, ruling the Russian empire for over 30 years. But just how close was she to her horse? Hear about her secrets in this brassy biography.
Ep. 14: Louis XIV (2012-10-30)

Louis XIV's reign over France lasted an astonishing 72 years. What were the secrets to his longevity? Find out in the series that dishes the dirt on key historical characters.