HISTORY Highlights May 2020

WWII 75 LIBERATION

Tuesdays at 21:25 from 5 May

Starting on 5th May, HISTORY brings you a range of two-hour special programmes to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. Engineering Evil: Inside The Holocaust (05/05 at 21.25, image right) provides a portrait of the evolution of the Holocaust - from the early days of persecution in Nazi Germany to the final days of wanton annihilation. Travelling through the archives of Eastern Europe, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the restoration labs of Yad Vashem in Israel tell the story of persecution, theft and murder through artifacts an, rarely seen photographs. WWII From Space (12/05 at 21.25), an Emmy Award-winning documentary telling the epic story of America’s engagement in the Second World War from the spectacular new vantage point of space, giving fresh insights into the deadliest conflict ever fought and America's role in the Allied Victory. WWII in HD: The Air War (19/05 at 21.25) focuses on the Eighth Air Force's strategic campaign against the German Luftwaffe in the months leading up to D-Day. D-Day: Untold Stories (26/05 at 21.25) presents the key events of the Allied invasion of Nazi-held Europe and the subsequent battles that captured the control of the Normandy coast. Some of the last surviving veterans recall in gripping detail the terror, the patriotism and the drama from the front lines of war. While D-Day has been told many times, this honors the diverse backgrounds of all who served, including the experiences of African-American servicemen who fought and died.

MUZIEKLEGENDES

Thursday 14, Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May from 17.00

This May, HISTORY is celebrating Eurovision with some music icons. Join Mike and Frank on their American Pickers (14/05, 15/05 & 16/05 at 17.00) musical journey in search of Aerosmith's original tour van, the preservation of the iconic vehicle and then the big reveal to their rock ‘n’ roll idols. Following American Pickers are a selection of musical biographies. Thursday 14^th (17.55) looks at the life of larger-than-life actor/singer Meat Loaf. Born Marvin Lee Aday outside Dallas Texas, in 1947, he was dubbed Meat by his dad when he was just 3. Meat Loaf has veered from acting to rock and back again. Meat continues to wow audiences on stage with his unique brand of rock theater. Friday 15^th HISTORY looks at one of the best-selling female recording artists in history, with over 70 million discs sold worldwide, Britney Spears’ career exploded in 1998 with her debut single release. Times have been tough for the pop princess but still she has loyal admirers and passionate fans. On Saturday 16^th (17.55) we follow the life of Queen's legendary lead singer, Freddie Mercury. He earned a place in modern rock history as the writer and singer of some of its most legendary songs. Born in Zanzibar to Indian parents and later raised in India, Mercury and his "Queen" band mates went on to sell albums in unit totals that rival the Beatles. His remarkable four octave singing range was a key ingredient in the band's success.

THE UNXPLAINED

Mondays from 25 May at 20.30

From the producers of Ancient Aliens and The Curse of Oak Island, The UnXplained returns to HISTORY. Exploring the world’s most fascinating, strange and inexplicable mysteries. Hosted and executive produced by Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor William Shatner (Star Trek, Boston Legal) each episode will feature compelling contributions from scientists, historians, witnesses and experiencers — each seeking to shed light on how the seemingly impossible actually can happen. From deadly cults, lost civilizations, curses, vampires werewolves and dark prophecies, The UnXplained will explore subjects that have mystified mankind for centuries. (10x60).

PAWN STARS

Saturdays from 2 May at 20.30

Pawn Stars is back! Long before banks, ATMs and check-cashing services, there were pawn shops. Pawning was the leading form of consumer credit in the United States until the 1950s, and pawn shops are still helping everyday people make ends meet. Pawn Stars takes you inside the colorful world of the pawn business. At the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop on the outskirts of Las Vegas, the Harrison family - father Rick and son Corey, along with Corey’s devoted childhood friend, Austin “Chumlee” Russell - run the family business, and there’s clashing and camaraderie every step of the way. The three men use their sharp eyes and skills to assess the value of items from the commonplace to the truly historic. It’s up to them to determine what’s real and what’s fake, as they reveal the often-surprising answer to the questions on everyone’s mind, “What’s the story behind it?” and “What’s it worth?”