The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson
In recent history, few people have had more impact on Britain than Boris Johnson. This revealing documentary looks at his spectacular rise and fall by talking to those closest to him, both friends and enemies. It’s a ride to the very top filled with scandal, cunning and betrayal. Using incredible rarely seen footage, the series unpacks the motives of the man, and the strategy of the politician.
Watch The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson and more acclaimed documentaries on BBC Select today. Restrictions apply*.
The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson on BBC Select
Episode 1: The Boy Boris
How much did Boris Johnson’s chaotic, unhappy childhood shape his later political views?
How much did Boris Johnson’s privileged, unhappy and chaotic childhood shape his political views? This insightful documentary reveals how the clashes and rivalries of his early years dictated many of the key decisions that he made in his pursuit of power. Those who grew up with the future Prime Minister reveal a needy, lonely character desperate to heal the trauma of a painful family life.
Episode 2: Brexit and Beyond
A Brexit victory should have led to Boris becoming Prime Minister. What went wrong?
Having shocked experts with his unexpected Brexit victory, Boris Johnson becomes favorite to be the next British Prime Minister. But he’s soon betrayed and outmaneuvered by many he thought were allies and he spends time in the political wilderness. When he returns to mainstream politics, he has personal ambitions to fulfil and revenge to engage in. Turbulent times were ahead.
Episode 3: Success and Scandal
Boris achieves his ambition of becoming PM, but scandals from his private life emerge.
Boris Johnson finally achieves his long-held ambition of becoming Prime Minister. But scandals from his colorful private life soon emerge and it becomes tough at the top. Finding himself in a corner, Boris makes some outlandish decisions in an attempt to get his agenda, especially Brexit, into law. He gambles big on a snap election that few believed he could win. Could Boris prove them wrong?
Episode 4: Covid and Calamity
Scandals connected to the pandemic appear to end Boris’s career. But will he be back?
After winning a surprise election, Boris Johnson and his administration are hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. After contracting the virus himself and nearly dying from the illness, Boris returns to work. But scandals lead to a public outcry, a political ousting and Boris’s resignation. His political career finally seemed to be over. But few believe this is the end of the Boris Johnson story.
More documentaries you might like...
BBC Select Free Trial
BBC Select is available on Amazon Prime Video Channels, the Apple TV app and The Roku Channel for only $5.99 a month. Start a 7-day free trial and watch a range of acclaimed documentaries from the BBC and beyond. Restrictions apply*.