Documentaries have the ability to make us laugh, cry, and deeply examine history as we know it. It should come as no surprise that Discovery+ is your one-stop shop for all types of documentaries. Check out four of our favorites this October.
The Matthew Shepard Story: An American Hate Crime
25 years ago, Matthew Shepard was brutally assaulted in Laramie, WY because of his lifestyle. While he didn’t survive his injuries, he quickly became the face of violence towards the LGBTQ+ community. His death became a rallying cry for communities and forced America to begin having important conversations about the safety of every community.
The Matthew Shepard Story: An American Hate Crime talks to friends of Matthew, locals who remember the crime, and celebrities who were impacted by his death. This documentary takes the opportunity to not only document the progress made that triggered by Matthew’s death, but also highlight the work that we as a society have left to make our most vulnerable communities safer.
Prisoner of the Prophet
Prisoner of the Prophet is the story of Brielle, the 65th wife of purported prophet Warren Jeffs of the FLDS Church. This sect of the fundamentalist arm of Mormonism is known for polygamy, sexual abuse, and other unsavory behaviors. Brielle documents her time from her grooming at a young age to her survival and escape which allows her to share her story now.
After so much information from differing sources, we finally get to hear the story directly from someone who lived it. Brielle’s bravery is unparalleled with her sharing of the trauma she faced at a young age and how she broke free. This documentary will have your heart hurting for those who were unable or unwilling to escape while celebrating those who could see through the lies.
History of the Sitcom
Sitcoms have been an American stable for generations. History of the Sitcom documents some of the most iconic moments in sitcom history while also linking them directly to the landscape of America at the time. Sitcoms have been used to discuss complex issues, provide an escape, and even unite strangers from states away.
This mini-series is not bound by era or topic. It shows how television has consistently bridged the gap for viewers between real life and escape. Learning more about when and how sitcoms gained popularity can give us some great insight into how the general population feels during any given year.
The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America
The only thing more quintessentially American than booze, bets, and sex is the eternal fight we have over them. The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America recounts some of the most pivotal moments in the history of those that have typically been considered vices. From how one woman spearheaded a state lottery system to legalizing contraception, learning history has never been so much fun.
With talking head subject matter experts and dramatic reenactments of situations, these three-part series will have you looking at life as we know it much differently. Get ready to learn some of the most salacious and riotous untold stories of America’s past.
Each of these documentaries is streaming now on Discovery+.