Episode 1
Before the Bunny: Marilyn Monroe
40m5.5 / 10
The surprising story of how Marilyn Monroe became Playboy's first pin-up.
Where to watch American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story
TV series
American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story
2017TV-MA1 season5.8 / 10
A fascinating docuseries chronicling Playboy magazine’s charismatic founder, Hugh Hefner, and his impact on global culture. Told from his unique perspective with never-before-seen footage from his private archive, discover the captivating story about the man behind the bunny.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Sep 5, 2026
American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story is available to stream on Prime Video and Amazon Freevee in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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Watch free
Synopsis
A fascinating docuseries chronicling Playboy magazine’s charismatic founder, Hugh Hefner, and his impact on global culture. Told from his unique perspective with never-before-seen footage from his private archive, discover the captivating story about the man behind the bunny.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Birth of the Centerfold: The Girl Next Door
43m5.6 / 10
Hugh Hefner convinces his new subscription manager to pose as the magazine's first centerfold and "the girl next door" becomes Playboy's formula for success.
Where to watch American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story
Episode 3
Becoming Mr. Playboy
42m5.4 / 10
During the mid-1950s, Hugh Hefner and Playboy gain national success, giving Hefner an opportunity to speak out about social issues while enjoying the perks of being Mr. Playboy.
Where to watch American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story
Episode 4
Members Only: The Playboy Club
41m5.2 / 10
To bring Playboy's bachelor lifestyle to the public, Hugh Hefner opens the Playboy Club in Chicago and creates the perfect nightlife hostess - the bunny.
Where to watch American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story
Episode 5
The Playboy Interview
41m5.1 / 10
Hugh Hefner creates the Playboy Interview, giving a platform to cultural leaders to discuss pressing social issues, and publishes a controversial interview with Malcolm X.
Where to watch American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story
Episode 6
Rebel with a Cause: Civil Liberties and Government Crackdowns
40m5.2 / 10
Hefner becomes addicted to an amphetamine drug that lets him work around the clock, using the pages of the magazine to fight for civil rights and ultimately publish what would become Martin Luther King Jr's final written words.
Episode credits
Guest stars Morgan Bradley
Episode 7
Below the Belt: Playboy and the Pubic Wars
41m5.1 / 10
While Hugh Hefner finds love and success in Hollywood, Playboy fights Penthouse in the pubic wars.
Where to watch American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story
Episode 8
Sex, Drugs and DEA Investigations
39m5.4 / 10
Hugh Hefner's secretary and close friend, Bobbie Arnstein, finds herself at the center of a conspiracy to take down the Playboy empire and her loyalty to Hefner proves deadly.
Episode credits
Guest stars Morgan Bradley
Episode 9
Down the Rabbit Hole: The Dorothy Stratten Murder
43m4.9 / 10
After the death of Bobbie Arnstein, Hugh Hefner retreats permanently to his Los Angeles mansion, only to face the murder of Playmate Dorothy Stratten.
Where to watch American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story
Episode 10
My Way
47m4.9 / 10finale
With Playboy on the brink of bankruptcy, Hefner sacrifices friends and leans on family to secure the brand's future.
Where to watch American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner StoryEpisode information updated Sep 17, 2026
More about American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story
Cast
Hugh HefnerHimself
Matt WhelanHugh Hefner
Shara ConnollyBarbi Benton
Joy BuckleMarilyn ColeAdam Jonas SegallerA.C. Spectrosky
Ella BecroftMillie Hefner
Laura ThompsonChristie Hefner
Ian BellArt PaulProduction details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 10
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
Prime Video
Stephen David EntertainmentUnited States- Alta Loma EntertainmentUnited States
Themes
abuse of powerabused womandocudramanarcissistic abuseperverse sexperversionperversityplayboy
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