Secrets of the Dead poster

TV series

Secrets of the Dead

2000NR23 seasons6.4 / 10

Unearthing History

Part detective story, part true-life drama, long-running series explores some of the most iconic moments in history to debunk myths and shed new light on past events. Using the latest investigative techniques, forensic science and historical examination, it shatters accepted wisdom, challenges prevailing ideas, overturns existing hypotheses, spotlights forgotten mysteries, and ultimately rewrites history.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Jul 24, 2026

Secrets of the Dead is available to stream on DirecTV On Demand and YouTube TV in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, and Apple TV. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

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Synopsis

Part detective story, part true-life drama, long-running series explores some of the most iconic moments in history to debunk myths and shed new light on past events. Using the latest investigative techniques, forensic science and historical examination, it shatters accepted wisdom, challenges prevailing ideas, overturns existing hypotheses, spotlights forgotten mysteries, and ultimately rewrites history.

Season 5 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

← Season 4

Episode 1

The Hunt for Nazi Scientists

Days after D-Day, Allied forces joined together for a different kind of mission. Through rare footage, eyewitness testimonies, and real-life accounts, the story is told of the race to capture the German physicists and other scientists and any secrets they may hold of advanced 'vengeance' weapons. Finding the scientists could mean gaining significant advantage in the looming Cold War. Liev Schreiber narrates the story of the scientists' dramatic capture and the influences they have on wars today.

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Episode 2

Gangland Graveyard

55m

On October 6, 2004, FBI agents began digging up a Queens swamp in the hopes of finding the remains of the man who killed John Gotti's son. Instead, they unearthed a severed foot and other pieces of human skeleton, along with personal effects. Forensic tests tied the remains to Mob family captains who had been killed by mob boss Joseph "Big Joey" Massino. This program documents the search which opens a window into the grisly world of the mob.

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Episode 3

Voyage of the Courtesans

In 1789, over two hundred female convicts were pulled out of London's prisons and shipped off to Australia for a life of servitude. See how they took control of the situation to create a better life for themselves and the future of Australia.

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Episode 4

The Sinking of the Andrea Doria

On the last night of an Atlantic voyage, the Andrea Doria luxury liner was broadsided by the 13,000-ton Stockholm in an accident that imperiled more than 1,700 passengers and crew. With the world watching in horror during one of the first televised tragedies, the Andrea Doria sank, sparking a ferocious debate over fault that remains to this day and ended the era of luxury cruise liners.

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Episode 5

Umbrella Assassin

finale

On September 11, 1978, Bulgarian emigre, writer and broadcast journalist Georgi Markov died. Three days before, while waiting for a bus, Markov felt a sudden sting in the back of his thigh. Markov was soon hospitalized. After his death, an investigation ruled Markov had been poisoned. A pellet containing ricin had been shot into his leg. How had this political murder been executed?

Episode credits

Guest stars Georgi Markov, Christopher Green

Where to watch Secrets of the Dead

Episode information updated Jul 25, 2026

More about Secrets of the Dead

Cast

Liev SchreiberNarrator
Roy ScheiderNarrator
Georgi Markov
Ian KnightHimself - Historian
Tony PollardHimself - Archaeologist
Dr. Jeannine Davis-Kimballherself
Linnda R. Caporaelherself
Addison Bainhimself

Credits

Written by
Ken Chowder

Production details

Status
Returning Series
Series type
Documentary
Episodes
123
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • PBSUnited States
  • ThirteenUnited States

Themes

archaeologyexaminationresearch