American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story
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.
- Metascore43
- 2017-2017
- 1 season
- Amazon Prime Video
- Documentary, Drama
- TV-MA
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 Episode Guide
10 Episodes 2017
Episode 1
Before the Bunny: Marilyn Monroe
Fri, Apr 7, 2017 40 mins
Unfulfilled by family life and a desk job, Hugh Hefner strikes out against American puritanical values by launching a magazine that celebrates sex. He creates the first issue of Playboy from his kitchen table with the help of Marilyn Monroe as his first pin-up girl.
Episode 2
Birth of the Centerfold: The Girl Next Door
Fri, Apr 7, 2017 42 mins
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.
Episode 3
Becoming Mr. Playboy
Fri, Apr 7, 2017 42 mins
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.
Episode 4
Members Only: The Playboy Club
Fri, Apr 7, 2017 41 mins
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.
Episode 5
The Playboy Interview
Fri, Apr 7, 2017 41 mins
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.
Episode 6
Rebel with a Cause: Civil Liberties and Government Crackdowns
Fri, Apr 7, 2017 40 mins
Playboy gains a sterling activist journalistic reputation even as the workaholic Hefner becomes addicted to Dexedrine.
Episode 7
Below the Belt: Playboy and the Pubic Wars
Fri, Apr 7, 2017 41 mins
While Hugh Hefner finds love and success in Hollywood, Playboy fights Penthouse in the pubic wars even as second-wave feminism proves an implacable critical force.
Episode 8
Sex, Drugs and DEA Investigations
Fri, Apr 7, 2017 38 mins
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 9
Down the Rabbit Hole: The Dorothy Stratten Murder
Fri, Apr 7, 2017 43 mins
After the death of Bobbie Arnstein, Hugh Hefner retreats permanently to his Los Angeles mansion, only to face the murder of Playmate Dorothy Stratten.
Episode 10
My Way
Fri, Apr 7, 2017 46 mins
With Playboy on the brink of bankruptcy, Hefner sacrifices friends and leans on family to secure the brand's future.