Breaking Big
BREAKING BIG, a 12-episode documentary series, explores the unexpected journey to success of some of the world's most influential artists, innovators, political leaders, athletes, authors and entrepreneurs.
- 2018-2018
- 1 season
- PBS
- Documentary
- TV-PG
BREAKING BIG, a 12-episode documentary series, explores the unexpected journey to success of some of the world's most influential artists, innovators, political leaders, athletes, authors and entrepreneurs.
Season 1 Episode Guide
12 Episodes 2018
Episode 1
Trevor Noah
Fri, Jun 15, 2018 25 mins
Born and raised in South Africa, Trevor Noah used his mother's influence to turn the painful stories from his life into a unique voice on the international comedy circuit. But how did his tumultuous upbringing land him in a position to fill Jon Stewart's shoes on "The Daily Show," one of the most sought-after jobs in all of late night television?
Episode 2
Eddie Huang
Fri, Jun 22, 2018 25 mins
Restaurateur, author of "Fresh off the Boat," and host of his own television series, Eddie Huang guides us through his unique path to the American dream. Through the eyes of a first-generation Asian American, the former t-shirt hustler turned business mogul tracks the influence of his family and the cultural significance of food that led to his ultimate success.
Episode 3
Danai Gurira
Fri, Jun 29, 2018 25 mins
American-Zimbabwean Danai Gurira used her talent as a playwright and actress to bring to the stage, television and movie theaters, the stories of strong, exceptional women that are rarely discussed and promoted in the entertainment industry. Learn about her rise to notoriety through her acting roles, writing credits and the people who have encouraged and motivated her throughout her career.
Episode 4
Jason Aldean
Fri, Jul 6, 2018 25 mins
Country music superstar Jason Aldean worked through a barrage of setbacks before finally making a name for himself. But after the country rocker built an enduring career, he faced a traumatic event when a mass shooting occurred during his concert in Las Vegas. Learn what it took for this persistent artist to make his way to the top, and what it takes to stay there.
Episode 5
Ruth Zukerman
Fri, Jul 13, 2018 25 mins
As one of the original founders of SoulCycle, Ruth Zukerman turned her passion for indoor cycling into a massive business. But when that partnership ended, she did it again...with FlyWheel. What kept Ruth moving all these years and cemented her place at the heart of the entire boutique fitness world?
Episode 6
Roxane Gay
Fri, Jul 20, 2018 25 mins
As a quiet child of Haitian immigrants, Roxane Gay transcended all expectations and became a leading voice in modern feminist movement, with her essay collection Bad Feminist. But how did she transform a painful childhood into a powerful battle cry and a successful career that would end up helping women around the world?
Episode 7
Michael Strahan
Fri, Jul 27, 2018 25 mins
Follow Super Bowl champ Michael Strahan's path, from NY Giants Hall of Famer to sports commentator and host of "Good Morning America." What enabled him to tackle the TV industry and straddle two different worlds when his time in the stadium was up?
Episode 8
Kirsten Gillibrand
Fri, Aug 3, 2018 25 mins
From representing one of the most conservative districts in upstate New York to filling Hillary Clinton's vacant senate seat, Kirsten Gillibrand made a name for herself as a politician willing to work beyond simple ideology. What drove her unlikely rise in political capital and propelled her to become one of the leading voices for women's rights?
Episode 9
Lee Daniels
Fri, Aug 10, 2018 25 mins
Lee Daniels fought his way from West Philly to the red-hot center of Hollywood. Along the way, he held various positions in the industry but ultimately became the storyteller he was destined to be. What compelled him to conquer both the independent and mainstream sides of Hollywood by directing and producing critical darlings like The Butler and massive network TV hits like Empire?
Episode 10
Gretchen Carlson
Fri, Aug 31, 2018 25 mins
Former Fox News Anchor Gretchen Carlson shocked the world when she sued the most powerful man in cable news, Roger Ailes, and her employers, for sexual harassment and settled for an unprecedented sum of money. But how did this former Miss America winner and Stanford graduate find the strength to take such a stand and become an improbable voice of justice for working women everywhere?
Episode 11
Christian Siriano
Fri, Sep 7, 2018 25 mins
No one looks for a disaster to cement their own legacy. But when Puerto Rico was slammed by a catastrophic hurricane and the US Government was slow to respond, Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz of San Juan stood up and fought back. Watch as she goes from humble civic leader to become the heroic voice of her struggling island and the Puerto Rican people.
Episode 12
Carmen Yulín Cruz
Fri, Sep 14, 2018 25 mins
No one looks for a disaster to cement their own legacy. But when Puerto Rico was slammed by a catastrophic hurricane and the US Government was slow to respond, Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz of San Juan stood up and fought back. Watch as she goes from humble civic leader to become the heroic voice of her struggling island and the Puerto Rican people.