Magnificent Obsessions
Magnificent Obsessions details the stories of six people with interests that go far beyond hobbies, in which the quest is so passionate that it has taken over their lives. The series' subjects have obsessions ranging from investigating Sasquatch to building the world's most elaborate sandcastles to studying Dracula.
- 2002-2003
- 1 season
- Documentary
- TV-PG
Magnificent Obsessions details the stories of six people with interests that go far beyond hobbies, in which the quest is so passionate that it has taken over their lives. The series' subjects have obsessions ranging from investigating Sasquatch to building the world's most elaborate sandcastles to studying Dracula.
Season 1 Episode Guide
47 Episodes
Episode 1
Animation Art/Pottery
26 mins
Before the age of CGI, TV cartoons were hand drawn. Each frame was a beautiful work of art. If you like art, this collection of ancient and modern pottery will astound you.
Episode 2
Baseball/Boardgames
26 mins
Whether it's out on in the field or in the comfort of your own home, everyone loves games. Check out these two incredible collections of baseball memorabilia and antique board games.
Episode 3
Coney Island/Black Americana
26 mins
Some collections are so unique that you can only find them here. Check out this wonderful collection of Coney Island antiques, including original signs and ride pieces.
Episode 4
Campaign Items/Snow White
26 mins
Every presidential campaign has left its mark on history, but someone has a piece of every single one. In the second half of the show, see a collection of one of the most cherished stories of all time, Snow White.
Episode 5
Model Trains/Cameras
26 mins
This father/daughter team are some incredible collectors. With thousands of pieces in their home, they make a strong case that the "collecting" gene can be passed down through generations.
Episode 6
Houdini/Statue of Liberty
26 mins
Two iconic American legends, one forever immobile, the other a master of mobility and escape. See some of Houdini's actual performance props as well as pieces of Lady Liberty herself.
Episode 7
Zeppelins/Dollhouses
27 mins
Airships were an incredible feat of technology that unfortunately never "took off", but that doesn't mean there isn't someone out there still fascinated by them.
Episode 8
Tools/Posters
27 mins
We take modern day tools for granted, but once upon a time, things like the drill were powered by hand. You walk past street posters every day, but typically never look at the beautiful artwork that went into them.
Episode 9
Arms and Armor
27 mins
Meet Greg Martin, a man who has spent over half a century amassing one of the world's most important collections of arms, armor, and historic memorabilia, featuring thousands of firearms and remarkable artifacts.
Episode 10
Folk Art/Napoleon III
27 mins
After 30 years of collecting American Folk Art, Ralph Esmerian is looking for a place to put it all. The Vice Chairman of Forbes Inc.
Episode 11
Superman/Batman
27 mins
It's a battle of epic proportions as two of of America's greatest superhero collectors go head to head. It's the man of steel against the caped crusader, who's collection will emerge victorious?
Episode 12
Slot Machines/Oddballs
27 mins
The best thing about being a slot machine collector is that you have the key to the back door; you can never lose. Balls, spheres, orbs, round objects, see one of the most unique collections in the world: Oddballs.
Episode 13
Classic Cars
27 mins
Millionaire, adventurer, and bestselling author. Clive Cussler has it all and has done it all. To the world, he's the master of the American action adventure novel.
Episode 14
Demolition Derby
27 mins
For some, the thrill of driving is in the race. For derby drivers, the game is simple; last car standing wins. See these brave men and women take the wheel and smash, crash, and bash each other until only one car is still running.
Episode 15
Roller Coasters
27 mins
Paul Drabek rode his first roller coaster when he was 5 years old, and he hasn't stopped riding since. If he's not in a seat flying through the air, he's designing digital roller coasters to ride in the comfort in his home.
Episode 16
Roller Derby
27 mins
This underground sport has been around for decades and has slowly evolved into what is present day roller derby. See these tough ladies train, compete, and rough each other up in a sport that is highly under appreciated.
Episode 17
Civil War Reenactment
27 mins
All over the country, hundreds of Civil War enthusiasts pay homage to their forefathers in these spectacular displays.
Episode 18
Gliders
27 mins
Once the tow plane hits the release button, pilots are able to experience the "most free form of flying". Without any aid from engines or motors, these gliders can soar surprisingly great distances.
Episode 20
Pyrotechnics
27 mins
When it comes to fireworks, these guys know their stuff. You will be amazed at how much time and effort goes into a 10 minute firework display.
Episode 21
Skydiving
27 mins
These two sisters have been through some tough times, but they've found a magnificent obsession that really turned their lives upside down - jumping out of an airplane.
Episode 22
Ghost Hunting
27 mins
Strange noises, eerie events, phantom apparitions. Who would actually seek out the things that go bump in the night? An insatiable hunger for hard evidence has this office worker moonlighting as a paranormal investigator.
Episode 23
Surfing
27 mins
Hawaiian natives introduced the world to surfing over 200 years ago. Even though the boards of today are much more advanced than in the past, surfing is still far from easy. See a group of passionate women who live and breath for this sport.
Episode 24
Historic Aircraft
27 mins
The Collings foundation feels that people can appreciate history better if they can live it, feel it, smell it, touch it, and participate in it.
Episode 25
Dog Shows
27 mins
They're man's best friend, but whose best friend is best? Go behind the scenes and see what it takes to win "best in show".
Episode 27
Barnstorming
27 mins
Performing breathtaking stunts in pristine vintage airplanes, the Flying Circus fights to keep the golden age of Barnstorming alive.
Episode 28
Revolutionary War Reenactment
27 mins
The revolutionary war marked America's independence from England once and for all, but some people want to live it over and over again.
Episode 29
Tattoos
27 mins
Tattoos have been a beautiful art form for thousands of years. What drives people to undergo the pain and suffering of the needle, and what keeps them coming back for more?
Episode 30
Drag Queens
27 mins
When someone says "Drag Queen", an image immediately comes to mind. Let these performers smash some stereotypes and show you what's behind the curtain.
Episode 31
Stunt Cycles
27 mins
The Ives family is not your normal family. Their days are spend in the backyard, working together on a death-defying passion.
Episode 32
Mixed Martial Arts
27 mins
This is a hobby where pain is the name of the game. These athletes eat, sleep, and breathe this sport, and they won't stop until they are champions of the world.
Episode 33
Medieval War Reenactment
27 mins
The Society for Creative Anachronism devotes itself to recreating life in the middle ages. See archery, cooking, and the crowd favorite: full armored heavy combat.
Episode 34
Kinetic Art
27 mins
Just as much engineering as they are works of art, these wacky vehicles must traverse pavement, water, mud, and sand to reach the finish line.
Episode 35
Sand Sculpting
27 mins
With little more than sand and water, these sculptors transform a Florida shoreline into an outdoor art gallery. For 3 days, these artists endure heat and wind to bring their amazing visions to life.
Episode 36
Blimps
27 mins
It's time to get bigger than life and lighter than air as we take a bird's eye view of Blimps. They come in all shapes and sizes, and growing technology may change the face of aviation history.
Episode 37
Punkin Chunkin
27 mins
It's not pumpkin chucking, it's punkin chunkin. Whether it's air cannons, trebuchets, catapults, or centrifugal machines, the goal is simple: throw the "punkin" the furthest.
Episode 38
Big Cats
27 mins
We're not talking about overweight house cats, these are dangerous and exotic wild animals. You can take care of one of these beasts for years, but one wrong move and you might still end up on the menu.
Episode 39
Homing Pigeons
27 mins
Most people think that these birds are just rats with wings, running amok in urban areas. Very few realize that the common pigeon has been bred over thousands of years to fly hundreds of miles home.
Episode 40
Lawnmower Racing
27 mins
Who says lawnmowers are just for mowing lawns? With a few modifications, your standard lawnmower can turn into a rough riding, mud slinging speed machine. Find out what makes this growing motor-sport so darn fun.
Episode 41
Drifting
27 mins
Drifting is a new kind of sport that features cars going sideways through a course. See the incredible amount of time and money these racers put into their cars, and what it really takes to be a drifter.
Episode 42
Falconry
27 mins
Man has been hunting with birds of prey throughout the ages. Falconers brave the winter chill, trekking through briars and dense woods to hunt with their avian companions. Few get to experience such a partnership with an incredible animal.
Episode 43
Circus
27 mins
The sights, the sounds, the smells. For over 200 years, the circus has provided millions with good old fashioned family fun. Meet the performers who make this wonderful show their profession.
Episode 44
Witches
27 mins
Salem has a notorious history of executing witches, but those days of discrimination are long gone. Meet the men and women who practice what they consider "real witchcraft".
Episode 45
Zelda the Bulldog
27 mins
Sometimes, a small idea explodes into a national sensation. "Zelda's Wisdom" is a line of greeting cards that showcases Zelda the Bulldog.
Episode 46
Elvis
27 mins
Elvis Presley recorded over 900 songs, sold over a billion records, and influenced the careers of some of the greatest entertainers in history.
Episode 47
Mountain Unicycles
27 mins
As if mountain biking weren't extreme enough, these adrenaline junkies take things to the next level. By outfitting their unicycles with mountain tires, they traverse some pretty intimidating terrain.
Episode 48
Cat Shows
27 mins
They may not be as popular, but Cats can be bred and shown just like dogs can. Meet some of the most fancy felines in the business, and the owners who raised them.
Episode 49
Rocket Man
52 mins
The men and women in search of extreme speed will strap a rocket to just about anything, including a custom made ATV. Something is about to get broken, but will it be world records or bones?