X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Spotlight on the Troubles: A Secret History

Tells the story of the spiral of Northern Ireland into violence in the late 1960s, the attempts of the British Government to get control of the situation, the growth of the provisional IRA, the murky relationship between the security forces and Loyalist paramilitaries and the long, tortuous path to to the end of the violence after almost three thousand deaths over a period of a quarter of a century of violence.

Loading. Please wait...

Content not available in your region? ExpressVPN can help you stay connected wherever you are. Get 4 extra months FREE with TV Guide's exclusive offer.

Cast & Crew See All

Darragh MacIntyre
Reporter
Jennifer O'Leary
Reporter
Mandy McAuley
Reporter

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

Episode 1

The Spotlight team traces how, in the 1960s, suspicion led to unrest between unionists and nationalists, undermining Northern Ireland's government. The arrival of the British Army in August 1969 brought a break in the conflict, and the soldiers were greeted as protectors by many nationalists. That relationship was spoiled by fatal errors and calculated acts of violence. New information about Martin McGuinness's role at that time is brought to light. Ending with the breaking up of the Northern Ireland government, when IRA members believed they were about to force the British Army out of Northern Ireland.

Where to Watch
Spotlight on the Troubles: A Secret History, Season 1 Episode 1 image

Awards

  • 2020 - Broadcasting Press Guild Award - Best Documentary Series - nominated
  • 2020 - RTS Television Award - History - nominated
  • 2020 - Amnesty Media Award - Documentary - nominated

You May Also Like See All

D-Day: The Unheard Tapes
Blue Planet II
The U.S. and the Holocaust
Planet Earth II

Popular Shows See all shows

Band of Brothers

1 Season
This landmark miniseries based on Stephen E. Ambrose's best-seller, and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, recounts the remarkable achievements of an elite team of U.S. paratroopers during World War II.
87   Metascore
2001 Action & Adventure, Drama, Documentary

The Curse of Oak Island

14 Seasons
Rick and Marty Lagina, two brothers from Michigan with a life-long interest in the mystery of Oak Island, renew efforts to discover the legendary treasure with sophisticated machinery.
2014 Documentary, Reality

Chernobyl

1 Season
Starring Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård and Emily Watson, the five-part miniseries dramatizes the story of the 1986 nuclear accident — one of the worst man-made catastrophes in history — and the sacrifices made to save Europe from unimaginable disaster.
82   Metascore
2019 Drama, Documentary, Suspense

Call the Midwife

15 Seasons
Midwives in East London in the 1950s, experience the growing pains of life and love.
81   Metascore
2012 Drama, Documentary

Museum Access

6 Seasons
Museum Access explores these museums in a way that the everyday visitor cannot. It goes behind the scenes where ordinary folks don't get a chance to go. Talking to the directors, curators and creative personnel to get an insider's view.
2017 Documentary

The Crown

6 Seasons
This drama follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that shaped the second half of the 20th century.
78   Metascore
2016 Documentary, Drama