National Geographic Channel is set to premiere FACING, a docu-series that takes an immersive look at the real stories behind some of modern history's most larger-than-life characters, on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, at 9/8c.
From the producers of the award-winning and critically acclaimed documentary "Facing Ali," each hourlong episode will tackle the myths, legends and truths behind powerful headline-makers, including Pablo Escobar, Saddam Hussein, Suge Knight, Vladimir Putin and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Through first-person interviews with those who "faced" them - their adversaries, allies, peers and those in their inner circle - along with select journalists and those affected by their actions, good and bad, Facing offers a sometimes startling perspective on these modern icons. Get to know the real stories behind the headlines with an intimate look at their early life, rise to notoriety and existence in the public eye.
The Facing series has traveled the world to deliver a rich, cinematic portrayal and candid interviews with a dynamic cast, including Steve Murphy, Javier Peña and Joe Toft, the real-life DEA agents depicted in the
Netflix hit series "Narcos"; John Jairo "Popeye" Velásquez, Escobar's No. 1 hitman; musicians Vanilla Ice and The D.O.C.; Dr. Mowaffak al-Rubaie, who was tortured by Saddam Hussein and then later oversaw his execution; award-winning journalist Dan Rather; Pussy Riot co-founder Nadya Tolokonnikova; former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert Gates; action stars Carl Weathers and Lou Ferrigno; celebrated international photographer Platon; and acclaimed film director Ivan Reitman.
Upcoming episodes include:
FACING ESCOBAR Premieres Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 9/8c At the helm of his cocaine empire, Pablo Escobar ignited the international bloodbath that spurred the war on drugs. This is the story of the man behind the Glock, told by those in front of it. Interviewees include Steve Murphy, Javier Peña and Joe Toft, lead DEA special agents on Pablo Escobar's investigation; George Jung, the mastermind behind Escobar's early smuggling operations; John Jairo "Popeye" Velásquez, Escobar's friend, commander of his terror squad and convicted murderer; and Gen. Miguel Alfredo "Maza" Márquez, who survived seven assassination attempts as the head of secret police in Colombia.
FACING SADDAM Premieres Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 9/8c A glimpse at Saddam Hussein, the godfather of dictators, so called for his acts of atrocity - and fanboy-level obsession with Michael Corleone - through the eyes of the people who survived his terror and experienced his love. Interviewees include award-winning journalist Dan Rather; Dr. Mowaffak al-Rubaie, who oversaw Hussein's execution; Zainab Salbi, the daughter of Hussein's personal pilot; and Gen. Charles Horner, who commanded the U.S. air assault on Iraq during Desert Storm.
FACING SUGE KNIGHT Premieres Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 9/8c From his shattered dream of playing in the NFL to Tupac and Biggie Smalls, old foes and former friends connect the bullet holes to map the billion-dollar rise and fall of Suge Knight. Interviewees include Vanilla Ice; Virgil Roberts, music industry lawyer and Suge Knight's mentor; Gary Ballen, former road manager for N.W.A.; Los Angeles Police Department detective Greg Kading, lead investigator of the
DEATH ROW Records file; Sharitha Golden, Suge Knight's former wife; and
DEATH ROW Records artists The D.O.C. and Danny Boy.
FACING PUTIN Premieres Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 9/8c With a reputation for outlandish statements and bold acts, Vladimir Putin is one of the few men in the world powerful enough to do what he wants - and get away with it. Told by those who know him best, this is the story of one of the world's most notorious leaders. Hear from Dr. Robert Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense; Marina Litvinenko, widow of former KGB spy Alexander "Sacha" Litvinenko; Platon, who photographed Vladimir Putin for Time magazine's "2007 Person of the Year" issue; former CIA Director Leon Panetta; Bill Browder, declared a threat to Russian national security and founder of Hermitage Capital; former Ukraine President Viktor Yushchenko; and Pussy Riot co-founder Nadya Tolokonnikova.
FACING SCHWARZENEGGER Premieres Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 9/8c From bodybuilder and blockbuster action and comedy star to politician, Facing Schwarzenegger explores one of the greatest immigrant success stories of our time: an unabashed look at the life of a man who followed his dreams. Hear from actor and retired bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno; "Commando" co-star Rae Dawn Chong; action star Carl Weathers; producer and director Ivan Reitman; Schwarzenegger stunt double Peter Kent; Schwarzenegger's former training partner Ric Drasin; and Rep. Tom McClintock, who ran against Schwarzenegger for California governor.
Facing is produced by Network Entertainment for National Geographic Channels. For Network Entertainment, executive producers are Derik Murray and Paul Gertz; series producer is Roderick Bellamy; directors are Adrian Buitenhuis, Steve Burgess, Miro Cernetig, Michael Hamilton and Derik Murray. For National Geographic Channels, executive producers are Michael J. Miller and Kevin Tao Mohs; president, original programming and production is Tim Pastore.
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