Season 1
3 episodes
60 min. per episode
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Rupert battles loyalty and betrayal as family feuds ignite, shaping media's power and the world's narratives.
Episodes
Kingmaker meets Rupert Murdoch in 1995, a pivotal year that sees him presiding over two important dilemmas - who he wants to be Britain's next prime minister and which of his children he wants to take over his business. This episode charts the growing relationship between Rupert Murdoch and Tony Blair, and the Murdoch press and Blair's Labour Party - a relationship that becomes almost uncomfortably close. Critics claim that Murdoch's organisation cultivated too much influence over the British government - lobbying for war in Iraq, enjoying open access to the prime minister and favourable treatment when it comes to business. Supporters, however, claim that this is how business works, not least when you are as influential as Rupert Murdoch. Murdoch's family dynamic is rocked when he marries a woman 37 years his junior, polarising the children and jeopardising Murdoch's plans for succession. Just as Murdoch is approaching the peak of his powers and influence in the UK, cracks begin to appear that point to deeper, darker problems within his Empire.
An alliance forms, including star Hugh Grant, that is willing to take on the Murdoch empire, and a huge scandal threatens Rupert's dream of passing on the family business to one of his children.
The story of Rupert Murdoch's remarkable journey from 'the most humble day' of his life to arguably his most powerful moment, and the final conclusion to the question of succession within his own family. Following a huge scandal, Rupert cuts a lonely figure. His political allies have deserted him, his reputation is in tatters, his beloved mother passes away, and to add insult to injury, revelations come to light about his wife's infatuation with one of his friends, ex-prime minister Tony Blair, contributing to the break-up of his second marriage. But Murdoch is tough - he feeds on conflict and revels in playing the underdog, a role he has cast himself in throughout his career. This film examines the source of his drive, determination and grit and the important influence of his father. When two political hopefuls approach Rupert for help, he senses opportunity, and Murdoch's star begins to rise again. Murdoch's involvement in the US elections and the Brexit vote see political relevance return. Murdoch marries his third wife Jerry Hall, putting him firmly back at the centre of the power elite, and his amazing comeback nears completion. Murdoch's empire is rocked by further scandals, but this time his sons intervene and the family pulls together. Then Murdoch surprises everyone with one final mega business deal worth 71 billion dollars, and finally settles the burning question of which of his children will run the family business when he is gone.
A dramatic three-part series tells the incredible story of Rupert Murdoch's Empire, interweaving his behind-the-scenes influence on world events with the personal battle for power at the heart of his own family.