My Favorite Historical Documentaries

Is anyone else obsessed with the Russian Revolution? How about watching endless documentaries on the subject? Along with biographical documentaries on monarchs like Henry VIII, Marie Antoinette, and that one Spanish king with a severe Hapsburg jaw due to generations of inbreeding? I, for one, thoroughly enjoy a cup of tea, tucked in my bed, learning how Charles II of Spain came to rule with said jaw that prohibited him from even swallowing and talking properly. If you're like me, let me suggest some of the best documentaries I've found on royal families, the history of food, hygiene, and more. They range from the interesting and poignant to strange and probably unnecessary—but still wildly intriguing. Let's begin with my favorite royal family documentaries:

1. The Royal House of Windsor

This documentary series is available on Netflix and focuses on Queen Elizabeth II and her family from her grandfather's reign to the present day. Major topics discussed include Edward VIII's abdication, which made his brother (Queen Elizabeth II's father) Albert, King George VI. His subsequent death; Queen Elizabeth's coronation; and Edward VIII's famous marriage to divorcée Wallis Simpson; and Princess Diana are covered—and more until the present day. If you're a lover of British history and the royal family, this series is for you.

Other royal family favorites include: Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute on Netflix; Secrets of the Royal Kitchen; The Queen's Coronation: Behind Closed Doors; and a three-part series with historian Lucy Worsley about monarchs being fit to rule.

Me probably reading about the British monarchy.

2. The French Monarchy

Revolutions are interesting to learn about no matter where they are in the world, and the French Revolution that saw the king and queen beheaded is no exception. But here's something you wouldn't think about before this revolution took place: hygiene at the Palace of Versailles. In this documentary, thinkers and academics discuss how fucking disgusting French nobility were at this time. No one bathed because they feared that opening the pores with warm water would welcome an illness; men pissed in the corners of the palace; the king took audiences as he sat taking a shit on his pre-toilet contraption; it was a whole situation. It's a fun documentary that makes you think about hygienic practices we use today that will be thought of as disgusting centuries from now...

3. The Russian Revolution

This documentary series that I found, yet again, on YouTube is one of my favorites (I've watched it twice). It's in two parts and each is about an hour long, and both are riveting to watch. It details the lives of Nicholas II and Alexandra's children, who often get overlooked in the grand scheme of their royal history other than how their lives ended. You get to see footage that the family personally took themselves; how the sisters got along; the prized son and heir Alexei; and the children's relationship with Rasputin. I may have to watch it again tonight, because it's so unlike any other documentary on this family that I've seen before.

4. Anything presented by Dr. Suzannah Lipscomb

This historian presents some fascination—and cooky—information. My favorite series of hers focuses on hidden killers in homes throughout different time periods in England; I had no idea that the wallpaper made during the Victorian Era was so toxic that it ended up causing severe illness, and even death. You'll see suggested videos on the side of the video showing the following episodes in this series, and more that Dr. Lipscomb stars in. You'll see for yourself how addicting her documentary series are.

5. FOOD

Are you, too, a tub of lard in human form—thinking always of the next meal, snack, and indulgence? I'm glad you're here, because these documentaries are not only mouth-watering—they're informative and full of fun facts. Let's Cook History on YouTube has a fabulous series on food throughout the centuries, each one more salivating than the last. I am absolutely OBSESSED. There's also the fantastic, aesthetically-pleasing series Chef's Table on Netflix with a cornucopia of savory and sweet foods to ogle at. But definitely check out Let's Cook History; I binge-watch this channel every weekend.

There you have it, a few of my favorite documentaries—but fret not, I'll be posting more documentary faves in the future as there were far too many to mention in one post alone. There are dozens of docs about animals; diseases and epidemics throughout the centuries; royal affairs; hereditary diseases in royal families; and tons more I want to delve into. For now, I wanted to start with a list of the ones that immediately come to mind, and I will build upon this list in future posts.

Now, go learn about something random, informative, and perhaps delicious.