Season 01
The final episode starts with the death of Kim Jong Il and the rise of the new leader of North Korea - his son, Kim Jong Un, taking power at the age of 28. Using exclusive interviews, firsthand testimony and expertly curated archive, Rocket Man charts Un's reign from 2011 to present day; delves into how Un consolidated power, by killing his uncle and his half-brother; examines the incredible story of his unexpected friendship with basketball star Dennis Rodman; retells his announcing that he has nuclear weapons that can reach the United States; and breaks down the historic 2018 summit with US President Trump. Written by NatGeo
All Episodes - S01
EPS01
For decades, Korea and its people labored under Japanese imperialist rule. But in 1912, in a small town outside Pyongyang, a child is born - Kim Il Sung, coinciding with an omen of imperialism's doom. This is the story of how an unknown guerrilla fighter rises to power, takes complete control of his country and makes himself a god in the eyes of his people. Recounted through firsthand testimony and expertly curated archive, Kingdom of the Kims explores Sung's early days in power, how he starts the Korean War, establishes gulags for anyone who could be hostile, tries to assassinate the President of South Korea, and plays a dangerous game of brinksmanship with the United States, including capturing a U.S. Navy ship - the USS Pueblo - taking American sailors prisoner, and the infamous tree-cutting axe murders in the Demilitarized Zone. Written by NatGeo
EPS02
Unpacking the unique Kim father-son relationship further, Son of God tracks the decline of Kim Il Sung and the rise of his son, Kim Jong Il.
EPS03
Nuclear Family begins as the Cold War ends, when North Korea loses Soviet patronage and the economic support and security that previously sustained the country. As Kim Jong Il takes complete control of the country, he starts a nuclear weapons program. With the country's economy failing, his government produces counterfeit money and narcotics, all while negotiating with the United States.
EPS04
The final episode starts with the death of Kim Jong Il and the rise of the new leader of North Korea - his son, Kim Jong Un, taking power at the age of 28. Using exclusive interviews, firsthand testimony and expertly curated archive, Rocket Man charts Un's reign from 2011 to present day; delves into how Un consolidated power, by killing his uncle and his half-brother; examines the incredible story of his unexpected friendship with basketball star Dennis Rodman; retells his announcing that he has nuclear weapons that can reach the United States; and breaks down the historic 2018 summit with US President Trump. Written by NatGeo