American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story

5.7
201746m

Production

Logo for Stephen David Entertainment

A fascinating docuseries chronicling Playboy magazine’s charismatic founder, Hugh Hefner, and his impact on global culture. Told from his unique perspective with never-before-seen footage from his private archive, discover the captivating story about the man behind the bunny.

Available For Free On

Logo for Amazon Prime Video

Seasons

10 Episodes • Premiered 2017

Still image for American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story season 1 episode 1: Before the Bunny: Marilyn Monroe

1. Before the Bunny: Marilyn Monroe

5.5

The surprising story of how Marilyn Monroe became Playboy's first pin-up.

Still image for American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story season 1 episode 2: Birth of the Centerfold: The Girl Next Door

2. Birth of the Centerfold: The Girl Next Door

5.6

Hugh Hefner convinces his new subscription manager to pose as the magazine's first centerfold and "the girl next door" becomes Playboy's formula for success.

Still image for American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story season 1 episode 3: Becoming Mr. Playboy

3. Becoming Mr. Playboy

5.4

During the mid-1950s, Hugh Hefner and Playboy gain national success, giving Hefner an opportunity to speak out about social issues while enjoying the perks of being Mr. Playboy.

Still image for American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story season 1 episode 4: Members Only: The Playboy Club

4. Members Only: The Playboy Club

5.2

To bring Playboy's bachelor lifestyle to the public, Hugh Hefner opens the Playboy Club in Chicago and creates the perfect nightlife hostess - the bunny.

Still image for American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story season 1 episode 5: The Playboy Interview

5. The Playboy Interview

5.1

Hugh Hefner creates the Playboy Interview, giving a platform to cultural leaders to discuss pressing social issues, and publishes a controversial interview with Malcolm X.

Still image for American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story season 1 episode 6: Rebel with a Cause: Civil Liberties and Government Crackdowns

6. Rebel with a Cause: Civil Liberties and Government Crackdowns

5.2

Hefner becomes addicted to an amphetamine drug that lets him work around the clock, using the pages of the magazine to fight for civil rights and ultimately publish what would become Martin Luther King Jr's final written words.

Still image for American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story season 1 episode 7: Below the Belt: Playboy and the Pubic Wars

7. Below the Belt: Playboy and the Pubic Wars

5.1

While Hugh Hefner finds love and success in Hollywood, Playboy fights Penthouse in the pubic wars.

Still image for American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story season 1 episode 8: Sex, Drugs and DEA Investigations

8. Sex, Drugs and DEA Investigations

5.4

Hugh Hefner's secretary and close friend, Bobbie Arnstein, finds herself at the center of a conspiracy to take down the Playboy empire and her loyalty to Hefner proves deadly.

Still image for American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story season 1 episode 9: Down the Rabbit Hole: The Dorothy Stratten Murder

9. Down the Rabbit Hole: The Dorothy Stratten Murder

4.9

After the death of Bobbie Arnstein, Hugh Hefner retreats permanently to his Los Angeles mansion, only to face the murder of Playmate Dorothy Stratten.

Still image for American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story season 1 episode 10: My Way

10. My Way

4.9

With Playboy on the brink of bankruptcy, Hefner sacrifices friends and leans on family to secure the brand's future.

Cast

Photo of Matt Whelan

Matt Whelan

Hugh Hefner

Photo of Shara Connolly

Shara Connolly

Barbi Benton

Photo of Joy Buckle

Joy Buckle

Marilyn Cole

Photo of Ella Becroft

Ella Becroft

Millie Hefner

Photo of Laura Thompson

Laura Thompson

Christie Hefner

Photo of Ian Bell

Ian Bell

Art Paul

Photo of Dominique Bela

Dominique Bela

Betty Conklin

Photo of Beth Kayes

Beth Kayes

Grace Hefner

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