Empires of New York

Empires of New York season 1 on CNBC
Watch Empires of New York on CNBC
Status:
Ended
Season 1:
Ended on December 27, 2020
Watched: 0%
0 of 6 Episodes
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Notes:

Season: 1
# Air Date Episode Name Watched?
E1 Nov 29, 2020 1980-83: Chaos Spells Opportunity
E2 Nov 29, 2020 1983-85: Nothing in Their Way
E3 Dec 06, 2020 1985-86: Image is Everything
E4 Dec 13, 2020 1986-87: Secrets & Lies
E5 Dec 20, 2020 1987-90: Party's Over
E6 Dec 27, 2020 Legacy of the '80s: Greed Is Still Good
Mark Series:
Watched / Unwatched
Mark Season 1:
Watched / Unwatched
Production Note - Limited Series
Production Type:
Limited Docuseries

Empires of New York is a standalone limited docuseries that concluded its 6-episode run in December 2020. Produced by The Intellectual Property Corporation for CNBC, the production utilized a high-gloss cinematic style to chronicle the overlapping trajectories of five influential figures who defined the excess and ambition of the 1980s. The series was designed as a high-scale historical retrospective, employing extensive archival research and expert testimony to create a finite deep dive into a specific cultural and economic phenomenon.

The project was crafted with a definitive conclusion because its narrative was strictly bound to the chronological arc of a single decade and the eventual downfall or transformation of its central subjects. By focusing on the unique intersection of power, greed, and celebrity in a closed historical window, the creators ensured the story reached a natural resolution. As a documentary event focused on a past era, the production was intended to serve as a complete record rather than an ongoing narrative, leaving no room for subsequent seasons.

Empires of New York is a six-part documentary series produced by The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC). It features narration by Academy Award-nominated actor Paul Giamatti and aired on CNBC. The series focuses on the lives of Donald Trump, Ivan Boesky, Leona Helmsley, John Gotti, and Al Sharpton during the 1980s.
Confidence: 5% Last Refined: March 2026
Why Watch:
"A sophisticated exploration of power, greed, and the architects of modern Manhattan."
Series Analysis:
CNBC's Empires of New York serves as a sharp chronicling of the five titans who defined the city's identity during the 1980s. By examining the rise of figures like Donald Trump and John Gotti, the series captures the intersection of ego and urban development. It remains a significant historical document because it illustrates how the pursuit of power transformed the skyline and the social fabric of Manhattan. The narrative avoids simple nostalgia, instead focusing on the cold mechanics of influence and the relentless drive for dominance. Its legacy lies in its ability to contextualize the modern era through the lens of past excess. Fans should set a digital reminder for their streaming watchlists, as the shifting political and economic landscape often triggers fresh updates or potential spin-offs regarding these influential dynasties.
Tone: Analytical and Historical Last Updated: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions

No, there are no plans for a second season because the show was produced as a standalone limited docuseries. While it could theoretically return as an anthology focusing on a different era, the original narrative regarding the 1980s titans is complete.

The series is based on true historical events and chronicles the actual rise and fall of five influential figures in 1980s Manhattan. It utilizes original reporting, archival footage, and new interviews rather than being an adaptation of a specific book.

The docuseries was primarily filmed on location throughout New York City to capture the environments where the real-life events occurred. Production featured interviews conducted in various professional studios and iconic Manhattan settings to maintain its authentic urban atmosphere.

The complete limited series consists of six hour-long episodes that originally aired on CNBC. Each installment focuses on the overlapping timelines and shared influence of the city's most powerful icons during the decade.

The docuseries is narrated by Academy Award-nominated actor Paul Giamatti. His voiceover provides the connective tissue between the archival footage and the dramatic storytelling of the five main subjects.

The series highlights the careers of five distinct New York icons: Donald Trump, Ivan Boesky, Leona Helmsley, John Gotti, and Al Sharpton. It explores how their individual ambitions reshaped the social and economic landscape of the city during the 1980s.
FAQs Updated: March 2026
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Network:
CNBC
Seasons:
1
Years:
2020 - 2020
Genre:
Documentary, Crime
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