Empires of New York

Empires of New York is a fascinating docu-series from CNBC, first released in 2020. This series stands out from the crowd, combining elements of true crime, economic investigation, and thought-provoking, historical insight to unfold the rise of five iconic individuals who seemingly built, ruled, and redefined the shining landscape of the Big Apple in the 1980s.

The 1980s was a turning point for New York City, transitioning from a crime-ridden, financially unstable metropolis to a city of glittering skyscrapers, Wall Street excesses, socialites, and Mob-related mysteries. This transformation was the foundation on which Empires of New York builds, unraveling a city on the brink of dramatic change.

Influencers and power players across a broad spectrum are discussed and analyzed, with five standout individuals taking center stage. Notable figures include the real estate moguli Donald Trump, Wall Street financier Michael Milken, Queen of Mean and hotelier Leona Helmsley, U.S. Attorney and prosecutor Rudy Giuliani, and mafia boss John Gotti. Each character's rise to power, their influence on New York City, their mistakes, downfalls, and enduring legacies are meticulously explored through vivid commentary and archival footage.

Trump's journey is traced from his early steps in the real estate business, his development of the Trump Tower, and his extravagant lifestyle to his spiraling debts and subsequent public recovery. Milken’s story includes his invention of the junk bond market, his unscrupulous activities leading to his title as the 'Junk bond King', and his eventual imprisonment for securities fraud. Helmsley's tale incorporates her phenomenal success in the hotel industry, her tyrannical management style, and her infamous tax evasion scandal. Giuliani features as the fierce U.S attorney who took on reputed mafia families, corruption on Wall Street, and later transitioned into the political sphere as the mayor of New York City. Gotti, revered as the 'Teflon Don' for his ability to evade charges, symbolized the mafia culture that prevailed during this time, his narrative highlighting his rise and eventual downfall.

Empires of New York delves into the intertwining tales of these personalities against a backdrop of an evolving city, weaving together their stories with precision and flair. As the series progresses, viewers gain insight into how these entrepreneurial spirits exploited the very system that gave them a platform, their ambitious maneuvers often blurring the lines between legality and corruption.

CNBC’s Empires of New York offers audiences a unique perspective into this transformative era, spotlighting the personal and professional trajectories of its key players. These figures, who were instrumental in dictating the economic, political, and societal milieu of the period, are both celebrated and condemned, their actions reevaluated in light of their impact and ramifications.

Interviews with individuals who lived through these decades and played indirect roles in these industry leaders' narratives are peppered liberally throughout the series, providing ever-evolving perspectives and keeping the series well-balanced. These interviews complement the existing facts and archival footage, adding a layer of depth and personal connection to the unfolding story.

The series not only provides a lens into the individual journeys of its main figures but also maps out the broader cultural shifts, socioeconomic trends, and political undercurrents that shaped New York City during this era. The excesses of Wall Street, the real estate boom, the visible presence of the mafia, soaring crime rates, the advent of conspicuous consumption, and the rise of individualism— all forming an engaging, visual chronicle of this fascinating period.

Empires of New York maintains an unwavering stance on the truth of the matter, revealing the cunning, ambition, and audacity that birthed these empires. The series is suitably dramatic, epically scored, and astutely focused, allowing viewers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the power dynamics of the time.

A perfect blend of history, personal narrative, and insight into the grandeur and grit of New York City, the series gradually pulls back the curtain on the city's transformation into the vibrant international hub it is today. At its heart, it’s a gripping exploration of power, ambition, and the blurred lines between success and scandal.

Whether you’re a fan of true crime, history, or business narratives, or you’re simply keen to peek behind the scenes at the grand stage of 1980’s New York, Empires of New York offers an engaging, lavish, and vividly realized window into a captivating era.