Duration
60 minutes
Series Info
Season 19 Episode 2

Quick Summary

Richard Osman delves into his ancestry in a gripping documentary episode, revealing how his four‑times‑great‑grandfather became entangled in one of Brighton’s most notorious murder trials – a perfect blend of drama and true‑crime for UK television fans. This British TV programme, presented as a series of quick‑overview episodes, offers at‑a‑glance programme highlights, episode, episode and really programming that entertain UK viewers and fit neatly into any television guide.

About This Program

Richard Osman’s new documentary series takes the celebrated broadcaster and writer on a personal journey into his own family history. In a compelling blend of genealogy, true‑crime and social history, Osman discovers how his four‑times great‑grandfather became entangled in one of Brighton’s most notorious murder trials. The programme is positioned as a single‑episode, hour‑long special that will air on BBC Two as part of the network’s flagship documentary slate, offering UK television audiences a fresh perspective on a forgotten Victorian scandal. Each episode, episode is meticulously researched and combines archival newspaper clippings, court transcripts and on‑location filming in Brighton’s historic streets. Osman guides viewers through the investigative process, meeting local historians, legal experts and distant relatives who help piece together the narrative. The series balances drama with scholarly insight, presenting the murder trial as both a gripping story and a window into 19th‑century British society. Viewers can anticipate a mix of reenactments, expert commentary and Osman’s trademark wit, ensuring the documentary remains both entertaining and educational. The programme’s standout features include exclusive access to original court documents that have never before been digitised, and a series of dramatic reconstructions filmed at the actual sites of the crime. A recurring motif is the use of modern DNA‑testing techniques to verify lineage, adding a scientific edge to the genealogical quest. The documentary also highlights Brighton’s cultural landscape, showcasing its seaside architecture and the social tensions that fueled the original trial. These elements combine to create a rich, multi‑layered viewing experience that satisfies fans of drama, documentary and true‑crime alike. British TV viewers have long been drawn to stories that intertwine personal heritage with national history, and this series delivers precisely that. By tracing a familiar face—Richard Osman—back to a dramatic episode in local history, the show resonates with audiences who enjoy both celebrity‑led entertainment and in‑depth historical investigation. The focus on a Brighton murder trial adds a regional flavour that will intrigue viewers across the UK, while the investigative format aligns with the current appetite for factual entertainment on streaming platforms and traditional broadcast alike. The series joins the growing portfolio of Really programming that blends factual storytelling with compelling human narratives. Similar to other flagship documentaries on the channel, it offers a comprehensive guide to a specific slice of British heritage, positioning itself as a must‑watch for anyone seeking full details about the nation’s past. By delivering an in‑depth review of a singular historical event through the lens of a beloved presenter, the programme reinforces Really’s reputation for high‑quality, engaging documentary content on UK television.

Who Do You Think You Are? broadcasts on Really at 11:00am, Sunday, 21 September 2025. (Subtitles, repeat)