Empires of New York

Chronicling the meteoric rise of five icons who not only reshaped the city but contributed mightily to the world we live in today.
1980-83: Chaos Spells Opportunity
S1 E1

At the dawn of the '80s, America finds itself in deep decline; New York seems to symbolize everything that's gone wrong; it's crime-ridden, strapped for cash, dark and dirty.

1983-85: Nothing in Their Way
S1 E2

It's 1983, and the Big Apple is back; Wall Street is booming; yuppies are crowding the clubs.

1985-86: Image Is Everything
S1 E3

By the mid '80s, five larger-than-life New Yorkers -- Donald Trump, Ivan Boesky, Leona Helmsley, John Gotti and Rudy Giuliani -- start to change the way people think about power and success.

1986-87: Secrets & Lies
S1 E4

In 1986, New Yorkers fawn over five seemingly unstoppable icons: Donald Trump, Ivan Boesky, Leona Helmsley, John Gotti and Rudy Giuliani; every day seems to bring a new celebration of their success.

Legacy of the '80s: Greed Is Still Good
S1 E6

At the dawn of the '90s, the titans who helped remake New York City are either sitting in jail, awaiting sentencing, or licking their wounds after humiliating defeats; the same public that celebrated their success celebrates their fall from grace.