Plot Synopsis

Based on Jonathan Mahler and Jim Rutenberg's New York Times Magazine article "How Rupert Murdoch's Empire of Influence Remade the World," THE MURDOCHS: EMPIRE OF INFLUENCE is a one-hour documentary series that explores the legacy of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and the dynasty he built. Featuring exclusive reporting from "The New York Times," interviews with people who worked inside the Murdoch companies, and decades of rich archival footage, this seven-part series goes behind the scenes of the improbable rise of a media tycoon, his outsized influence around the globe, and the intense succession battle between his children over who will inherit his throne. The series also charts the high-stakes deal making, political maneuvering, and dynastic betrayals -- and how the ambitions of one family birthed one of the largest media empires in history. THE MURDOCHS: EMPIRE OF INFLUENCE debuts with back-to-back episodes on Sunday, September 25, 2022 from 9-11pm ET/PT on CNN. A new episode premieres each Sunday at 10pm ET/PT on CNN:

"Father Issues" (Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 9pm): Meet the Murdochs, a family of extreme power and no small amount of sibling rivalry.

"Ruthless Expansion" (Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 10pm): The Murdoch children get a taste of the family business. Meanwhile, with help from the Reagan administration, Rupert Murdoch forms a new 24-hour cable network.

"Heir Apparent" (Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 10pm): As they come of age, Rupert Murdoch's children get a taste of the family business, beginning a decades-long competition to take over a company that is upending the status quo in American broadcasting.

"Family Ties" (Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 10pm): As coverage of the Iraq War makes Fox News the top-rated 24-hour news network, Lachlan Murdoch clashes with his father's most powerful executive -- and a new heir apparent emerges.

"Hack Job" (Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 10pm): James Murdoch seems destined to someday take control of the company; his fortunes shift when a Murdoch tabloid is caught hacking into private phone messages.

"Planet Fox" (Sunday, October 23, 2022 at 10pm): As James and Lachlan attempt to share control of the business, sexual harassment accusations lead to the ouster of Roger Ailes and bring Rupert back into the newsroom to run the network during the 2016 presidential election.

"A House Divided" (Sunday, October 30, 2022 at 10pm): As the Trump presidency creates fault lines between James and Lachlan Murdoch, Rupert worries about the future media landscape.