Some stories of a lifetime
Whether new or older, there are plenty of made-for-tv biopics worth watching
When it comes to telling stories about celebrities and other prominent real-life figures, there's nothing quite like the made-fortv movie or series. These biopics can range from illuminating to insanely over the top. Here are a handful of must-see movies and shows about real people that are available to stream right now.
NICKY JAM: EL GANADOR (2018)
NETFLIX
This engrossing 13-part series recounts the life and career of reggaeton trailblazer Nicky Jam. The Spanish-language series, by director Jessy Terrero, charts the rapper's early success alongside an emerging Daddy Yankee in the genre's underground days, and the addiction struggles that threatened to derail his career.
Reggaeton artist Darkiel portrays the younger Nicky, while the rapper himself steps in to play the older version as the series follows his 2008 move to Colombia, which primed him for the incredible 2017 comeback that landed him atop the Latin music charts.
GIA (1992)
CRAVE
Angelina Jolie found her breakout role playing Gia Carangi in this classic HBO biopic, which recalls the supermodel's exciting rise in the fashion world and the addiction struggles that cut it short. Though devastating in its attention to Carangi's substance abuse and struggle with AIDS, the film also shows her falling in love with a makeup artist played by Elizabeth Mitchell.
JOHN ADAMS (2008)
CRAVE
Paul Giamatti plays the nation's second president, whose life (and marriage to Abigail Adams) is explored over a more than 50year period in this seven-episode miniseries based on the biography by David Mccullough. The show swept its awards season, setting a record for most Emmy wins by a limited series.
GENIUS: ARETHA (2021)
AMAZON PRIME
Cynthia Erivo is Aretha Franklin in the third instalment of National Geographic's signature anthology, which has previously told the stories of Albert Einstein (portrayed by Geoffrey Rush) and Picasso (played by Antonio Banderas).
The Queen of Soul's family has publicly stated they do not support the series, but Erivo — an Oscar away from an EGOT — has been praised for her portrayal.