Amazon Original Series Review: “American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story”

Critics gave it an 53% users a 97%.

Rated: TV-14 with Ten 45 min episodes and an IMDb of 7.5/10.

This docudrama dives into the story of Playboy magazine's charismatic founder, Hugh Hefner, who created one of the world's most recognizable brands. The series is a combination of interviews, archival footage (including moments found in Hefner's vast personal collection) and cinematic re-enactments that cover the launch of the magazine as well as the next six decades of Hefner's personal life and career. While building his empire, Hefner also devoted time to defending civil rights, freedom of speech and sexual freedom.

American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story is a 2017 Amazon Original Series. It stars Matt Whelan in the titular role, along with Emmett Skilton and Chelsie Preston Crayford. It was released on 7 April and comprised ten episodes. The series is a combination of interviews, archival footage (including moments found in Hefner's vast personal collection) and cinematic re-enactments that cover the launch of the magazine as well as the next six decades of Hefner's personal life and career.

So as we all do when we’re are cooped up on the home (COVID-19) - I was perusing through the Amazon Originals available to watch and came across this story. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that this would be so interesting. Over the 10 episodes it was packed with an amazing amount of information. Remember I grew up in the age of Playboy magazine and I can honestly say I had a very limited of knowledge of “The Man, the Myth, the Legend”……even though I bought the magazine for the “Articles”…….wink wink nod nod.

After watching I learned so much about his life along with all he had to deal with over the past 60+ years since the creation of the brand. I was truly fascinating and I binged the entire 10 episodes in a sitting. Too intriguing not to.

NOTE: It goes without saying this is not something for you to watch with your kids in the room. They hold NOTHING BACK and show you everything associated with his live along with all the women of Playboy in all their glory. You will get ear-full and eye-full of information the likes of you never knew (check out the trailer attached).

Up for an interesting history lesson you will definitely enjoy this series!