'Lucy Worsley Investigates' Special Edition Commissioned for 2026

Fun Fact about Lucy Worsley, the woman best known in the U.S. for her many documentary series, like Lucy Worsley Investigates and Holmes vs. Doyle, in which she does historical deep dives into British history. In the U.K., she's actually known for her many documentary series in which she does historical deep dives into American history. Her most popular series for the BBC includes American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which she tears down the polite fictions we've constructed around the American Revolution, Civil War, and the 1950s "Golden Age" of the American Empire. 

Therefore, it makes sense that her latest commission, a special two-part edition of Lucy Worsley Investigates, is set to build upon her research into the American Revolution, timed for the 250th anniversary of America's founding. Lucy Worsley Investigates: The American Revolution will fashion a unique angle on the story, looking at the war from the losing side. 

History is written by the winners; the story of America's victory in becoming an independent nation is usually told from the perspective of the American underdogs fighting a mad king and unfair rule. Worsley is well situated to turn the tables and look at the war from the British perspective: what went wrong, why the U.K. surrendered, and how the loss of the U.S. as a territory profoundly changed the British Empire inside and out, as well as how it affected its European neighbors.

Here's the logline for the special edition series:

Presenter Lucy Worsley is back on the detective trail. She wants to understand why the British Empire - the most powerful in history - lost the War of Independence against a ragtag band of American rebels. It’s a question that will take her on a revelatory, and very unexpected, journey.

Lucy will tell this American story from the perspective of Britain. By interrogating this largely untold standpoint of the conflict, she’ll reveal that this wasn’t just a pivotal moment in the forging of the USA… but in the re-making of Britain too.

Worsley will once again write and star in the series, which Linda Sands will produce. In it, Worsley visits historical spaces and interviews her fellow historians to gain new perspectives on historical moments from both sides of the pond. “Digging into the past is a true joy for me," Worsley said in the press release. "Lots of people know the US side of the American Revolution, but much fewer the British one. Interrogating amazing sources and meeting people who can shine a light on this hidden history, I can’t wait to explore the forgotten and surprising story of how losing America affected Britain and beyond.”

Amanda Lyon executive produces the new two-part series, alongside commissioners Jack Bootle for the BBC and Zara Frankel for PBS. 

The series is just one of the many forthcoming specials heading to PBS as the 250th anniversary of America's founding draws closer. “Lucy is a PBS treasure, beloved by our audiences for bringing her signature wit and contemporary perspective to history,” PBS's Zara Frankel said. “As America approaches its Semiquincentennial, I can’t think of anyone better to guide us through this story from a British point of view, as part of PBS America @ 250, our multiyear initiative honoring the nation's founding.”

Lucy Worsley Investigates: The American Revolution is in production in the U.K. No release date has been set for either side of the pond, but I will eat one of Worsley's hats if it's not out by the summer of 2026.