Breaking Big

Breaking Big is a thought-provoking documentary series that debuted on PBS in 2018. The aim of the series is to reveal what it takes to succeed in diverse industries and achieve the highest possible levels of greatness, all from the perspective of some of the most eminent leaders, innovators, and influencers of our time.

At the heart of Breaking Big lies the exploration of ‘how’. How did these individuals rise to the pinnacle of their respective fields? How did they surmount the odds and obstacles that life threw their way? The series delves into these questions in its quest to decipher the enigmatic recipe of success, nurturing an exploration of the pitfalls, triumphs, turning points, and strokes of luck that ultimately shaped these influential personalities.

Each episode features an intimate portrait of a single, renowned individual who made significant contributions to their field of expertise —including entertainment, literature, politics, science, etc.,— and society at large. Their stories are told with a focus on the pivotal events, unexpected opportunities, and most significant influences that propelled them to break through and achieve a high level of success.

Recognizable personalities featured on the show include Trevor Noah, Danai Gurira, Jason Aldean, Roxane Gay, and Eddie Huang, among others. The series shines a spotlight on these remarkable figures illuminating their personal journey to becoming icons in their respective industries.

In this inspiring series, the audience is given an empathetic understanding of what these people were like before they achieved their breakthrough moment and how their prior experiences helped shape them into the individuals they are today. An array of personal interviews are used effectively to capture and showcase these fascinating biographical narratives, presenting raw, candid, and hitherto untold stories from each personality's past. It’s these insights that make the series more than just a portrayal of each star's rise – it helps viewers understand their struggles, their determination, and the hidden facets of their characters.

The episodes delve into the early lives of their subjects, exploring their backgrounds and upbringings. In each individual’s story, the show posits that greatness is achieved not just from raw talent or intelligence, but more importantly, from the ability to persist, adapt, and learn from failures. In a nutshell, Breaking Big sets out to uncover not just what makes people successful, but the deeper, often overlooked elements that prime an individual to break big in the first place.

The show's broad range of featured figures contributes to its appeal. It doesn't limit itself to a specific industry or discipline, making it a varied, inclusive account of success across various fields. From bestselling authors to noteworthy politicians and celebrity chefs, the series does not lack in depth or diversity. This breadth of perspective fuels the series' intrigue, offering nuggets of wisdom and inspiration for viewers from all walks of life.

Set against a backdrop of personal images, home videos, and public events, the beautifully compiled series crafts narratives that are conversational, relatable, and inspirational. The guiding principle of Breaking Big is not just to glorify the endpoint of success but also to highlight and humanize the journey leading to it. The series, in doing so, tells a story of persistence, resilience, ambition, and influence.

In conclusion, Breaking Big is a profoundly multidimensional exploration of the meteoric rises of a range of talented individuals. With its emphasis on diverse fields and its mission to map the trail to success, each episode makes for an intellectually and emotionally engrossing watch. This series is ideal for audiences who seek to understand what sits at the intersection of talent, attitude, and opportunity — a blueprint of sorts to breaking big.