Debuting just days ahead of Ted Turner’s 86th birthday, Call Me Ted is a new six-part Max documentary series on the life of the influential media mogul. The docuseries explores the legacy Turner created, from the launch of CNN to the creation of Goodwill Games.
The docuseries features interviews with notable figures including Turner’s ex-wife Jane Fonda, John Malone, Christiane Amanpour, Alan Horn, his children, and more.
Release Date
Directed by Keith Clarke, Call Me Ted streams on Max on November 13, 2024.
Synopsis
Trailblazing media mogul. Sports team owner. America’s Cup winner. Philanthropist. Father. Maverick. The life and legacy of Ted Turner is told in his own words in this documentary series that explores Turner’s tumultuous personal life, controversial public persona, and groundbreaking business ventures — including the launch of CNN (the first 24-hour news network) and creation of the Goodwill Games. The series also delves into his philanthropic efforts, environmental advocacy, and decorated sailing success.
Episode Descriptions
Episode 1
Ted Turner’s early years are marked by his complicated relationship with his father, whose business Ted takes over in the wake of the elder Turner’s shocking suicide. While expanding into radio and TV, Ted throws himself into his greatest love: sailing.
Episode 2
Despite knowing little about baseball, Ted buys the Atlanta Braves. Ted takes on the three big networks in Senate hearings in Washington, D.C. and, following an FCC ruling allowing his station to be transmitted via satellite, he launches SuperStation WTBS. Meanwhile, Ted’s sailing career begins to skyrocket in the ’70s, culminating in an America’s Cup triumph. Turner closes out the decade with his most ambitious plan yet – the creation of a 24-hour news network known as CNN.
Episode 3
As the 1980s begin, Ted’s focus on launching CNN prompts him to sell the last of his billboard business and to end his sailing career. His interest in protecting the environment and promoting world peace leads to yet another ambitious — and expensive — concept known as the Goodwill Games.
Episode 4
As the 1990s begin, Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait sparks the Gulf War, which gives CNN and its intrepid reporters an opportunity to deliver news behind enemy lines for the first time in history. Meanwhile, Ted’s growing interest in environmental protection leads him to buy land as part of his quest to preserve it and save endangered bison. His relationship with Jane Fonda evolves.
Episode 5
In the early 1990s, Ted expands his media empire, merges with Time-Warner, becomes a billionaire, marries Jane Fonda, sees the Atlanta Braves finally win a World Series, and feuds with Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch. Ted rings in the new millennium with the AOL-Time Warner merger, but as the corporation falters, Ted falls on dark times.
Episode 6
In the wake of the failed AOL-Time Warner merger and the loss of his beloved lifelong father-figure Jimmy Brown, Ted throws his weight and remaining fortune behind philanthropic endeavors. Later, he is diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, but as he always has, Ted perseveres.
Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer for Call Me Ted.