best episodes of American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story poster

A fascinating docuseries chronicling Playboy magazine’s charismatic founder, Hugh Hefner, and his impact on global culture. Told from his unique perspective with never-before-seen footage from his private archive, discover the captivating story about the man behind the bunny.

1 Seasons
10 Episodes
Ended
Documentary Drama
episode image Becoming Mr. Playboy
7.8/10 (112 votes)

#1 Becoming Mr. Playboy

S1:E3

During the mid-1950s, Hugh Hefner and Playboy gain national success, giving Hefner an opportunity to speak out about social issues while enjoying the perks of being Mr. Playboy.

episode image The Playboy Interview
7.8/10 (99 votes)

#2 The Playboy Interview

S1:E5

Hugh Hefner creates the Playboy Interview, giving a platform to cultural leaders to discuss pressing social issues, and publishes a controversial interview with Malcolm X.

episode image Sex, Drugs and DEA Investigations
7.8/10 (100 votes)

#3 Sex, Drugs and DEA Investigations

S1:E8

Hugh Hefner's secretary and close friend, Bobbie Arnstein, finds herself at the center of a conspiracy to take down the Playboy empire and her loyalty to Hefner proves deadly.

episode image Before the Bunny: Marilyn Monroe
7.7/10 (156 votes)

#4 Before the Bunny: Marilyn Monroe

S1:E1

The surprising story of how Marilyn Monroe became Playboy's first pin-up.

episode image Members Only: The Playboy Club
7.7/10 (101 votes)

#5 Members Only: The Playboy Club

S1:E4

To bring Playboy's bachelor lifestyle to the public, Hugh Hefner opens the Playboy Club in Chicago and creates the perfect nightlife hostess - the bunny.

episode image Birth of the Centerfold: The Girl Next Door
7.6/10 (118 votes)

#6 Birth of the Centerfold: The Girl Next Door

S1:E2

Hugh Hefner convinces his new subscription manager to pose as the magazine's first centerfold and "the girl next door" becomes Playboy's formula for success.

episode image Below the Belt: Playboy and the Pubic Wars
7.6/10 (91 votes)

#7 Below the Belt: Playboy and the Pubic Wars

S1:E7

While Hugh Hefner finds love and success in Hollywood, Playboy fights Penthouse in the pubic wars.

episode image Down the Rabbit Hole: The Dorothy Stratten Murder
7.6/10 (89 votes)

#8 Down the Rabbit Hole: The Dorothy Stratten Murder

S1:E9

After the death of Bobbie Arnstein, Hugh Hefner retreats permanently to his Los Angeles mansion, only to face the murder of Playmate Dorothy Stratten.

episode image Rebel with a Cause: Civil Liberties and Government Crackdowns
7.5/10 (97 votes)

#9 Rebel with a Cause: Civil Liberties and Government Crackdowns

S1:E6

Hefner becomes addicted to an amphetamine drug that lets him work around the clock, using the pages of the magazine to fight for civil rights and ultimately publish what would become Martin Luther King Jr's final written words.

episode image My Way
7.1/10 (89 votes)

#10 My Way

S1:E10

With Playboy on the brink of bankruptcy, Hefner sacrifices friends and leans on family to secure the brand's future.

Cast & Chracters

character image Himself

Himself

Actor: Hugh Hefner
character image Hugh Hefner

Hugh Hefner

Actor: Matt Whelan
character image Barbi Benton

Barbi Benton

Actor: Shara Connolly
character image Marilyn Cole

Marilyn Cole

Actor: Joy Buckle

A.C. Spectrosky

Actor: Adam Jonas Segaller
character image Millie Hefner

Millie Hefner

Actor: Ella Becroft
character image Christie Hefner

Christie Hefner

Actor: Laura Thompson
character image Art Paul

Art Paul

Actor: Ian Bell
character image Betty Conklin

Betty Conklin

Actor: Dominique Bela
character image Grace Hefner

Grace Hefner

Actor: Beth Kayes

The highest rated episode of American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story is "Becoming Mr. Playboy" (S1E3) with a rating of 7.80.

This episode received 112 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "My Way" (S1E10) with a rating of 7.10.

This episode received 89 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Becoming Mr. Playboy" (S1E3) with a rating of 7.80.

This episode received 112 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "My Way" (S1E10) with a rating of 7.10.

This episode received 89 votes.

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