A+E Networks EMEA is pleased to announce a new six-part series, Dictators’ Hideouts, produced by Inbornmedia, a TV production company based in Warsaw.

Through meticulous research and expert interviews, this ground-breaking series will offer an unprecedented insight into luxurious mansions and ominous shelters shrouded in the darkness of secrets used by some of the world’s most notorious dictators to evade capture and exercise control over their nations.

Each episode of Dictators’ Hideouts will focus on the private sanctuary of a different European autocrat – Albanian “strong man” Enver Hoxha, Viktor Yanukovych, Nicolae Ceausescu from Romania, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Joseph Stalin. Viewers will be taken on a visual journey through the construction and design of the remote palaces, underground bunkers, and fortified compounds that served both as symbols of power and retreats from the outside world.

Dan Korn, VP of Programming at A+E Networks EMEA, said: “With Europe once again plunged into conflict, it’s fascinating to look back at what these edifices and fortresses tell us about the mindsets and paranoia of European rulers and tyrants of yesteryear.”

With access to rare archival footage, expert analysis, and first-hand accounts from those who witnessed these dictators' reigns, Dictators’ Hideouts will comprehensively examine the psychological and political implications revealed by the architectural features and designs of these uniquely shocking hideaways.

Christian Hensgens, Channel Manager NTV at RTL Germany, said: “We look for historical content that seems timely in its premise and contemporary in its production, enabling new ways of looking at things. Dictators’ Hideouts presents viewers with a dark and yet fascinating world that’s often shrouded in mystery, alongside notorious historical figures. By giving unprecedented access through CGI, this series will deliver perfectly to our demands. We are looking forward to bringing this exceptional series to our viewers and building upon NTV’s strong vertical in history and current affairs programming.”

Sales for the series are being spearheaded by Sam Thompson at Instrumental and included NTV Germany as pre-buyers.

Maciej Pawelczyk, CEO of Inbornmedia, said: “As a company headquartered in CEE, we are uniquely positioned to delve into subjects concerning World War II and the Cold War. Attracting major networks to a project of this kind isn't easy; however, we have succeeded thanks to our partners in A+E Networks EMEA, NTV, and Instrumental. We think the show is well timed given a resurgence of autocratic leadership around the world, and we hope our viewers will enjoy learning about this very relevant history.’’

Sam Thompson, of Instrumental Media, spearheaded the distribution efforts for Dictators’ Hideouts, said, “The team at Inborn have a unique eye for history content and a new voice in storytelling. I think Dictators’ Hideouts is very relevant, and the show promises to give viewers a look behind the curtain and reveal secrets and mysteries too’’.

Dictators Hideouts will debut on Sky HISTORY in the UK, the HISTORY® Channel in Poland, Romania, and other CEE countries, and NTV and will be available for international distribution in 2024.