Florence Ballard’s story is one of those rare music tragedies that manages to be both breathtakingly inspiring and heartbreakingly unfair. She helped build one of the most successful groups in pop history, only to watch her spotlight dim long before the applause ever should have stopped. It’s a story filled with big dreams, bigger voices, and the biggest reminder of all: fame can crown someone one minute and quietly abandon them the next.

Some historical shows keep things polite—corsets, candlelight, a couple polite wars in the background. The 22 shows on this list are not those shows. These are the ones that make the past feel so close you can practically smell the gunpowder, feel the political tension in your shoulders, and start wondering if you’ve somehow time-traveled without signing a release form.

Everyone thought Frances Farmer was destined to be the next big thing, but instead, she met one of the most horrifying fates in Hollywood. After spending five years locked up in a mental hospital, Frances Farmer emerged with disturbing secrets at her back—and it wasn’t until after she passed that her horror story finally came out.

Bruce Springsteen is a a real American superstar. From humble beginnings, he crafted his talent and pursued his passions even when it seemed that the world wouldn’t accept what he offered. Unfortunately, along with fame comes increased scrutiny, and when the public got involved in his personal affairs, Bruce and everyone around him suffered. His actions in the 80s threatened to tarnish his hard-won image—yet he managed to overcome and become the legend he is today. Here’s to the Boss!

Robert Redford rose to fame in 1969’s Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and he still earns swoons for his laid-back, tanned good looks. Except these same good looks also hide a multitude of sins and tragedies: From his on-set struggles to his thorny personal life, even in his heyday, Robert Redford was no golden boy.

Celebrate the life and legacy of Diego Maradona, the legendary Argentine football icon who scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal and never apologized for it. This engaging 30-slide article explores how Maradona made history at the 1986 World Cup, his rise to global superstardom, his larger-than-life personality, and the worldwide mourning that followed his death in 2020. A fun, heartfelt tribute to one of the most electrifying athletes the world has ever seen.