American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story Season 1, Episode 7: Below the Belt: Playboy and the Pubic Wars

Before the Bunny: Marilyn Monroe

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

Birth of the Centerfold: The Girl Next Door

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.

Becoming Mr. Playboy

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.

Members Only: The Playboy Club

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.

The Playboy Interview

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.

Rebel with a Cause: Civil Liberties and Government Crackdowns

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.

Sex, Drugs and DEA Investigations

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.

Down the Rabbit Hole: The Dorothy Stratten Murder

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

43 min

My Way

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

46 min