Historian Lucy Worsley is back for a second season of Lucy Worsley Investigates, and it looks like she’s brought her magnifying glass and a healthy dose of skepticism. Premiering on PBS Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the new season offers four historical deep dives, tackling subjects from Jack the Ripper to William the Conqueror.
This season’s subject matter is certainly attention-grabbing. Tackling Jack the Ripper always draws a crowd, and Worsley aims to examine how the case gave rise to both sensationalist journalism and our modern fascination with true crime. It’s a clever angle, exploring how the media frenzy surrounding the Whitechapel murders shaped the genre we know today.
But the Ripper isn’t the only iconic figure under scrutiny. Worsley also turns her attention to William the Conqueror, dissecting his victory at Hastings and the ramifications of his reign. The Gunpowder Plot also gets a fresh look, revisiting Guy Fawkes’ infamous attempt to blow up Parliament. And, in a move sure to ignite debate, Worsley questions the infamous “Bloody Mary” moniker attached to Queen Mary I, exploring whether her reputation is justified or a product of historical sexism.
Worsley’s approach combines archival materials, expert interviews, and — crucially — her own insightful commentary. She doesn’t shy away from challenging conventional wisdom, and it’s this willingness to question established narratives that makes her investigations so compelling. Worsley looks set to explore not just the events themselves, but also how modern interpretations can shape our understanding of the past.
Lucy Worsley Investigates airs Tuesdays from January 7 to 21, 2025, at 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET on PBS, with the final episode, “Bloody Mary,” airing on Sunday, March 23. The series will also be available to stream on PBS.org and the PBS app.
Lucy Worsley Investigates is a BBC Studios production for PBS. Executive Producers are Chris Granlund and Lucy Worsley.
