Published: November 11, 2024 -- The six-part documentary series CALL ME TED, from Point Blank Productions, written and directed by Keith Clarke and produced by Joni Levin, debuts WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 on Max. An inside look at media titan Ted Turner, the series debuts just days ahead of Turner’s 86th birthday.

Logline:

Trailblazing media mogul. Sports team owner. America’s Cup winner. Philanthropist. Father. Maverick. The life and legacy of Ted Turner is told in his own words in this documentary series that explores Turner’s tumultuous personal life, controversial public persona, and groundbreaking business ventures — including the launch of CNN (the first 24-hour news network) and creation of the Goodwill Games. The series also delves into his philanthropic efforts, environmental advocacy, and decorated sailing success. Featured interviews include Jane Fonda, John Malone, Christiane Amanpour, Alan Horn, his children, and more.

Episode Descriptions:

Episode 1

Ted Turner’s early years are marked by his complicated relationship with his father, whose business Ted takes over in the wake of the elder Turner’s shocking suicide. While expanding into radio and TV, Ted throws himself into his greatest love: sailing.

Episode 2

Despite knowing little about baseball, Ted buys the Atlanta Braves. Ted takes on the three big networks in Senate hearings in Washington, D.C. and, following an FCC ruling allowing his station to be transmitted via satellite, he launches SuperStation WTBS. Meanwhile, Ted’s sailing career begins to skyrocket in the '70s, culminating in an America’s Cup triumph. Turner closes out the decade with his most ambitious plan yet – the creation of a 24-hour news network known as CNN.

Episode 3

As the 1980s begin, Ted’s focus on launching CNN prompts him to sell the last of his billboard business and to end his sailing career. His interest in protecting the environment and promoting world peace leads to yet another ambitious — and expensive — concept known as the Goodwill Games.

Episode 4

As the 1990s begin, Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait sparks the Gulf War, which gives CNN and its intrepid reporters an opportunity to deliver news behind enemy lines for the first time in history. Meanwhile, Ted’s growing interest in environmental protection leads him to buy land as part of his quest to preserve it and save endangered bison. His relationship with Jane Fonda evolves.

Episode 5

In the early 1990s, Ted expands his media empire, merges with Time-Warner, becomes a billionaire, marries Jane Fonda, sees the Atlanta Braves finally win a World Series, and feuds with Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch. Ted rings in the new millennium with the AOL-Time Warner merger, but as the corporation falters, Ted falls on dark times.

Episode 6

In the wake of the failed AOL-Time Warner merger and the loss of his beloved lifelong father-figure Jimmy Brown, Ted throws his weight and remaining fortune behind philanthropic endeavors. Later, he is diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, but as he always has, Ted perseveres.

Credits:

Written and directed by Keith Clarke; produced by Joni Levin; executive producers, John C. Malone, Brian L. Roberts, Charles F. Dolan, and S. Taylor Glover.