10 free episodes you can watch on History PLAY in May 2023

HISTORY Play is the number one place to catch up on incredible award-winning documentaries and factual television shows. New original seasons are being added every month, so you never have to watch the same show twice.

The extensive catalogue is available as part of Amazon’s line-up of Prime Video Channels in the UK and Europe for just £3.99 per month. Every month, 10 episodes are available to watch for free, so you can get a taste of the variety of content that you can stream on HISTORY Play.

Make sure you act fast though because the free offer on these episodes must end on 31 May.

Ross Kemp: Shipwreck Treasure Hunter – Season 1, Episode 1

In Ross Kemp: Shipwreck Treasure Hunter, the BAFTA award-winning documentary-maker uncovers Britain’s hidden maritime past by diving on a series of incredible shipwrecks. From the remains of a slave ship discovered off the coast of Plymouth to the Kaiser’s sunken Imperial Fleet in Scapa Flow, Ross reveals some of the nation’s murkiest and best-kept secrets.

The opening episode sees Ross complete his specialist SCUBA training under the expert tutelage of diver supervisor Neil Brock. He then heads up to the Royal Navy’s historic naval base in the far northerly Orkney Islands to tell the story of his shipwrecked relatives.

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Ross Kemp on filming Deep Sea Treasure Hunter S1: 'I am as soft as it gets!'

Ancient Aliens – Season 15, Episode 1

As one of the world’s favourite extraterrestrial television shows, Ancient Aliens examines 75 million years of the most credible evidence found here on Earth. Historians investigate the events, legends and texts that may point towards previous contact between humans and alien life.

The new season kicks off by investigating the phenomena of ‘UFO Hotspots’. Studies have shown that up to 70% of all UFO sightings happen in so-called ‘hotspots’ where reports of visions, mysterious lights and strange occurrences are regularly witnessed. Could there be something about these locations that attracts extraterrestrial visitors, not just in modern times but dating back thousands of years?

The UnXplained – Season 3, Episode 1

The UnXplained explores the world’s most fascinating, strange and inexplicable mysteries. From alleged UFO encounters to sudden disappearances and evil possessions, William Shatner attempts to uncover the truth behind these bizarre events. It’s time for viewers to learn what is really happening in the world – and why.

Episode one is focused on the world of hidden treasures. From sunken ships filled with priceless cargo to lost cities of gold and ancient temples concealing untold riches, are lost treasures simply the stuff of legend or could they actually be real?

Britain’s Secret Islands – Season 1, Episode 1

The United Kingdom is comprised of over 6,100 islands, skerries and sea stacks. Scattered around the coast, these secret islands are home to rich cultures, ancient history, unique wildlife and spectacular landscapes. Britain’s Secret Islands explores 5,000-year-old ruins, Viking heritage, immense seabird colonies, diverse reefs and shipwrecks.

Episode one journeys to the Farne Islands off the coast of Northumberland. The group of 15 to 20 islands is home to large numbers of seals and seabirds, early Christian communities and the first recorded attack from Viking raiders.

8 Days That Made Rome – Season 1, Episode 1

Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes presents a new landmark history of ancient Rome. Across 8 Days That Made Rome, Bettany explores the eight key days that she believes define the Roman Empire and underline its remarkable success.

The first day is based on ‘Hannibal’s Last Stand’. Scipio’s decisive victory over Hannibal's Carthaginian army in 202BC effectively ended the Punic Wars and established Rome as the leading power in the western Mediterranean.

Secrets in the Ice – Season 2, Episode 1

Secrets in the Ice goes to the most remote, cold and inhospitable places on the planet to reveal the great mysteries that have been frozen in time. The show explores how these peculiarities ended up in the most desolate corners of the planet and asks what might still be concealed in the frozen depths.

The first episode of season two tackles several unexplained mysteries. A mummified businessman is found atop Mexico’s highest peak and mummified penguins are spotted in Antarctica. Meanwhile, divers come across an object that could solve a Cold War nuclear mystery, and an Icelandic cave that is said to be home to a fire giant is investigated.

Lost Gold of the Aztecs – Season 1, Episode 1

Lost Gold of the Aztecs follows three families on an epic adventure to break the 500-year-old curse of Emperor Montezuma and find the hidden treasure. According to legend, Montezuma hid an abundance of gold bars, silver, precious stones, jewellery and other Aztec artefacts across the American Southwest.

In the opening episode, we meet the Dillmans, the Hoaglands and the Villescas’ as they try to uncover the treasure that they each have a distinct connection to. The adventure spans several locations as each family believes the gold lies in a different state.

Alone: Polar Bear Island – Season 9, Episode 1

Alone is the toughest reality series on television. Ten survivalists are dropped into some of the most remote places on the planet and must survive in total isolation. If they can last longer than everyone else, then they claim the $50,000 prize.

In season nine, not only must the participants endure hunger, loneliness and the elements, but they’ll become the hunted as they discover their location is situated deep in polar bear territory. In Northeastern Labrador, Canada, the survivalists must adapt to the harshest of weather conditions while dangerous predators encircle their camps.

Kings of Pain – Season 2, Episode 1

Caveman Rob and Adam Thorn, two of the world’s most expert animal handlers, have been bitten and stung by some of the planet’s deadliest creatures. Journey with them to remote corners of the world as they seek to experience bites and stings from the most poisonous creatures.

To begin season two of Kings of Pain, Rob and Adam take on America’s biggest and most deadly scorpions. These are the Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion and the Arizona Bark Scorpion. They find a surprising – and hugely painful – wake-up call and a new Scorpion King is crowned.

Ideas That Changed the World – Season 1, Episode 1

Ideas That Changed the World tells the amazing story of how humans changed the world forever. This is done with the help of six iconic objects that we take for granted every single day. But these are the secrets of how our modern world got to where it is today, told in an accessible and exciting format.

Episode one covers planes, the incredible machines that have connected the world. British theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili tells the amazing story of how humans got their greatest superpower – the ability to fly.