David Frost’s Legendary Interviews Spotlighted in New Documentary Series

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2025 — David Frost, a prominent journalist and television anchor, is poised to showcase his father’s impactful legacy in an upcoming documentary series. Starting April 27, MSNBC will air “David Frost Vs,” a six-part series that dives into vital cultural shifts through the lens of Sir David Frost’s expansive archive of interviews.

“These are moments in history where he had a front-row seat,” said Wilfred Frost, CEO of Paradine Productions and son of the late journalist, during a recent interview. The series is anchored in conversations with key personalities and will utilize Sir Frost’s collection of over 10,000 interviews, many of which feature renowned figures who shaped the cultural landscape from the 1960s onward.

This unique series will explore themes such as civil rights, college protests, and revolutions in culture, drawing on notable footage that has either been unseen for decades or never before aired publicly. Sir Frost is perhaps best known in the U.S. for his 1977 interviews with former President Richard Nixon, which inspired both a theatrical play and the Oscar-nominated film “Frost/Nixon.” However, his journalistic repertoire spans countless figures in sports, music, and politics.

Wilfred Frost took the helm of his father’s production company following Sir Frost’s death in 2013. He expressed that the project has been a long time in the making, saying, “The first half of that period was me rebuilding the archive, buying back rights, restoring and logging much of the old footage. I was ready to pitch things by 2018.”

Each hour-long episode of “David Frost Vs” focuses on interviews with significant personalities over several decades, including Muhammad Ali, Jane Fonda, Elton John, and, of course, Nixon. The footage will be enriched by commentary from notable contributors, including actors Michael Sheen and Liam Neeson, as well as former U.S. President Bill Clinton and U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, who discuss pivotal moments in history, such as the Middle East conflict.

Wilfred Frost highlighted the value of his father’s long-standing relationships with interview subjects, which allowed for deeper, more revealing conversations. Viewers will witness evolution in the careers of icons like the Beatles, presenting their appearances over a span of years. “What’s amazing is that he had the chance to talk to these personalities many times over longer periods,” he noted.

This series reflects MSNBC’s commitment to providing long-form documentaries and non-fiction programming that resonate with broad audiences. As competition for viewers intensifies, networks are increasingly turning to event programming. Other networks have successfully ventured into similar formats, showcasing in-depth reports on various subjects, from Anthony Bourdain’s travels to investigations of the lives of public figures.

Among the highlighted moments is the Beatles’ live performance of “Hey Jude” on “Frost on Sunday” in 1968, considered a euphoric moment in television history. Wilfred Frost remarked, “It’s sort of extraordinary. It’s their last performance on TV.” Additionally, he recalls an emotionally charged interview with Elton John in the early 1990s when the musician was recovering from addiction, saying it was “unbelievably at the rawest possible moment,” illustrating the intimate nature of his father’s interviews.

“David Frost Vs” is a co-production between Paradine Productions, Sky Studios, and White Horse Pictures for Sky Documentaries. Wilfred Frost believes the extensive footage available from his father’s extensive interviews could allow for longer episodes, stating, “I could make all sorts of extended versions. But I think you want to leave people wanting more.”