In the Blood

We trace Lena Dunham's ancestry back to her paternal eighth great-grandfather, Stephanus van Cortlandt, a pivotal figure in the early history of New York City. Stephanus's life story unfolds as one of ambition, becoming the first native-born Mayor of New York. But Lena confronts the more troubling aspects of his legacy, including his dealings with the Lenape tribe and his involvement in slavery.

Join Michael Douglas on a riveting quest into his family's hidden history. From escaping the Russian army to uncovering a legacy of survival and secrecy, dive into the Douglas family's untold stories and ancestral secrets.

Lena Dunham embarks on a poignant journey to uncover her family's past, revealing a deep connection to the Holocaust. From discovering ancestors' records in Poland to the heartbreaking story of survival and loss during World War II, this video offers a powerful glimpse into history and Dunham's personal legacy.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of actor Michael Douglas & writer-director Lena Dunham. Both guests are the children of famous artists—and both proudly followed in their parents’ footsteps. But their family trees contain a cast of characters whose lives were forgotten. Gates recovers them, telling fascinating stories from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the streets of colonial America.