Quick Summary
The first instalment of a two‑part documentary examines the life and career of American politician Henry Kissinger. It traces his ascent to the highest levels of American diplomacy, highlighting the milestones that propelled him to the topmost echelons of the foreign service.
About This Program ✦
The programme “The Necessity of Power” is presented as a two‑part documentary series, with this episode forming the opening half. It is classified as an episode‑type documentary, and its focus is squarely on the life and career of the American politician Henry Kissinger. As the first instalment, it sets the framework for the continuation that follows in the second part. The core of the film follows Kissinger’s personal and professional trajectory, charting how he moved from his early days into the very top echelons of United States diplomacy. By concentrating on his rise, the documentary paints a picture of a figure who climbed to the highest levels of American foreign‑policy making, highlighting the milestones that marked his ascent. Being the initial segment, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of Kissinger’s journey, laying the groundwork for the deeper examination that will be pursued in the concluding part. It offers viewers a clear sense of his development within the political arena and his eventual placement at the summit of diplomatic influence, preparing the audience for the continuation of his story in the series’ second half.
Kissinger broadcasts on PBS America at 6:25pm, Saturday, 7 February 2026.

