Quick Summary
The series delves into the secret world of the Mafia's most notorious members, opening with Sam Giancana. Giancana, a powerful mob boss, was linked to the Kennedys, the entertainer Frank Sinatra and even the CIA in the mid‑twentieth century, and his influence extended across politics, entertainment and intelligence circles.
About This Program ✦
The series, presented as an episode titled “Sam Giancana”, is a programme that seeks to pull back the curtain on the Mafia’s most infamous personalities. It positions itself as a factual account, concentrating on the hidden lives and operations of those who have shaped organised crime in the United States. The core of the episode centres on Sam Giancana, a figure whose reach extended well beyond the underworld. It reveals his links to the Kennedy family, his association with entertainer Frank Sinatra, and his alleged connections with the Central Intelligence Agency. By highlighting these relationships, the programme paints a picture of a mob boss entwined with power on several fronts. The episode aims to lift the veil on how Giancana’s influence seeped into political circles, the world of show business, and covert government operations. It presents a narrative that connects his criminal activities with the broader fabric of American society, suggesting that the lines between organised crime and legitimate institutions were often blurred. By starting with Giancana, the programme sets the stage for future installments that will turn the spotlight on other notorious Mafia figures. This approach promises a continued investigation into the hidden networks that have shaped the criminal underworld, offering viewers a step‑by‑step look at the secretive world that operates behind the headlines.
Mafia's Greatest Hits broadcasts on PBS America (Freeview) at 5:05pm, Monday, 9 February 2026.



