TV shows we love: Stories of a Generation

Finding a docuseries that keeps me hooked all throughout has always been a challenge for me. I’ve watched several of them on Netflix, or a few episodes of each at least, yet soon enough I become distracted and switch it off. Then I found Stories of a Generation – with Pope Francis that got me so hooked I finished it in a matter of days. Okay, it is only four  50-minute episodes but the touching stories it shares, grabbed my attention and made me want to sit down with my grandparents and parents and talk about life.

Stories of a Generation – with Pope Francis, released on Christmas Day 2021, interviews men and women over 70 who share poignant life lessons and pivotal choices from their journeys. Some of the stories are of famous people such as the Pope, Martin Scorsese and Jane Goodall, others are of everyday people. All share unforgettable moments from their life that marked them, whether good or bad.

Each episode focuses on a theme – love, dream, struggle and work. In the first episode, Love, Martin Scorsese’s youngest daughter interviews him about love, life and regrets while simultaneously around six other stories unravel. One of a 90-year-old grandmother in Argentina recounting the murder of her daughter, talking of hope and faith, another of an old couple in Uruguay who began dancing tango together in their 60s and an Italian man who helped save African refugees whose boat had sunk just off the coast of Italy. All touch on the profound connections that changed their life.

The docuseries shares some very personal stories of compassion, dedication and faith. One of my favourites is a Spanish 88-year-old skydiver who despite the hardships she endured in her life, manages to smile every day. Isn’t that rather wonderful?