Colonel Sanders: America's Chicken King

• Documentary

Episode overview

Explore the extraordinary life of Harland Sanders, the man behind Kentucky Fried Chicken, whose white suit and string tie became symbols of entrepreneurial success. The episode traces his humble beginnings in rural Indiana, early struggles through a series of odd jobs, and his eventual discovery of a secret blend of herbs and spices that revolutionized fast food. Through interviews with family, business associates, and historians, Biography explores how Sanders transformed a roadside café into a global empire, franchising his recipe and persona into one of the world’s most recognizable brands. It also delves into his relentless drive, perfectionism, and late-in-life fame, revealing a complex figure who mixed charm with stubborn determination. This portrait captures how Colonel Sanders turned adversity into opportunity, leaving behind a legacy that forever changed the way America eats.

60 minutes