About the Show

The Great Escaper tells the true story of Bernard Jordan, who made global headlines in the summer of 2014. He had staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades at the D-Day Landings 70th anniversary.

Michael Caine and the late, two-time Oscar® winner Glenda Jackson star in their final acting roles as Bernard Jordan and his wife, Rene. Bernie’s adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Rene. While Bernie is on his trip to Normandy, Rene recalls their younger days and falling in love during World War II.

Bernie’s story captured the imagination of the world as he embodied the defiant, “can-do” spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing. But of course, it wasn’t the whole story. It was an inspirational but sanitized retelling of one man’s need to come to terms with the lasting trauma of war. The Great Escaper celebrates Bernie and Rene’s enduring love but always with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation.

The Great Escaper premieres on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 9/8c on MASTERPIECE on PBS.