CNBC

At the dawn of the '90s, the titans who helped remake New York City are either sitting in jail, awaiting sentencing, or licking their wounds after humiliating defeats; the same public that celebrated their success celebrates their fall from grace.

Empires of New York

Legacy of the '80s: Greed Is Still Good

Black Monday hits, the market crashes, and the great bull market of the '80s goes down with it; New York and the country as a whole are left with a brutal hangover, ending the party for the Emperors of New York as well.

1987-90: Party's Over

In 1986, New Yorkers fawn over five seemingly unstoppable icons: Donald Trump, Ivan Boesky, Leona Helmsley, John Gotti and Rudy Giuliani; every day seems to bring a new celebration of their success.

1986-87: Secrets & Lies

By the mid '80s, five larger-than-life New Yorkers -- Donald Trump, Ivan Boesky, Leona Helmsley, John Gotti and Rudy Giuliani -- start to change the way people think about power and success.

1985-86: Image Is Everything

It's 1983, and the Big Apple is back; Wall Street is booming; yuppies are crowding the clubs.

1983-85: Nothing in Their Way

At the dawn of the '80s, America finds itself in deep decline; New York seems to symbolize everything that's gone wrong; it's crime-ridden, strapped for cash, dark and dirty.

1980-83: Chaos Spells Opportunity

Chronicling the meteoric rise of five icons who not only reshaped the city but contributed mightily to the world we live in today.

S1 E2 | 1983-85: Nothing in Their Way