American Experience

What’s the Story?

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE -- a historical documentary series committed to telling stories about people and events that have changed the nation -- has the distinction of being television's longest-running and most-watched history program. The series examines a variety of subjects and disciplines, from technological developments and scientific breakthroughs to great American politicians and artists and their achievements. Each installment considers various perspectives on events that have had national implications, including in-vitro fertilization, yellow fever, Civil Rights, the Gold Rush, the private and public challenges of past leaders, and the progress of various forms of art and popular culture. While the topics of the individual documentaries vary, they share many thematic similarities. Each installment looks at the political, social, economic, and, often, ethical implications of the groundbreaking achievements of Americans who embraced unconventional ways of thinking.

Is It Any Good?

The series doesn't shy away from the flip side of these pioneering successes, making sure to cover the real costs associated with challenging preconceived notions of "how things should be." Many of the profiled innovators faced often-overwhelming difficulties as their work went from being socially resisted and politically opposed to becoming part of the tapestry of American daily life. A winner of every major broadcast award, American Experience continues the tradition of public broadcasting by working to increase public understanding of American history. To help fulfill that goal, the show often profiles innovators --including women and racial and ethnic minorities -- whose work paved the way for others who ended up getting sole credit for landmark contributions. But the series' most powerful message may be that a person's greatest contribution to America isn't actually changing it, but rather bravely taking the initiative to attempt to do so.