David Grubin
Director
American Experience (1988)
Season 26
TV's most-watched history series brings to life the compelling stories from our past that inform our understanding of the world today.
Released Oct. 4, 1988
Episode 74 min
12+
Genres: Biography, Documentary, History
Keywords: tmdb.biography, tmdb.usa-history, tmdb.current-affairs, imdb.media-coverage, imdb.americana, imdb.american-history, imdb.history-documentary + 9 more, imdb.social-documentary, imdb.reenactment, imdb.public-media, imdb.anthology, mdblist.ext.2k-blu-ray, mdblist.has-trailer, awards.oscar-nominated, awards.emmy-award-winner, awards.emmy-award-nominated
Watch Providers: PBS, PBS, PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel, YouTube TV
Production Companies: WGBH Boston
Network: PBS
Country: United States
Languages:
English
5.5
S26E1 - The Poisoner's Handbook
The story of New York City's first medical examiner, Charles Norris (1867-1935), and his chief toxicologist, Alexander Gettler (1883-1968), who pioneered the use of forensic science to explain violent and suspicious deaths. Included are remarks from renowned medical examiners Marcella Fierro and Michael Baden and author Deborah Blum ("The Poisoner's Handbook"). Oliver Platt narrates.
Jan. 7, 2014, midnight
S26E2 - 1964
Recalling 1964, a pivotal year in U.S. history. While the Beatles captured the imaginations of the nation's youth, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, unveiled his vision of a "Great Society" and squared off against Barry Goldwater in the presidential election. Also covered: the murders of three Freedom Summer volunteers; and the influence of Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique." Based in part on Jon Margolis' "The Last Innocent Year: America in 1964."
Jan. 14, 2014, midnight
7.0
S26E3 - The Amish: Shunned
The Amish practice of shunning those who leave their faith is explored through the experiences of individuals who have left their communities. Also: faithful Amish men and women share the heartbreak they feel when a loved one leaves.
Feb. 4, 2014, midnight
S26E4 - Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid
The story of outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, whose turn-of-the-century exploits made headlines, led them to be pursued by Pinkerton detectives and inspired the popular 1969 film starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.
Feb. 11, 2014, midnight
S26E5 - The Rise and Fall of Penn Station
The story of New York's Pennsylvania Station, which opened to the public in 1910. One of the greatest architectural and engineering achievements of its time, it covered nearly eight acres and required the construction of 16 miles of underground tunnels. It closed its doors some 50 years later, giving way to Madison Square Garden, a high-rise office building and sports complex.
Feb. 18, 2014, midnight
S26E6 - Freedom Summer
Recalling the summer of 1964 in Mississippi, when student volunteers from around the country joined local activists in an effort to register to vote as many African-Americans as possible. (Due to intimidation and arcane tests, less than seven percent of the state's African-Americans were registered.) Activists also set up schools to teach children about African-American history; and created a rival Democratic Party to challenge the all-white delegation to the 1964 Democratic National Convention.
June 24, 2014, midnight
S26E7 - Cold War Roadshow
In 1959, at the very height of the Cold War, with American schoolchildren practicing duck-and-cover drills, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, the man who Americans feared could incinerate them in a rain of hydrogen bombs arrived in Washington, D.C. at the invitation of President Eisenhower. For both men, the visit was an opportunity to halt the escalating threats of the Cold War and chart a new course toward peaceful coexistence
Nov. 18, 2014, midnight
Network: PBS
Episode Runtime: 74 min.
Season Runtime: 518 min.
Released: Oct. 4, 1988
Last Air Date: Oct. 28, 2025, midnight
Next Air Date: Jan. 6, 2026, midnight
Status: Returning Series
Certification: TV-PG
Common sense age: 12+
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