American Experience (1988)
PBS's landmark documentary series chronicling the defining events, figures, and forces that shaped the United States across more than three decades on air.
American Experience - Series Information
- Original Title: American Experience
- First Air Year: 1988
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 55 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 38
- Number of Episodes: 400
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 4, 1988 (United States - TV-PG), October 4, 1988 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: PBS
- Alternative Titles: The American Experience (US)
- Production Companies: GBH
- Production Countries: United States of America
American Experience - Plot
TV's most-watched history series brings to life the compelling stories from our past that inform our understanding of the world today.
American Experience - Trailer
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American Experience - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- David Ogden Stiers
- David McCullough
- Michael Murphy
- Linda Hunt
- Oliver Platt
- Liev Schreiber
- Joe Morton
- Julian Bond
- Jason Robards
- Blair Brown
Writers
- Mark Zwonitzer
- Michelle Ferrari
- Marcia Smith
- David Grubin
- Geoffrey C. Ward
Executive Producers
- Mark Samels
- Susan Bellows
- Sharon Grimberg
- Nick Fraser
- Margaret Drain
American Experience - FAQs
Where can you stream American Experience?
American Experience is available to stream on PBS and YouTube TV via flatrate subscription, as well as PBS Documentaries on Amazon Channel. Individual episodes can also be purchased through Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. The PBS website and app offer free access to many episodes.
How many seasons does American Experience have?
American Experience has 38 seasons and 400 episodes in total. The series premiered on PBS on October 4, 1988, and continues to air new seasons, making it one of the longest-running documentary series in American television history.
What is American Experience about?
American Experience is PBS's flagship history documentary series, exploring pivotal events, figures, and movements that shaped the United States. Each episode presents a self-contained documentary on a specific topic, from presidents and wars to social movements and cultural milestones, drawing on archival footage and expert interviews.
Who narrates American Experience?
American Experience has featured a rotating roster of acclaimed narrators over its long run, including David McCullough, Liev Schreiber, David Ogden Stiers, Linda Hunt, Oliver Platt, Joe Morton, Jason Robards, Blair Brown, Andre Braugher, and Campbell Scott, among others.
Is American Experience still airing new episodes?
Yes, American Experience is a returning series currently in production. Season 38 is underway, and the show continues to air on PBS. It remains one of the most enduring and respected documentary series on American public television, with new episodes expected through 2026.
When did American Experience first air?
American Experience first aired on October 4, 1988, on PBS in the United States. Produced by GBH in Boston, the series has been broadcasting for over three decades and has become the definitive documentary showcase for American history on public television.
Did American Experience win any major awards?
American Experience has received numerous Emmy Awards and Peabody Awards throughout its run, recognizing its outstanding contributions to documentary filmmaking and public affairs broadcasting. Individual episodes have also earned recognition from the Writers Guild of America and various film festival organizations.
What is the content rating for American Experience?
American Experience is rated TV-PG, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested for younger viewers. Given its historical subject matter, some episodes may contain archival footage or discussions of violence, conflict, or sensitive historical events.
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