American Experience background

American Experience

Season 5 Episode 1: The Kennedys (Part 1): the Father, 1900-61

The Kennedy family's legacy is defined by their remarkable story of power, wealth, and sacrifice, influenced by Joseph Kennedy's entrepreneurial success and political setbacks, John Kennedy's rise to the presidency with his father's guidance, and Edward Kennedy's withdraw...

Season 5 Episodes:

Episode 1 The Kennedys (Part 1): the Father, 1900-61

1. The Kennedys (Part 1): the Father, 1900-61

Aired: Sep 20, 1992

The Kennedy family's legacy is defined by their remarkable story of power, we...

Episode 2 The Kennedys: Part 2 - The Sons, 1961-80

2. The Kennedys: Part 2 - The Sons, 1961-80

Aired: Sep 21, 1992

The Kennedy family's legacy is marked by a rich blend of drive, wealth, loyal...

Episode 3 The Donner Party

3. The Donner Party

Aired: Oct 28, 1992

Next episode: The American pioneers and their Indigenous guides face off agai...

Episode 4 The Johnstown Flood

4. The Johnstown Flood

Aired: Nov 4, 1992

A catastrophic dam failure unleashes a devastating flood on the small town of...

Episode 5 Liberators: Fighting on Two Fronts in World War II

5. Liberators: Fighting on Two Fronts in World War II

Aired: Nov 18, 1992

A prominent general, driven by ambition and a sense of duty, navigates the co...

Episode 6 George Washington: The Man Who Wouldn't Be King

6. George Washington: The Man Who Wouldn't Be King

Aired: Nov 25, 1992

George Washington's transformation from social climber to passionate patriot ...

Episode 7 Last Stand at Little Big Horn

7. Last Stand at Little Big Horn

Aired: Jan 11, 1993

A thrilling journey into the past unfolds in the next episode, presenting a u...

Episode 8 Ishi: The Last Yahi Indian

8. Ishi: The Last Yahi Indian

Aired: Jan 18, 1993

A long-lost California native, the sole survivor of a formerly thriving tribe...

Episode 9 If You Knew Sousa

9. If You Knew Sousa

Aired: Feb 8, 1993

John Philip Sousa's music had a profound impact on American history, reflecti...

Episode 10 Simple Justice

10. Simple Justice

Aired: Feb 1, 1993

Thurgood Marshall partners with the NAACP to construct a landmark Supreme Cou...

Episode 11 Sit Down and Fight

11. Sit Down and Fight

Aired: Feb 15, 1993

The next episode delves into the remarkable story of Walter Reuther, a pionee...

Episode 12 Knute Rockne and His Fighting Irish

12. Knute Rockne and His Fighting Irish

Aired: Mar 1, 1993

A nostalgic look back at a coach's remarkable career, shared through the pers...

Episode 20 Ishi: The Last Yahi Indian

20. Ishi: The Last Yahi Indian

Aired: Dec 2, 1992

Ishi, the last member of a dwindling Native American tribe, arrives in Orovil...

Appearances

David McCullough

Creators

James A. DeVinney

James A. DeVinneyDirector

Info about American Experience

Seasons: 37

Current Status: Returning Series

Network: PBS

Production Country: United States

Genres:Documentary, History, Biography