American Experience

History Series / 15 Seasons

American Experience, TV's most-watched history series, brings to life the compelling stories from our past that inform our understanding of the world today.

52m 54s

Jesse James - preview

30s

The story of Jesse James remains one of America's most cherished myths... and one of its most wrong-headed. A product of the American Civil War, James was less heroic than brutal; America's own Robin Hood who robbed not only the rich, but the poor and defenseless as well, always saving the treasure for himself. 5/7/2013

Geronimo Preview

30s

As the leader of the last Native American fighting force to capitulate to the U.S. government, Geronimo was seen by some as the perpetrator of unspeakable savage cruelties, while to others he was the embodiment of proud resistance.

River Dawn: the Wild West

23s

Taken by the production team for "Custer's Last Stand," this time-lapse shot was taken at 5 am in -7 degree Fahrenheit weather. "We were all bundled with serious foot and hand warmers running through the snow for the perfect shot," says associate producer Lauren DeFilippo.

Ghost Riders: the Wild West

16s

On location at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary in Hot Springs, South Dakota, the production team for "Custer's Last Stand" shot four riders, but in post production composited the riders to look like many.

Custer's Last Stand Preview

30s

The final act of General George Custer's larger-than-life career played out on a grand stage with a spellbound public engrossed in the drama. In the end, his death would launch one of the greatest myths in American history. Part of the Wild West collection, Custer's Last Stand premieres on American Experience January 17, 2012.

Custer's Last Stand Chapter 1

14m 15s

The first chapter of Custer's Last Stand, premiering January 17 at 8/7C. Like everything else about General George Custer, his martyrdom was shrouded in controversy. The final act of his larger-than-life career played out on a grand stage with a spellbound public engrossed in the drama. In the end, his death would launch one of the greatest myths in American history.

Billy the Kid - Preview

30s

An outlaw with a deadly reputation, Billy the Kid was gunned down by an ambitious sheriff on July 14, 1881. First demonized by the lawman who killed him, the Kid was soon mythologized by a never-ending stream of dime store romances and big-screen dramas.

This Season on American Experience

5m 50s

Our 2012 season is announced with a special video from Executive Producer Mark Samels. We hope you enjoy our upcoming season, which kicks off with our "Wild West Collection" on your local PBS station January 10 at 9/8C.

Nixon and Abusing Power: The "Saturday Night Massacre"

2m 41s

October 20, 1973: Nixon fired Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox in what becomes known as "The Saturday Night Massacre." The attorney general resigns and Congress files 21 resolutions calling for Nixon's impeachment.

HW Bush on Policing the World: Opposing Iraqi Aggression

4m 46s

On the White House lawn on August 5, 1990, H.W. Bush took a stand against Iraqi aggression against Kuwait. "He led with his gut, with his instincts," says biographer Timothy Naftali.

FDR on the Enemy: Fear Itself

1m 38s

President Roosevelt's inaugural address filled the American people with confidence in their new leader. "They hear coming through their loudspeakers this voice so filled with courage, with self confidence, with a sense of leadership," says historian William Leuchtenburg.

Supported by