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

Murder of a President Trailer

2m 9s

President James Garfield was just four months into his presidency when he was shot by a deranged office-seeker named Charles Guiteau. After his death that September, Garfield became a symbol of lost opportunity for a nation in transition. Based on Candice Millard's bestseller, "Destiny of the Republic," American Experience's "Murder of a President" premieres January 5 at 9/8c on PBS.

Coming in January 2016

1m 50s

Watch a short video about the documentaries kicking off American Experience's 2016 season. Executive Producer Mark Samels introduces our two new documentaries coming this January to PBS: "Bonnie and Clyde" premiering January 19 and "The Mine Wars" premiering January 26.

The Pilgrims Chapter 1

6m 18s

In the early 17th century, a small group of religious radicals embarked from England to establish a separatist religious community in the New World. They struggled against disease, climate and the native people to establish a colony that would eventually trigger an influx of colonists throughout New England. "The Pilgrims" premieres November 24 at 8/7c on PBS American Experience.

The Pilgrims Preview

30s

In the early 17th century, a small group of religious radicals embarked from England to establish a separatist religious community across the Atlantic Ocean in the New World. The challenges the Pilgrims faced in making new lives for themselves still resonate almost 400 years later. "The Pilgrims" premieres November 24 at 8/7c on PBS American Experience.

The True Story of the First Thanksgiving

2m 58s

The first Thanksgiving wasn't the same holiday we celebrate today -- in fact, the Pilgrims didn't even call it "thanksgiving." "The Pilgrims" premieres Tuesday, November 24 at 8/7c on PBS American Experience.

Overboard on the Mayflower

1m 31s

During a storm in the north Atlantic, indentured servant John Howland was swept off the Mayflower's deck. Fortunately, he grabbed a line and was hauled back onboard. Howland thrived in the New World and nearly four centuries later, an estimated two million Americans can claim him as an ancestor. "The Pilgrims" premieres November 24 at 8/7c on PBS American Experience.

The Pilgrims Trailer

3m 15s

The challenges the Pilgrims faced in making new lives for themselves still resonate almost 400 years later: the tensions of faith and freedom in American society, the separation of Church and State, and cultural encounters resulting from immigration. "The Pilgrims" premieres November 24 at 8/7c on PBS American Experience.

American Comandante, Chapter 1

9m 17s

William Morgan always wanted to "be somebody." After deserting from the army, spending time in prison and working for the mob, Morgan was ready for a new start. He got his chance as a Comandante fighting in the Cuban Revolution of the 1950s and '60s. "American Comandante" premieres November 17 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

American Comandante Preview

30s

When William Morgan was executed outside a Havana prison on March 11, 1961, his strange story seemed to vanish from the popular imagination as quickly as it had appeared; it was lost in the classified archives of the Cold War; and it was edited out of Cuban history by Fidel Castro’s retelling of the revolution. "American Comandante" premieres November 17 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

The Failed Revolution

1m 39s

William Morgan held out hope that the Cuban revolution would follow through on the ideals he had fought for. But more and more he saw things he didn't like or agree with: former comrades being arrested for speaking out against the government, the nationalization of newspapers and banks, jails filling up with prisoners. "American Comandante" premieres Nov. 17 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

William Morgan at the Circus

1m 15s

When William "Billy" Morgan was growing up, his father, Alexander Morgan filmed home movies of the family and their exploits. In this silent clip, a young Billy Morgan explores a circus and does some calisthenics.

"Deep Trouble" from American Comandante

1m 45s

By 1960, Fidel Castro had deployed tens of thousands of men against the hundreds in the resistance. William Morgan was deeply worried for his family, but he was not prepared to walk away from what he had become in Cuba.

Walt Disney Part 2, Chapter 1

8m 29s

In May 1941, more than 200 of Walt Disney's workers go on strike. Roy Disney eventually strikes a deal with the new union, but to Walt, the studio will never be the same. Part Two continues to explore the life and enduring legacy of Walt Disney, including his newest project: Disneyland. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 and 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

Walt Disney's Next Big Idea: Disneyland

2m 45s

In the early 1950s, Walt Disney began gathering a small group of artists to work for his new company, WED. They were developing Disney's next big idea: an amusement park for the whole family, called Disneyland. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 on PBS American Experience.

Walt Disney Part 1, Chapter 1

9m 36s

Part One (1901-1941) explores the complex life and enduring legacy of Walt Disney, from his early days creating Mickey Mouse through the triumph of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," the first full-length animated film. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

The Success of "Snow White"

2m 4s

In its first year, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" grossed $8 million -- more than any other film before it. Walt Disney was hailed as a true American original, one who had found the balance between art and commerce. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 on PBS American Experience.

Visitors to Disneyland

1m 50s

Disneyland attracted one million visitors within the first 10 weeks after its grand opening in July 1955. It also became a top destination for foreign dignitaries visiting the United States. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 on PBS American Experience.

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