A new five-part docuseries, "The American Experiment," directed by Brian Knappenberger and executive produced by Tom Hanks, examines the American Revolution and the enduring challenges to democratic governance in the United States.
The series traces the historical events leading up to the Revolutionary War, beginning with the French and Indian War and George Washington's early military career. It culminates with the adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1789 and Washington's inauguration as the first president.
Knappenberger incorporates a wide range of historical materials, including drawings, newspaper clippings, and writings from the Founding Fathers. Martin Sheen provides narration for Washington's writings, while other actors voice figures such as John Adams and King George III. The series also features reenactments of key battles and the Continental Congress.
"The American Experiment" features interviews with numerous historians and politicians, including former Vice Presidents Al Gore, Kamala Harris, and Mike Pence, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, and members of Congress like Senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz, and Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Jamie Raskin. These figures offer perspectives on the Revolutionary era and its relevance today.
The documentary draws parallels between the conflicts and debates of the colonial period and contemporary political discourse. It highlights the fragility of the democratic experiment over the past 250 years, referencing movements from the civil rights era to modern protests.
Reviewers have noted that while the series covers familiar ground regarding the American Revolution, its strength lies in its explicit connections between the nation's founding principles and their contemporary fragility. The breadth of political figures interviewed and their measured observations are highlighted as a notable aspect, suggesting a shared understanding of the American experiment's resilience.
"The American Experiment" is available on Netflix. The series is noted for its lack of explicit content. One concluding expert's statement in the series poses the questions, "Do you want to be free? What does freedom mean to you?"