Hanks' Historical Series Acclaimed
Tom Hanks-Produced 'The American Experiment' Documentary Series Garners Critical Acclaim
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Netflix dropped all five episodes of *The American Experiment* on June 24, 2026 — a documentary series executive produced by Tom Hanks that covers 273 years of American history, from 1753 through the modern era. Directed by Brian Knappenberger, the series features more than 50 interviewees, including Kamala Harris, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Mike Pence, and Nancy Pelosi, according to The Guardian.
The five-part series, with a total runtime of roughly 320 minutes, was built specifically to mark the US Semiquincentennial — the country's 250th anniversary. Netflix released it simultaneously in over 190 countries, The Guardian reported.
Tom Hanks and Martin Sheen Lead a Star-Studded Production
Tom Hanks and his Playtone production partner Gary Goetzman serve as executive producers, continuing Hanks' career-long focus on American history. Brian Knappenberger, known for *Turning Point: 9/11*, directs the series with what critics call a rigorous investigative style, according to Ready Steady Cut.
Actor Martin Sheen voices George Washington in dramatic reenactments throughout the series. The show opens in 1753 and works through the Revolutionary War era, blending historical footage, reenactments, and commentary from a wide cast of politicians, historians, tribal chiefs, and academics, Ready Steady Cut reported.
Clinton Calls Electoral College an 'Abomination' in Episode 5
The series has already sparked political debate. Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers what critics describe as a "scathing critique" of the Electoral College in Episode 5, calling it an "abomination." Early clips were released to the press on June 22, according to The Guardian.
The series attempts a bipartisan balance. Mike Pence offers a conservative take on the founding documents and religious liberty, while Kamala Harris speaks to the evolution of representation in a multiracial democracy. Ted Cruz also appears. Critics note the mix of voices has reignited debates over whether a 250th-anniversary doc can truly be neutral, The Guardian noted.
Critics Praise the Depth But Flag the Earnestness
*The Guardian*'s Lucy Mangan described the series as "pointedly wholesome," comparing it to "drinking a kale smoothie on a wellness retreat" — healthy and informative, but occasionally exhausting. Historians praised its refusal to engage in jingoism, calling its tone "cautiously celebratory" rather than chest-thumping, The Guardian reported.
Not all critics agreed with the tone. MediaPost analyst Ed Martin argued the series is too focused on "bemoaning the state of America today" and forgets that "living in America is fun." Some conservative-leaning voices suggested the documentary uses historical framing to question modern political structures like the Electoral College, Ready Steady Cut noted.
Series Set to Anchor July 4th Anniversary Programming
The series is expected to be the flagship media event of the July 4, 2026 Semiquincentennial celebrations. Fort Ticonderoga, which was filmed extensively for the series, is now bracing for a surge in visitors tied to its "Return of an Army" event that month, according to Ready Steady Cut.
Netflix has positioned *The American Experiment* as an "urgently relevant" educational resource for schools. The series marks Netflix's first major entry into the epic multi-part historical documentary genre — a space long dominated by PBS and Ken Burns, Ready Steady Cut reported.
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