Watch 10 That Changed America

10 That Changed America is a PBS documentary series that explores the impact of ten architectural, engineering, and urban design innovations on the United States. The show takes a closer look at structures that have transformed the American landscape, influenced the way people live, and reshaped the nation's culture and identity.

The series features ten episodes, and each episode is dedicated to exploring one of the ten breakthroughs. The show is hosted by Geoffrey Baer, an Emmy award-winning producer and writer who takes viewers on a journey through the history and significance of each featured structure.

The first episode features the Erie Canal, a 363-mile waterway that connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River and opened up trade routes that allowed the United States to expand westward. The episode takes viewers on a tour of the canal, highlighting the engineering innovations that made it possible and the economic and social impact it had on the country.

Another episode is devoted to the Transcontinental Railroad, which connected the east and west coasts of the United States and revolutionized transportation and commerce. The episode examines the political and social factors that led to the construction of the railroad, the challenges faced by the workers who built it, and the ways in which it transformed the nation's economy.

The show also explores innovations that have reshaped American culture, such as the American shopping mall, which transformed the way people shopped and socialized, and the modern skyscraper, which revolutionized urban architecture and became a symbol of American power and innovation.

Other episodes focus on the development of the interstate highway system, which made it easier for people and goods to travel across the country, the introduction of the electric grid, which brought power to homes and businesses across the nation, and the development of the air conditioning system, which transformed the way people lived and worked in hot and humid regions.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to stunning aerial footage and in-depth interviews with experts in architecture, engineering, history, and culture. The show uses a combination of archival footage, reenactments, and computer-generated imagery to bring the featured structures to life and provide a comprehensive understanding of their impact on American society.

Overall, 10 That Changed America is an engaging and informative documentary series that offers a fresh perspective on the innovations that have shaped the American landscape and culture. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or engineering, this show is sure to provide an insightful and entertaining look at some of the most significant breakthroughs in American history.

10 That Changed America is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (7 episodes). The series first aired on April 5, 2016.