American Experience Season 33 Episode 6 Billy Graham

In the sixth episode of season 33 of American Experience, viewers are taken on a journey through the life and legacy of one of the most influential evangelical Christian leaders of the 20th century: Billy Graham.

Through interviews with family members, biographers, and historians, as well as archived footage and photographs, the episode tracks Graham's rise to fame and his impact on American Christianity, politics, and culture.

Born in 1918 in North Carolina, Graham was raised in a fundamentalist Baptist family and developed a strong faith early on in his life. After attending Bob Jones College and then Wheaton College, he began preaching and evangelizing across the United States. He soon caught the attention of media mogul William Randolph Hearst, who gave him a national platform through his newspaper empire.

As Graham's popularity grew, he also began to attract controversy. He faced criticism from fundamentalist Christians who felt he was too lenient in his preaching, as well as from liberal Christians who saw him as too conservative. He also navigated a complex relationship with American politics, consulting with and praying for nearly every president from Harry Truman to Barack Obama.

The episode explores these tensions and controversies, while also highlighting Graham's significant achievements and lasting impact. Among his many accomplishments, Graham was a pioneer in using media to spread the gospel, hosting crusades that were televised and broadcasted around the world. He was also a vocal opponent of segregation, and he worked to bring together Christians from across racial and denominational lines.

Ultimately, the episode presents a nuanced portrait of a complex and influential figure. While Billy Graham was certainly not without flaws or detractors, his impact on American Christianity and culture cannot be denied. As one interviewee notes, he "changed the religious landscape of America and the world."

The legacy of Billy Graham continues today, more than two decades after his death in 2018. This episode of American Experience provides a thoughtful and comprehensive exploration of his life and work, offering viewers a deeper understanding of this important religious leader and his impact on American history.