Watch American Icons

American Icons is a historical documentary series that explores some of the most significant cultural and artistic achievements that have defined American history. The series was created by PBS, and it features a prominent and versatile range of topics, highlighting the most influential personalities that have changed the course of the country's cultural heritage.

The show's objective is to provide an insightful perspective on the events, personalities, and cultural constructs that socially and politically defined American society over the past century. The series covers vast terrains of American culture, from music, cinema, and literature to design, architecture, and sculpture.

One of the central themes of American Icons is to showcase the individuals and art forms that have shaped America's identity and culture. The show highlights these icons in their historical context, and is a celebration of the stories behind the art, the personalities shaping the culture, and the impact they've had on society, shaping the way that Americans see themselves and the world around them.

The series features a range of experienced presenters, who are experts on their field of study and offer an insightful view on the subject at hand. Their academic expertise and passion for the topics make the show eminently watchable and intellectually stimulating. Each episode is framed with a strong narrative structure, with each icon's life being covered chronologically, from birth to death, allowing the audience to understand the full scope of their contributions to American culture.

American Icons examines the expansive cultural history of America takes on the subject of the country's cultural identity head-on, and provides an insight into the context and background of the artists and their work. The show has explored the lives of many influential artists and figures, including Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Georgia O'Keeffe, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Meryl Streep, among many others.

The show is also known for its in-depth analysis of the cultural significance of the works and their creators. For example, the episode on Elvis Presley analyzes his impact as a trailblazer in rock and roll music and his significant influence on American culture. The episode on Georgia O'Keeffe showcases her works of art that challenged the traditional gender roles in art and celebrates her legacy in the cultural world as a feminist pioneer.

Furthermore, American Icons often highlights the intersections between the subjects. For example, the episode on Frank Lloyd Wright explores his innovations in architecture and the significant influence that his designs had on the buildings of the future. The episode on Nina Simone examines how her music and activism reflected the intersectionality of the discrimination faced by Black women in America.

Overall, American Icons is an illuminating and engaging series that is perfect for viewers who want an insightful analysis of America's cultural identity. From famous musicians and actors to architects and artists, the show celebrates American culture's great accomplishments by showing its complex and nuanced history. Whether viewers are interested in music, film, literature, or art, this series has something to offer for anyone looking to learn something new about America's rich cultural heritage.

American Icons is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (9 episodes). The series first aired on November 7, 2019.