CNBC Originals Season 2 Episode 6 The Bubble Decade

The Bubble Decade is the sixth episode of the second season of CNBC Originals. The episode takes a deep dive into the tumultuous decade that was the 2000s, a time when the United States experienced a series of financial bubbles that rocked the global economy. Through interviews with key players in finance, government, and academia, The Bubble Decade provides a riveting overview of how the rise and fall of these bubbles affected millions of people and shaped the economic landscape of the United States.

The episode begins by exploring the dot-com bubble, which peaked in 2000 and resulted in the collapse of countless technology companies. As CNBC Originals interviews dot-com veterans like Mark Cuban and Kevin O'Connor, viewers gain insight into the irrational exuberance that characterized this era, as well as the disastrous consequences when the bubble finally burst.

From there, The Bubble Decade turns its attention to the housing bubble, which grew rapidly throughout the middle of the decade and eventually led to the 2008 financial crisis. Through interviews with economists like Robert Shiller and Alan Greenspan, as well as financial insiders like Angelo Mozilo and Stanley O'Neal, CNBC Originals pieces together the events that led to this catastrophe, from the loosening of lending standards to the rampant speculation in the housing market.

The episode also examines the broader culture of greed that arose in the early 2000s, with a particular emphasis on the rise of private equity and hedge funds. Viewers get an inside look at the world of private equity through interviews with legendary dealmaker Leon Black, while hedge fund manager Bruce Zimmerman offers insight into the high-stakes world of hedge fund investing.

Throughout The Bubble Decade, CNBC Originals explores the human consequences of these various bubbles, from the gut-wrenching stories of workers who lost their jobs in the dot-com bust to the homeowners who lost everything in the wake of the housing crisis. Through these stories, the episode highlights the devastating impact that economic bubbles can have on everyday Americans.

Despite the grim subject matter, The Bubble Decade is a fascinating and engaging look at a turbulent era in American history. Its interviews with key players in finance and government offer unique perspectives on the events of the 2000s, while its human interest stories remind us of the real-world consequences of economic crises. Whether you're a finance wonk or just someone interested in the recent history of the United States, The Bubble Decade is well worth a watch.