Watch The Great American Read

The Great American Read is an inspiring and thought-provoking television series produced by PBS and hosted by Meredith Vieira. The show was first aired on May 22, 2018, and explores the power of literature and its impact on American culture. It is based on a nationwide survey that aimed to identify America's 100 most-loved novels, chosen from a list of 1000 titles.

Each hour-long episode of the show focuses on a different theme, such as love or adventure, and features interviews with authors, celebrities, and ordinary Americans who discuss the books that have impacted their lives. The host, Meredith Vieira, engages with celebrities and authors including Margaret Atwood, George R.R. Martin, and Neil deGrasse Tyson as they share their thoughts on the novels that have touched their hearts and minds.

The show also explores the context of each book, probing into the themes and societal implications that have made them such important parts of American literary culture. Guests from different social, cultural and professional backgrounds share their insights, discussing the relevance and power of the works to their own lives, as well as those of others.

Throughout the show, viewers are also given the chance to learn more about each of the 100 most-loved novels in America. Brief summaries and fascinating tidbits about these books are provided on screen, giving audiences a chance to learn more about the books that have shaped American culture.

The show is also interactive, providing opportunities for viewers to engage with the program through social media, online discussions, and local events. These activities provide an immersive experience and an opportunity to participate in the nationwide conversation about the importance of literature in American life.

In addition to examining American favorites, The Great American Read also explores the diverse novels of different genres, cultures, and time periods. The show dives deep into the world of literary classics, such as The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Moby Dick by Herman Melville. It then switches gears to explore the amazing power of fantasy in books like A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin and The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien.

The Great American Read is not only an engaging and entertaining program but also serves as a vehicle for meaningful conversations about the importance of reading and its impact on our lives. It showcases how books connect us with each other, motivate us to do better and inspire creativity, imagination, and intellectual growth. The show encourages audiences to think deeply about the themes, context, and relevance of different books, and how these factors impact us at different stages of our lives.

The show also highlights the importance of shared reading experiences in building strong communities. As viewers learn about different books, they are exposed to different perspectives and are encouraged to share and discuss their own opinions and ideas with others. This fosters mutual understanding and respect as people come together to celebrate the power of great literature.

In conclusion, The Great American Read is an excellent program that is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. The show is thought-provoking, inspiring, and engaging, inviting viewers to dive deep into the world of literature alongside a host of literary figures and cultural icons. It is a celebration of the diversity and richness of American literary culture, emphasizing the role of books in shaping our ideas, beliefs, and values as a society.

The Great American Read is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on May 22, 2018.