This American Life

Name: This American Life
Genre: Documentary & Biography
Released: 2007-03-22
Cast: Ira Glass

TV-14
2007
2 Seasons
8.3 (584)

The television program This American Life is based on the radio show of the same name that airs on National Public Radio, also known as NPR. Host Ira Glass of WBEZ in Chicago hosts both the radio show and the television show. Each episode the show discusses a theme and then tells the stories of everyday Americans that go with that theme. They touch on subjects like racism, family life, and social issues. This isn't a show about pop culture or a reality television show, even though it is a non-fiction program. These are stories that everyone can relate to and the cover the full spectrum of human emotion. Some episodes will make you laugh, some will make you cry, some are even quirky, but they will always leave you feeling like you've learned something about being an American and the challenges and struggles that come with living in this country.

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Seasons

2 1

7. No Respect

May 29, 2010

A bonus second-season edition comprised of material produced for the This American Life web site, a look at comedians and their audiences includes segments about unknown comics performing for a rowdy crowd at a club in the middle of nowhere, and a piece about Mike Birbiglia, a standup with a scathing routine about his worst gig ever.

6. John Smith

June 8, 2008

A look at the large number of people named John Smith, including an 11-week old baby who was supposed to be a boy, and a 23 year old man in Wyoming who is in trouble with the law. Lastly, a 46 year old who is awaiting the return of his son from the war in Iraq.

5. Every Marriage is a Courtroom

June 1, 2008

Comic book artist Chris Ware animates a true story that reveals how all marriages, good or bad, are in essence courtrooms. Ware's animation brings to life the tragic tale of one couple's failed attempt at matrimony.

4. Underdogs

May 25, 2008

A focus on two different boxers from Tennessee who battle each other in a match which means a lot to both men. Also, a group of New York youths learn how to challenge their bullies by using humor instead of fists.

3. Going Down In History

May 18, 2008

A common medicine cabinet item was used in the escape attempt of two Wisconsin convicts. Plus, a man's with a 30-year obsession with a flying critter. Also, a high school yearbook photo hides the tragedy and drama withing the kids young lives.

2. Two Wars

May 11, 2008

A young Iraqi man takes questions from American citizens about his homeland. A Rhode Island man from Bulgaria discusses a long time argument he has had with his American wife.

1. Escape

May 4, 2008

In Philadelphia, young boys use a mode of transportation which has been obsolete since the 19th century to impress girls and break free of the confines of their home. Also, specialized circumstances makes a young man's breakaway for independence and from his mother a bit tougher.

Description

Each episode the show discusses a theme and then tells the stories of everyday Americans that go with that theme. They touch on subjects like racism, family life, and social issues. This isn't a show about pop culture or a reality television show, even though it is a non-fiction program. These are stories that everyone can relate to and the cover the full spectrum of human emotion. Some episodes will make you laugh, some will make you cry, some are even quirky, but they will always leave you feeling like you've learned something about being an American and the challenges and struggles that come with living in this country.This American Life is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (13 episodes). The series first aired on March 22, 2007.

This American Life is available for streaming on the Showtime website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch This American Life on demand at Showtime, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, FuboTV, Google Play, Apple TV and Showtime Anytime.