Watch Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal

Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal is a gripping, insightful docuseries on CNN that delves into one of the most infamous political scandals in American history. The series is comprised of six episodes, each an hour in length, that provides a comprehensive overview of the scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon, and its lasting impact on the country and its political institutions.

Narrated by legendary journalist Lesley Stahl, the show features interviews with key players from the Nixon administration, journalists who broke the story, and experts on American politics and history. Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, the reporters at the Washington Post who were instrumental in exposing the cover-up surrounding the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate complex, also provide their insights and recount their experiences.

The first episode of Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal sets the stage by introducing the political, social, and cultural context of the early 1970s, when the scandal unfolded. The show poignantly captures the atmosphere of a post-Vietnam, post-Civil Rights America, with its widespread disillusionment and mistrust towards institutions of power, including the White House.

As the series progresses, Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal goes deeper into the intricate details of the scandal, including the infamous 'plumbers' unit that carried out the break-in, the cover-up orchestrated by the Nixon administration, and the role of former Attorney General John Mitchell in obstructing justice. The show provides never-before-seen footage and documents that shed light on the inner-workings of the Nixon administration and the intricate web of lies and deceit that was spun around the scandal.

One of the strengths of Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal is how it places the scandal in a larger historical and political context, tracing its origins to Nixon's election in 1968 and his belief in the imperial presidency. The series also explores the various factors that contributed to the downfall of the Nixon administration, such as the tireless reporting of Bernstein and Woodward, the Senate hearings convened by Senator Sam Ervin, and the increasingly pressure exerted by the public and media.

The final episode of Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal delivers a cathartic finale that explores the aftermath of the scandal, including Nixon's resignation, the impeachment proceedings against him, and the subsequent pardon by his successor, Gerald Ford. The episode also examines the lasting impact of the scandal on American politics and the ways in which it contributed to a broader mistrust and cynicism towards the institutions of power.

Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal is a remarkable docuseries that combines gripping storytelling, stunning visuals, and insightful analysis to offer a fresh perspective on one of the most consequential moments in American history. It does an excellent job of making sense of a complex and convoluted event, without losing sight of the broader historical context and ramifications. The interviews with key players from the scandal provide an added layer of authenticity and richness to the show, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in American politics or history.

Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on June 5, 2022.