Curious about how the US came into being or fascinated by the history of the United States? Then you have to be at Netflix today The American Experiment (2026). In this docuseries, director Brian Knappenberger talks to a number of influential people from America to sketch the picture of the creation of this world power.
United States Foundation
The United States has been around for almost 250 years, so that is the time for Netflix to make a docuseries about the founding of the country. The five-part documentary series The American Experiment According to the streaming giant, it offers a fresh look at the history of the United States. Central to this is the radical question from the American Revolution: can a people govern themselves?
Martin Sheen als George Washington
Director Brian Knappenberger (Turning Point) shows how a nation built on an untested idea still struggles with the paradox between slavery and freedom, and between individual power and minority rights. The series spans the period from the Revolution to the first presidency, complete with reenacted scenes featuring Martin Sheen as George Washington. This documentary shows how the debates of that time still divide the country today, with the ultimate question: will this extraordinary experiment last?
The American Experiment (2026)
Watch on Netflix • “The American Experiment” explores how a nation built on an untested idea continues to grapple with the fundamental contradictions between slavery and freedom, and between individual power and minority representation – and how American democracy has been built, tested and reshaped over two and a half centuries.
Influential people speak
To answer that question, come in The American Experiment several famous faces. For example, we see Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton and Al Gore speaking in the new docuseries. The interviews are supplemented by conversations with former vice presidents, members of Congress, historians, tribal leaders and military personnel. Their politically diverse perspectives fuel deep conversations about the future of American democracy.
‘The American Experiment’ via Netflix
Image: ‘The American Experiment’ via Netflix
