American Experience backdrop
Documentary

The Best Episodes of American Experience Season 10

Every episode of American Experience Season 10 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Experience Season 10!

Binge this in 9h 15m•Peaking at 8.2/10

TV's most-watched history series brings to life the compelling stories from our past that inform our understanding of the world today.

Airs on
PBS
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons38

All1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    American Experience Season 10 Episode 1 - Truman (1): An Accident of Democracy
    8.2/10(123 votes)

    #1 - Truman (1): An Accident of Democracy

    S10:E1

    A study of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president. Part 1 covers his service during World War I; his accomplishments as a small-time Kansas City politician; his two terms as a Missouri senator.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. American Experience Season 10 Episode 2 - Truman (2): The Moon, the Stars and All the Planets
    7.7/10(74 votes)

    #2 - Truman (2): The Moon, the Stars and All the Planets

    S10:E2

    Harry S. Truman recalls his post-WWII economic policies; his 1948 presidential campaign; the Korean War; and his celebrated clash with Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. American Experience Season 10 Episode 3 - A Midwife's Tale
    7.4/10(113 votes)

    #3 - A Midwife's Tale

    S10:E3

    Chronicling the efforts of historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich to gather facts about early American life through the diaries of Maine resident and midwife Martha Ballard (1735?-1812). Included: dramatizations of some of the passages; and the use of town documents to supplement some of Ballard's accounts.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. American Experience Season 10 Episode 4 - Mr. Miami Beach
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #4 - Mr. Miami Beach

    S10:E4

    Recalling the life of Carl Fisher, the entrepreneur who “sold the glamour of Florida” and turned a swampland into Miami Beach. Included: how he developed the resort town using topsoil from the Everglades and sand from Biscayne Bay.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. American Experience Season 10 Episode 5 - Influenza 1918
    7.9/10(200 votes)

    #5 - Influenza 1918

    S10:E5

    Chronicling the epidemic of the Spanish flu in 1918, which claimed “more than 600,000 lives.” Included: futile attempts to develop a vaccine; and how the virus spread to Europe.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. American Experience Season 10 Episode 6 - Reagan (1): Lifeguard
    7.7/10(209 votes)

    #6 - Reagan (1): Lifeguard

    S10:E6

    The life and legacy of Ronald Reagan are examined in a two-part study, beginning with his impoverished childhood; his start as a radio sportscaster and career as an actor; his two terms as governor of California; and his 1980 election to the Presidency. Among those interviewed: Nancy Reagan and Ron Reagan Jr.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of American Experience

    READ
  7. American Experience Season 10 Episode 7 - Reagan (2): An American Crusade
    7.8/10(112 votes)

    #7 - Reagan (2): An American Crusade

    S10:E7

    The conclusion of a biography of Ronald Reagan focuses on the president's second term and includes his defense-spending policies and the Iran-Contra scandal.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. American Experience Season 10 Episode 8 - Surviving the Dust Bowl
    7.5/10(103 votes)

    #8 - Surviving the Dust Bowl

    S10:E8

    Children of 1930s Plains farmers recall the Dust Bowl, the eight-year drought that was made far worse by the 30 years of aggressive farming that preceded it. "A lot of people thought it was the end of the world," one survivor says.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. American Experience Season 10 Episode 9 - Riding the Rails
    7.0/10(40 votes)

    #9 - Riding the Rails

    S10:E9

    During the Depression-era 1930's, tens of thousands of teenagers hopped freight trains in search of a better life elsewhere. What they found was a mixture of adventure, camaraderie, hardship and loneliness. The evocative stories of teen hoboes crisscrossing America during tough times.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 10 Ratings Summary

"Truman (1): An Accident of Democracy" is the best rated episode of "American Experience" season 10. It scored 8.2/10 based on 123 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 10/5/1997. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "Truman (2): The Moon, the Stars and All the Planets".