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The Best Episodes of American Experience Season 26

Every episode of American Experience Season 26 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Experience Season 26!

Binge this in 6h 25m•Peaking at 8.4/10

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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    American Experience Season 26 Episode 1 - The Poisoner's Handbook
    7.2/10(333 votes)

    #1 - The Poisoner's Handbook

    S26:E1

    The story of New York City's first medical examiner, Charles Norris (1867-1935), and his chief toxicologist, Alexander Gettler (1883-1968), who pioneered the use of forensic science to explain violent and suspicious deaths. Included are remarks from renowned medical examiners Marcella Fierro and Michael Baden and author Deborah Blum ("The Poisoner's Handbook"). Oliver Platt narrates.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. American Experience Season 26 Episode 2 - 1964
    8.1/10(173 votes)

    #2 - 1964

    S26:E2

    Recalling 1964, a pivotal year in U.S. history. While the Beatles captured the imaginations of the nation's youth, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, unveiled his vision of a "Great Society" and squared off against Barry Goldwater in the presidential election. Also covered: the murders of three Freedom Summer volunteers; and the influence of Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique." Based in part on Jon Margolis' "The Last Innocent Year: America in 1964."

    Director:Stephen Ives
    Writer:Stephen Ives

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  3. American Experience Season 26 Episode 3 - The Amish: Shunned
    8.2/10(143 votes)

    #3 - The Amish: Shunned

    S26:E3

    The Amish practice of shunning those who leave their faith is explored through the experiences of individuals who have left their communities. Also: faithful Amish men and women share the heartbreak they feel when a loved one leaves.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. American Experience Season 26 Episode 4 - Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid
    8.4/10(377 votes)

    #4 - Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid

    S26:E4

    The story of outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, whose turn-of-the-century exploits made headlines, led them to be pursued by Pinkerton detectives and inspired the popular 1969 film starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. American Experience Season 26 Episode 5 - The Rise and Fall of Penn Station
    8.2/10(133 votes)

    #5 - The Rise and Fall of Penn Station

    S26:E5

    The story of New York's Pennsylvania Station, which opened to the public in 1910. One of the greatest architectural and engineering achievements of its time, it covered nearly eight acres and required the construction of 16 miles of underground tunnels. It closed its doors some 50 years later, giving way to Madison Square Garden, a high-rise office building and sports complex.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. American Experience Season 26 Episode 6 - Freedom Summer
    6.5/10(195 votes)

    #6 - Freedom Summer

    S26:E6

    Recalling the summer of 1964 in Mississippi, when student volunteers from around the country joined local activists in an effort to register to vote as many African-Americans as possible. (Due to intimidation and arcane tests, less than seven percent of the state's African-Americans were registered.) Activists also set up schools to teach children about African-American history; and created a rival Democratic Party to challenge the all-white delegation to the 1964 Democratic National Convention.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. American Experience Season 26 Episode 7 - Cold War Roadshow
    7.3/10(188 votes)

    #7 - Cold War Roadshow

    S26:E7

    In 1959, at the very height of the Cold War, with American schoolchildren practicing duck-and-cover drills, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, the man who Americans feared could incinerate them in a rain of hydrogen bombs arrived in Washington, D.C. at the invitation of President Eisenhower. For both men, the visit was an opportunity to halt the escalating threats of the Cold War and chart a new course toward peaceful coexistence

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 26 Ratings Summary

"The Poisoner's Handbook" is the best rated episode of "American Experience" season 26. It scored 7.2/10 based on 333 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/7/2014. This episode is rated 0.9 points higher than the second-best, "1964".