Picture Credit: HISTORY Channel
If you’re a history buff, Netflix has been treating you very well lately. In the run-up to the United States’ semiquincentennial—better known as AMERICA 250—Netflix has teamed up with A&E Networks to license a massive collection of premium History Channel documentaries.
As we’ve been reporting over the last few months, Netflix has been slowly drip-feeding some phenomenal historical docuseries onto the platform as the country gears up for July 4th. The rollout began with an initial massive wave of titles back in April, followed by an absolute treasure trove of presidential and military deep-dives that dropped on May 18th, and more cultural documentaries queued up for June 15th.
If you’re looking to brush up on your American history before the fireworks begin, you’ve got plenty of binge-watching to do. To make your viewing experience a bit easier, we’ve organized every History Channel documentary hitting Netflix for the AMERICA 250 celebration in chronological order by the era of history they cover, taking you from the earliest colonial days straight through to modern pop culture.
America: Our Defining Hours
We’re kicking things off with a sweeping look at over 300 years of U.S. history. This overarching docuseries focuses on how the American spirit was forged during the nation’s most desperate moments of crisis, making it the perfect starting point for your AMERICA 250 binge.
Washington
Clocking in at 3 episodes, this series is headlined by the voiceover of Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom), following the idealistic soldier-turned-folk-hero who leads a near-decade-long battle against the overwhelming might of the British military to forge a new nation.
Thomas Jefferson
Clocking in at six episodes, this extensive documentary series explores the complex life and enduring legacy of Thomas Jefferson, the third President and one of the principal founding fathers of the United States.
Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution
Hosted by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, this powerful documentary special looks into the Black Americans who stepped up to serve in the US military during the Revolutionary War, highlighting heroes who history books often overlook.
The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen
This high-budget docudrama, executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, follows the icons who blazed trails into the unknown American wilderness following the Revolution, including legendary figures like Daniel Boone, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Davy Crockett.
Abraham Lincoln
As the Civil War rages on, President Abraham Lincoln must navigate a divided nation and a fractured cabinet to preserve the Union and end slavery. The three episodes feature Graham Sibley, Stefan Adegbola, and Jenny Stead.
Grant
Dramatic reenactments, expert commentary, and more tell the story of Ulysses S. Grant, who overcame incredible obstacles to lead the Union to victory.
Sitting Bull
A gripping docudrama detailing the life, leadership, and legacy of the Hunkpapa Lakota leader who famously led his people during years of resistance against United States government policies. Executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Theodore Roosevelt
This two-part series traces Theodore Roosevelt from a sickly child to a Rough Rider and eventual US president, where he decisively reforms US policies and champions conservation.
The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America
Part of the popular “That Built America” franchise, this series explores the surprising origins of the nation’s biggest “vice” industries and the titans who turned them into commercial empires during the Gilded Age and beyond.
FDR
Across 3 episodes, Franklin D. Roosevelt rise to the presidency and leads the United States through the Great Depression and World War II is explored in this gripping docudrama.
The Great War
This two-part documentary follows early US involvement in World War I, including General John Pershing’s campaign and the vital, often overlooked experiences of African American soldiers.
The Harlem Hellfighters
Executive produced and narrated by Robin Roberts, this empowering documentary explores the leadership, sacrifice, and valor of the predominantly African American military unit known as the Harlem Hellfighters. The regiment achieved the extraordinary in the face of near-impossible odds, overcoming both the grueling realities of World War I abroad and severe racism at home.
American Godfathers: The Five Families
If you loved Netflix’s Fear City, this is the perfect companion piece. Narrated by The Sopranos star Michael Imperioli, this series traces the 50-year rise and fall of the Five Families of New York’s mafia.
Triumph: Jesse Owens and the Berlin Olympics
Executive produced by LeBron James and narrated by Don Cheadle[2], this inspiring documentary showcases African American track and field athlete Jesse Owens’ historic triumph during the 1936 Berlin Olympics[2]. Earning a staggering four gold medals, Owens took the world stage by storm, demonstrating unmatched resilience while single-handedly debunking Hitler’s myth of Aryan supremacy[2][3].
Origins of Hip Hop
A fantastic docuseries where some of the biggest icons in hip-hop music sit down to share their personal stories and explore the roots of the genre, taking us right into the modern era of American culture.
Hip Hop Treasures
In a celebration of contemporary American musical heritage, hip-hop legends contribute their most prized, iconic items to the Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx.
Are you enjoying the massive wave of History Channel documentaries on Netflix? Let us know which era of history you’re diving into first in the comments down below!
