

TV series
The American Future: A History
2008, English, on BBC Two.
The American Future: A History is a four-part documentary series written and presented by Simon Schama which aired on BBC Two in the UK during October 2008, in the run up to the 2008 US presidential election. The first episode was broadcast on BBC Two at 9:00pm on 10 October 2008, and it was shown over four consecutive Fridays. The series saw Schama travelling through the United States as he investigated the conflicts from its past in order to understand the country's contemporary political situation. Schama presents and discusses both presidential candidates, Democratic Barack Obama and Republican John McCain from a historical point of view, emphasizing strongly the former. The documentary takes viewer to an epic journey through the history of the modern United States, but it also why Schama personally believed Barack Obama would be the ideal choice as the next president of the United States.
- Seasons
- 1
- Episodes
- 4
- Episode length
- 45 min
- Status
- Ended in 2008
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Where to watch The American Future: A History
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Latest episode
S1 E4: What is an American?
Aired 31 October 2008
Seasons 1
Cast & crew
Details
- First aired
- 10 October 2008
- Last aired
- 31 October 2008
- Network
- BBC Two
- Language
- English
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- Scripted
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The American Future: A History: quick answers
Is The American Future: A History worth watching?
The American Future: A History doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How many seasons of The American Future: A History are there?
The American Future: A History has 1 season and 4 episodes, about 45 minutes each.
Is The American Future: A History finished?
Yes. The American Future: A History ended in 2008, so you can watch the whole story.
Which OTT platform is The American Future: A History on?
The American Future: A History isn’t listed on any OTT platform in India yet. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
The American Future: A History parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The American Future: A History yet.
What shows are like The American Future: A History?
If you liked The American Future: A History, try American Experience, The Circus, History 101.
