Watch America Revealed
- 2012
- 1 Season
-
8.0 (154)
America Revealed was a four-part documentary series from PBS that aired in 2012. Hosted by Yul Kwon, who won the reality TV show Survivor, the show explored the intricacies of the American economy and infrastructure through a unique lens - the movement of goods and people. From the air to the roads, the railways to the waterways, Kwon took viewers on a journey across the United States, showcasing the inner workings of the country's transportation networks and the industries that rely on them.
The first episode, "Food Machine," delved into the vast system that brings food from farms to dinner tables. Kwon traveled to farms in California and Iowa, where he witnessed the technological developments and global competition that have transformed American agriculture. He then explored the elaborate logistics of getting food to people's plates, from the multi-billion-dollar trucking industry to the pioneers of online grocery delivery.
The second episode, "Nation on the Move," focused on the transportation infrastructure that moves people and goods across America. Kwon took to the skies in a small airplane to show how air traffic control works, visited major ports on the east coast to witness how shipping has evolved over the years, and experienced the frenzied pace of package sorting at UPS. He also looked at the potential of high-speed rail and explored how communities are adapting to increased transportation needs.
In the third episode, "Electric Nation," Kwon investigated America's energy grid and the challenges it faces. He visited a wind farm in Texas and a solar panel plant in Arizona, showing how renewable energy is becoming increasingly important. He also looked at the aging infrastructure of the electrical grid and the efforts being made to modernize it, as well as the push for more efficient energy usage in American homes and businesses.
The final episode, "Made in the USA," focused on American manufacturing and the importance of innovation in today's global market. Kwon visited various factories across the country, from car assembly lines in Detroit to toy factories in Pennsylvania, to showcase how American manufacturers are constantly adapting to new technologies and market pressures. He also explored the role of intellectual property and the importance of protecting American innovations.
Throughout the series, Kwon used stunning computer-generated imagery to illustrate the vast transportation networks and technological marvels that make modern day commerce possible. The show also featured interviews with key players in these industries, as well as regular Americans impacted by the ever-changing landscape of the American economy.
Overall, America Revealed was a captivating series that provided an in-depth look at the complex workings of the American economy and infrastructure. Kwon's expertise and enthusiasm as a host, combined with stunning visuals and insightful interviews, made for an engaging and educational viewing experience.
America Revealed is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between April 11, 2012 and on PBS