Watch American Gypsies

American Gypsies is a reality television series that aired on the National Geographic channel in 2012. The show follows the lives of the extended family of Ralph and Laura Angelo, a Romani-American couple from New York City. The family is part of the Romani community, also known as Gypsies, a group with a rich cultural history but often misunderstood by mainstream society.

The series centers on the tensions within the Angelo family, including their struggles to balance their traditional cultural beliefs with the pressures of contemporary American life. The family is depicted as colorful, passionate, and loyal to their own, while also facing issues such as assimilation, inter-marriage, and racism. In the Romani community, the family is respected for its business acumen and sense of loyalty, while outsiders often view them with suspicion and mistrust.

Anthony Pezzolanti, a relative by marriage, is one of the most prominent members of the Angelo family and serves as a major character on the show. He is depicted as a charismatic and sometimes roguish personality, who embodies the Romani spirit of defiance and resilience in the face of prejudice. Denny Heide, a non-Romani family friend, is also heavily featured on the show, serving as a source of support for the Angelo family, especially when it comes to dealing with the legal system.

Throughout the series, we see the Angelo family grappling with a range of personal and professional issues, showcasing the diverse range of experiences and perspectives within the Romani community. There are moments of celebration, such as the extravagant weddings and religious ceremonies that feature prominently in Romani culture, as well as moments of tension and conflict, as the family navigates issues such as financial instability, cultural assimilation, and the challenges of raising children in two distinct worlds.

One notable aspect of the series is the way it openly addresses some of the negative stereotypes that are often associated with the Romani community. Despite being a close-knit and family-oriented group, the Romani have long faced suspicion and discrimination from outsiders, who often view them as untrustworthy or even criminal. American Gypsies seeks to correct these biases by providing an inside look at Romani culture, dispelling myths and promoting understanding.

Overall, American Gypsies is a captivating and thought-provoking series that offers a rare glimpse into the complex world of the Romani community. By providing a platform for the Angelo family to share their story, the show humanizes the Romani and challenges stereotypes, while also highlighting the importance of cultural diversity and respect.

American Gypsies is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between July 17, 2012 and on National Geographic