Watch Story of Cool

Story of Cool is a documentary series that aired on MSNBC in 2018. It explores the evolution of cool and how it has influenced American culture over the last century. The show is hosted by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, who leads viewers through a journey of cool that ranges from the Harlem Renaissance to modern day hip-hop.

The series is divided into six episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of cool. The first episode, titled "The Birth of Cool," explores the origins of cool in the African American community of the early 20th century. It shows how cool was a response to the social and economic oppression faced by black Americans and became a way to assert their identity and reclaim their power.

The second episode, "Cool in War and Peace," examines how cool became a symbol of rebellion and resistance during the Cold War. It shows how icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando epitomized cool and how their attitudes and style influenced a generation. It also looks at how African American soldiers in Vietnam embraced cool as a way to cope with the horrors of war.

The third episode, "Cool and the Counterculture," explores how cool became a driving force in the social and cultural upheavals of the 1960s. It shows how the counterculture embraced cool as a way to challenge authority and resist conformity. It also looks at how music, fashion, and art were used to express cool during this period.

The fourth episode, "The Rise of Hip-Hop," traces the evolution of cool through the rise of hip-hop in the 1980s and 1990s. It shows how the music and culture of hip-hop transformed cool and became a global phenomenon. The episode also looks at how hip-hop icons like Tupac and Biggie Smalls embodied cool and how their deaths marked the end of an era.

The fifth episode, "Cool in Corporate America," examines how cool became a marketing tool for corporations in the 21st century. It shows how brands like Nike and Apple have used cool to sell products and how the concept of cool has been commodified and mainstreamed. It also looks at how social media has transformed cool and how influencers and celebrities have become the new arbiters of cool.

The final episode, "The Future of Cool," looks at how cool is evolving in the 21st century. It shows how the concept of cool is being redefined by a new generation of creators, activists, and artists. It also looks at how cool is being used as a tool for social and political change and how it is being reinvented for a new era.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to interviews with a wide range of experts, including musicians, fashion designers, artists, and historians. They offer insights into the significance of cool and how it has shaped American culture over the years. The series also features rare archival footage and photographs that bring the history of cool to life.

Overall, Story of Cool is an engaging and informative series that offers a fresh perspective on American history and culture. It makes a compelling case for the enduring relevance of cool and shows how it continues to influence and inspire people today.