The Great American Dream Machine

Watch The Great American Dream Machine

  • 1971
  • 1 Season
  • 8.3  (82)

The Great American Dream Machine was a landmark television program that aired on public broadcasting stations in the United States from 1971 to 1972. The show was a lively blend of comedy, satire, documentary, and music, which sought to explore some of the most pressing issues of the day.

The show was hosted by a rotating cast of characters, including actor Marshall Efron, journalist Nicholas von Hoffman, and actress Jane Fonda, who was a vocal political activist at the time. They were joined by a group of regular contributors, such as the poet and activist Allen Ginsberg, whose work explored themes of social justice and counterculture.

One of the defining features of The Great American Dream Machine was its irreverent, anarchic style. The show was clearly influenced by the free-form, experimental ethos of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and it was unafraid to tackle controversial subjects such as sex, drugs, and politics. Skits, parodies, and animations were all employed to get the message across in a way that was both entertaining and informative.

The show was divided into a series of segments that explored different aspects of American culture and society. One recurring segment was "Binghamton," a mock soap opera that poked fun at the melodramatic conventions of daytime television. Another segment, "Words, Words, Words," featured the work of the best poets and writers of the day, including Ginsberg and Norman Mailer.

The show also had a strong musical component, with performances from a variety of artists, including Carly Simon, Harry Belafonte, and the Lovin' Spoonful. These segments often featured live concerts, which were shot with a raw energy that captured the excitement of the era.

At its core, The Great American Dream Machine was a vehicle for social commentary and cultural critique. The show was unapologetically left-leaning in its politics, and it frequently took aim at the conservative values of the Nixon administration. However, it also had a broader agenda, exploring the complexities of American life in all its variations.

In one memorable segment, for example, the show examined the phenomenon of the "superstar" athlete, exploring the ways in which sports had become a kind of religion for many Americans. In another segment, the show tackled the delicate issue of race relations, featuring interviews with black and white Americans who offered their perspectives on the state of the nation.

Although The Great American Dream Machine only aired for two seasons, it left an indelible mark on American culture. The show was a product of its time, reflecting the countercultural spirit of the era in which it was produced. But it was also ahead of its time, exploring issues that would become even more relevant in the decades to come.

As a piece of television history, The Great American Dream Machine is a fascinating artifact of a bygone era. But as a commentary on the enduring themes of American life, it still resonates today. Its blend of humor, music, and social critique is a reminder of the power of television to provoke thought and inspire change.

The Great American Dream Machine is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between October 10, 1971 and on Shout! Factory

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Seasons
Episode 13
13. Episode 13
February 9, 1972
This episode features segments including The Dying Patient, Kramp TV Kitchen, The Selling of the American Flag and more!
Episode 12
12. Episode 12
February 1, 1971
This episode features coverage on Satchel Paige's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame as well as segments including The Dying Patient and more!
Episode 11
11. Episode 11
January 26, 1971
See classic segments such as Hair Today, The Women and The Debate. Also featuring guest musical performances by T.L. Davis.
Episode 10
10. Episode 10
January 19, 1971
Enjoy guests such as Art Underfoot, Mel Torme and David Archuleta. Segments include Frisbee, People In Process, Parade, High School, Marketplace and more.
Episode 9
9. Episode 9
January 12, 1971
Relive performances by Blood, Sweat & Tears and revel in classic segments such as Dream Chorus, My, My More My Lais and Miss North Carolina Pagent!
Episode 8
8. Episode 8
January 5, 1971
Marvel in two wondrous performances by musician Amanda Rose and get an inside look with Making of Buck & The Preacher with Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte.
Episode 7
7. Episode 7
December 29, 1971
See a young Henry Winkler in the musical skit, House That Jack Built. Also featuring segments with Marshall Efron in Dolls Will Be Dolls and spotlight on Cincinnati opera conductor, Thomas Schippers.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
December 15, 1971
Nicholas Von Hoffman gives his opinion on this episode of The Great American Dream Machine; also featuring segments Talkin' With Terkel and True Love
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
December 1, 1971
See a young Dick Cavett reciting famous writings, Kurt Vonnegut reading from his novel Slaughterhouse Five and much more!
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
November 17, 1971
Enjoy featured skits on this episode such as Auto Ballet, Parking Space, The Crop Duster and more! The Great American Hero for this week is Big Daddy Ed Roth.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
November 3, 1971
This episode features popular skit, Albert Brooks Famous School For Comedians. Additional material includes Opinion with Robert Townsend, American Dream Children and more!
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
October 20, 1971
This episode's Great American Hero is Roller Derby Queen, Ann Calvello. Also, see highlights with guest stars including Artie Shaw and Elaine Stritch.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
October 6, 1971
Transport back in time with highlights from the original series, including skits such as The Olive Question and a spotlight on this week's Great American Hero, Evil Knievel.
Description
Where to Watch The Great American Dream Machine
The Great American Dream Machine is available for streaming on the Shout! Factory website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Great American Dream Machine on demand at and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    October 10, 1971
  • IMDB Rating
    8.3  (82)
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