Watch The Great American Dream Machine

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 6, 1971 and on Shout! Factory