The Toys That Built America

Watch The Toys That Built America

  • TV-PG
  • 2021
  • 3 Seasons
  • 7.8  (327)

The Toys That Built America is a docuseries that premiered on the History Channel in 2021. Hosted by toy and collectibles experts, Ian Karr, Jordan Hembrough, and Adam Richman, the show explores the origins and impact of some of America's most beloved toys. The series spans across three different eras, each comprising three episodes, beginning with the 19th century and leading up to the modern-day. The Toys That Built America examines the cultural, societal, and technological influences that shaped the toys we play with, and how these toys, in turn, have influenced American culture.

Each episode of the show focuses on a specific toy, including Legos, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Barbie, and Star Wars action figures, among others. They delve into the design, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of each toy, as well as its impact on both the toy industry and the wider culture.

Throughout the series, viewers get an in-depth look at how iconic toys like the Erector Set, Easy-Bake Oven, and Cabbage Patch Kids revolutionized their respective industries, leading the way for countless others. They also explore how toys have changed over time, reflecting changing social norms and technological advancements.

The show features interviews with toy historians, collectors, designers, and executives, who share their expertise and personal experiences with the toys they helped create or collect. The hosts also visit manufacturing facilities, toy conventions, and museums to gather firsthand information and artifacts related to each toy.

The Toys That Built America is not just a nostalgia trip for toy enthusiasts; it's a comprehensive exploration of American history through the lens of toys. The show highlights how toys played a crucial role in shaping American culture, from wartime efforts to encourage patriotism through military-themed toys to the sexual revolution's impact on the marketing of Barbie.

One of the show's most impressive feats is how it balances being a documentary with being entertaining. The hosts are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and their passion for toys is infectious. They strike a great balance between providing historical context and personal anecdotes, making the show accessible and enjoyable for experts and casual viewers alike.

The show's production value is also worth noting. Each episode is chock-full of high-quality visuals, including archival footage, vintage commercials, and beautifully shot scenes of the toys in action. The editing is tight, and the pacing is just right, ensuring that viewers remain engaged throughout.

Overall, The Toys That Built America is a must-watch for anyone interested in toy history or the intersection of culture and commerce. It's a fascinating, informative, and entertaining exploration of America's cultural history and the role that toys played in shaping it. Whether you're a collector of vintage toys or just someone looking for a new documentary series to watch, The Toys That Built America is well worth your time.

The Toys That Built America is a series that ran for 3 seasons (26 episodes) between November 28, 2021 and on History

The Toys That Built America
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Seasons
Most Valuable Toys
12. Most Valuable Toys
December 17, 2023
From Lionel Trains to video games, for the right collector our cherished childhood toys can be worth millions! Over the last three decades, people have paid some truly outrageous prices to get their hands on that elusive toy they always wanted.
The Prank Toy Race
11. The Prank Toy Race
December 17, 2023
For six decades two silly, but savvy entrepreneurs--S.S. Adams and H. Fishlove--turned their love of a good joke into a booming prank toy industry. Their heated rivalry produced hundreds of tricks and gags that entertained and annoyed four generations of Americans, many of which are still being sold to this day.
Hottest Wheels
10. Hottest Wheels
December 10, 2023
Whether you wear them, ride them, push them, or drive them, some of the funnest toys of childhood are built on wheels. From the velocipede to the Schwinn Stingray, or even pedal cars to Power Wheels, we're rolling our way through the history of the hottest toys on wheels and the surprising stories behind their creations.
90's Fad Toys
9. 90's Fad Toys
December 10, 2023
From Furbys to Pogs, the 1990s were full of unforgettable fad toys! It was a decade where old school toys like Beanies Babies went head-to-head with high tech wonders like Tamagotchi, and desperate parents would do anything to get their hands on them.
The Santa That America Built
8. The Santa That America Built
December 10, 2023
Santa Claus is one of the most beloved figures--and famous faces--on Earth, a symbol of hope and goodwill for all. But how did this third-century saint become the Santa we know today?
Happy Accidents
7. Happy Accidents
December 3, 2023
Two chance discoveries in the 1950s turn mundane industrial materials into legendary toys. Etch A Sketch and Play-Doh will rake in billions for decades to come, but not everyone will reap the rewards.
Old Games, New Twists
6. Old Games, New Twists
November 26, 2023
As toys become increasingly complex in the early 1970s, two unconventional inventors risk their homes and careers to bring revolutionary twists to classic games. Together, Uno and Connect Four unleash a wave of family friendly games that show the world sometimes simple is best.
Mighty Mutant Mayhem
5. Mighty Mutant Mayhem
November 12, 2023
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles high kick their way into the action figure market in the late 1980s, opening the door for a new kind of martial arts toy. But their place at the top is soon challenged by a mighty morphin phenomenon that takes the world by storm.
Game Night Legends
4. Game Night Legends
November 5, 2023
In the 1970s, the board game industry is aimed almost entirely at children, until a literal game changer comes along in Trivial Pursuit. Redefining the possibilities for adult fun, it opens up a whole new genre, while also setting the stage for another legendary picture-perfect game.
Video Game Visionaries
3. Video Game Visionaries
October 29, 2023
Thanks to the industry-defining innovations of three men through the creation of games like Super Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokemon, Nintendo goes from a struggling playing card company to a video game juggernaut.
Mind Game Masters
2. Mind Game Masters
October 22, 2023
Before World War II, board games are mostly simple, but postwar peace and prosperity reveals a demand for more challenging pastimes. After decades of struggle, three different innovators break the mold to release games that combine fun with an intellectual challenge: Scrabble, Clue and Yahtzee.
Transforming Toy Invasion
1. Transforming Toy Invasion
October 15, 2023
In 1983, underdog company Tonka sets out to bring the transformable robot from Japan to America, but they're soon confronted by an industry giant as Hasbro has its own competing toy line.
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Where to Watch The Toys That Built America
The Toys That Built America is available for streaming on the History website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Toys That Built America on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Hulu, History, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Sling, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    November 28, 2021
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (327)
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