Watch United States of Secrets

United States of Secrets is a gripping documentary series from the PBS Documentaries that explores the controversial and secretive government surveillance programs in the post 9/11 era. The show investigates the origins, evolution, and impact of these programs on privacy rights, civil liberties, and national security.

The series is divided into two parts. The first part, titled "The Program", focuses on the emergence of the National Security Agency's (NSA) secret surveillance program - known as the "Stellar Wind" - after the September 11 attacks. The show delves into the decision-making process that led to the creation of the program, its legality under the law, and the extent of the data collection and storage.

The second part, "Privacy Lost", examines the aftermath of the leaks by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, who revealed the extent of the government's surveillance programs to the public. The show discusses the media's coverage of the issue, the controversy surrounding Snowden's actions, and the impact of the leaks on national security and international relations.

Throughout the series, viewers are presented with a wide range of perspectives from experts, journalists, whistleblowers, and government officials who have been involved in the development and implementation of these programs. Interviews with former NSA directors, White House officials, and members of Congress provide insight into the political and bureaucratic factors that shaped the surveillance programs.

One of the notable figures in the show is former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore, who served as chair of the National Commission for Review of Research and Development Programs of the U.S Intelligence Community from 1999 to 2003. Gilmore provides a unique perspective on the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent government response, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the intelligence reforms that followed.

In addition to Gilmore, the show features interviews with other prominent figures, including Glenn Greenwald, the journalist who helped break the Snowden story; General Keith Alexander, former director of the NSA; Barton Gellman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who covered the Snowden leaks; and Thomas Drake, a former NSA employee who was charged with espionage after blowing the whistle on the agency's surveillance activities.

The show also features archival footage, news reports, and multimedia presentations to provide context and background on the events being discussed. The visuals are well-designed and contribute greatly to the story's overall tone.

Overall, United States of Secrets is a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at one of the most controversial and complex issues of our time. Through in-depth interviews and archival footage, the series sheds light on the intricate and often murky world of government surveillance and the delicate balance between national security and privacy rights. Jim Gilmore and the rest of the interviewees provide insights that will leave viewers questioning their own opinions on the issue. The show serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the complex and evolving nature of government surveillance and its impact on American society.

United States of Secrets is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between May 13, 2014 and on PBS Documentaries