The National Parks: America's Best Idea

The National Parks: America's Best Idea (2009)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

Filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature's most spectacular locales – from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska - The National Parks: America's Best Idea is nonetheless a story of people: people from every conceivable background – rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs; people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy.

Network
ScheduleMonday - Sunday (daily) at 20:00 (120 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E06The Morning of Creation (1946-1980)oct. 2, 2009
S01E05Great Nature (1933-1945)oct. 1, 2009
S01E04Going Home (1920-1933)sept. 30, 2009
S01E03The Empire of Grandeur (1915-1919)sept. 29, 2009
S01E02The Last Refuge (1890-1915)sept. 28, 2009
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' premiere?

'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' premiered on September 27, 2009.

Who directed 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea'?

'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' was directed by Ken Burns.

How many episodes are in the first season of 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea'?

'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' is a six-episode miniseries.

Who wrote the score for 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea'?

The score for 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' was composed by Florentine Films.

What is 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' about?

'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' chronicles the history of the United States' national parks system.

How long is each episode of 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea'?

Each episode of 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' is approximately 120 minutes long.

Was 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' a critical success?

Yes, 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' was critically acclaimed and won three Emmy Awards.

Where does 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' take viewers?

'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' takes viewers on a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in America, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon.

Who narrates 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea'?

The narration for 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' is provided by Peter Coyote.

What is the ultimate goal of 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea'?

The ultimate goal of 'The National Parks: America's Best Idea' is to inspire viewers to cherish and preserve America's national parks for future generations.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The Chi
Running

The Chi

The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. Kevin is the pre-teen who must step past shattered illusions and embrace the normal rites of childhood, while Brandon the dreamer makes his own nearly impossible leap of faith to succeed in life and love with girlfriend Jerrika. Emmett is the carefree teen is thrust into complex responsibility with guidance from his mother Jada, and Ronnie is the drifter whose struggle to love and be loved calls into question his every pursuit.

GenreDrama
Watch What Happens Live
Running

Watch What Happens Live

Watch What Happens Live is an interactive series hosted by Bravo programming executive Andy Cohen, Bravo's Senior Vice President of Original Programming and Development, is best known to viewers as the host of the network's often explosive Watch What Happens reunion specials. Watch What Happens originally debuted as a live online show on www.bravotv.com. Watch What Happens welcomes guests from some of the cable network's most popular series, as well as other entertainment stars, to chat about pop culture and celebrities in the news!

Beat Bobby Flay
Running

Beat Bobby Flay

In order to Beat Bobby Flay, you have to get to him first. This new series is the ultimate throwdown-showdown... . Three culinary masters, each with their own signature dish, a dish that they'd stake their reputations on, travel to New York for the chance to challenge Bobby Flay to a head-to-head cook-off of their specialty. But first, these contenders must battle it out to see who has the culinary prowess to ultimately go one-on-one against Bobby on his own turf.

GenreFood
WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Running

WWE Friday Night SmackDown

Featuring a star-studded cast of WWE Superstars, SmackDown Live delivers a shot of adrenaline to viewers and bring fans over-the-top action, feats of athleticism beyond the reach of mortal men, and WWE's special brand of drama.

Running Point
Running

Running Point

When a scandal forces her brother to resign, Isla Gordon is appointed President of the Los Angeles Waves, one of the most storied professional basketball franchises, and her family business. Ambitious and often overlooked, Isla will have to prove to her skeptical brothers, the board, and the larger sports community that she was the right choice for the job, especially in the unpredictable, male-dominated world of sports.