This American Life (2007-2008)

EndedDocumentary show

Compelling stories are explored every day on This American Life, the nearly 15-year-old, award-winning Chicago Public Radio show that boasts a devoted weekly listening audience of 1.7 million, and is heard on more than 500 stations nationally. The series, created in 1995 by host and executive producer Ira Glass, pioneered a unique way of telling stories on the radio. Its first-person telling of these revealing stories makes the radio series a great fit for television.

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Scheduleevery Thursday at 22:30 (30 min)

Last Episode

Season 2Episode 630 min

John Smith

The story of one life, told through the lives of people from all over the country, all named John Smith. Baby John Smith is 11 weeks old, in South Carolina, and his parents are still reeling from the sonograms that all predicted he would be a girl. By the time he's 23, John Smith in Laramie, Wyoming, has made some mistakes and is appearing in front of a judge. At 46, he's in Texas, welcoming his oldest son back from Iraq. In-depth portraits of people growing up, growing old, and figuring out how to be fathers, husbands, and men in America today.

Jun 8, 2008

Recent Episodes

Episode	Name	Airdate
S02E06	John Smith	Jun 8, 2008
S02E05	Every Marriage is a Courthouse	Jun 1, 2008
S02E04	Underdogs	May 25, 2008
S02E03	Going Down in History	May 18, 2008
S02E02	Two Wars	May 11, 2008

View all episodes View all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions Warning: Spoilers

What was the premiere date of 'This American Life' in 2007?

The premiere date of 'This American Life' in 2007 was March 22.

Who hosted 'This American Life' in 2007?

Ira Glass hosted 'This American Life' in 2007.

How many episodes were there in 'This American Life' in 2007?

There were 25 episodes in 'This American Life' in 2007.

What is the format of 'This American Life'?

'This American Life' is a weekly public radio show that features true stories centered on a theme.

What was the theme for the first episode of 'This American Life' in 2007?

The theme for the first episode of 'This American Life' in 2007 was "Tell Me a Secret."

What was the subject matter of the episode 'The Poetry of Propaganda'?

The episode 'The Poetry of Propaganda' explored how literature and media are used to influence public opinion.

What is the focus of the episode 'The Problem We All Live With'?

The episode 'The Problem We All Live With' focuses on the issue of racial integration in schools in the United States.

Who narrates the episode 'The Ghost of Bobby Dunbar'?

Tal McThenia narrates the episode 'The Ghost of Bobby Dunbar.'

What is the focus of the episode 'Going Down in History'?

The episode 'Going Down in History' explores the power of collective memory and how it is formed.

What is the subject matter of the episode 'The Super'?

The episode 'The Super' tells the story of a superintendent who lives in a building he manages.

What was the theme of the episode 'The Parent Trap'?

The theme of the episode 'The Parent Trap' was navigating relationships between parents and their adult children.