Against the backdrop of major events in American history like the Civil War and the Great Depression, "The Toys that Built America" tells a different story—one that brings toys to the forefront as driving forces behind untold cultural and economic shifts.
3 seasons · 26 episodes
This season turns the lens on an exciting new selection of bold visionaries and creators behind history’s biggest-selling toys, games, and action figures as they build billion-dollar empires against the backdrop of a changing world in the 2
S3 E1Transforming Toy Invasion
Oct 15, 202341 min
In 1983, underdog company Tonka sets out to bring a game-changing toy from Japan to America: the transformable robot. But they're soon confronted by industry giant, Hasbro, who has its own competing toy line. It's a true David vs. Goliath s
S3 E2Mind Game Masters
Oct 22, 202341 min
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
S3 E3Video Game Visionaries
Oct 29, 202341 min
Thanks to the industry-defining innovations of three men through the creation of games like Super Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon, Nintendo goes from a struggling playing card company to a video game juggernaut.
S3 E4Game Night Legends
Nov 5, 202341 min
In the 1970s, the board game industry was aimed almost entirely at children, until a literal game changer came along in Trivial Pursuit; redefining the possibilities for adult fun, it opened up a whole new genre.
S3 E5Mighty Mutant Mayhem
Nov 12, 202341 min
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 tak
S3 E6Old Games, New Twists
Nov 26, 202341 min
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.
