Philadelphia: The Great Experiment
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About
A 14-part documentary series covering the history of Philadelphia, William Penn's great utopian experiment, from founding to today.
Seasons
Episodes
Season 1
Fever (1793-1820)
Philadelphia's population is decimated by an outbreak of yellow fever in 1793. As the city's physicians and civic leaders are fight back, they define our modern conception of public health, and establish some of the city's fundamental institutions that still operate today.
In Penn's Shadow (1680-1720)
Philadelphia celebrates its founder more than any other American city, but who exactly is William Penn? For many, he is a statue atop City Hall, but Penn's busy life reflected an era of chaotic upheaval and conflict. He is at once a radical Quaker, political prisoner, visionary city planner, absent landlord, and a slaveholder. His ideals, contradictions, and ambitions cast a long shadow across American history.
Franklin's Spark (1720-1765)
Benjamin Franklin is Philadelphia's most iconic citizen, but how did William Penn's city shape the man often called "The First American"? This episode follows Franklin from his arrival as a fugitive indentured servant to his emergence as a leader of craftsmen, civic innovator, media pioneer, politician, and the force behind America's greatest Enlightenment city. But all around Franklin, slavery drives the city's prosperity. Sampson, enslaved to Governor James Logan, strikes out for freedom, forcing Quaker power brokers to wrestle with the great evil of their times. And soon, Philadelphia's peaceful charter will face its greatest test, as a violent frontier conflict threatens to explode in the city's streets.
The Storm (1765-1790)
Discontent among Philadelphians rises with every new British tax, and with it, tension between the wealthy and working classes. As the largest and most diverse city in the colonies, Philadelphia attracts the powerful and passionate, and quickly becomes the headquarters for the American Revolution. Once independence –and war—is declared, revolutionaries seek out Loyalists, who they see as dangerous, and traitorous. Now, the city is at war with itself. Who will fight? Learn the real stories of iconic Philadelphians like Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, Thomas Paine, and Charles Willson Peale, and how their actions defined the Philadelphia, and nation, that would emerge.
Fever (1793-1820)
Philadelphia's population is decimated by an outbreak of yellow fever in 1793. As the city's physicians and civic leaders are fight back, they define our modern conception of public health, and establish some of the city's fundamental institutions that still operate today.
Disorder (1820-1854)
In the decades before the Civil War, the city we know as Philadelphia was divided into 29 independent towns and districts. With no unified police, fire, or political authority, chaos ruled the streets. Riots over slavery, jobs, and religion became the norm during the most violent period in the city's history. See the dreamers attempting to hold on to the revolutionary past, the firebrands who challenge the city to rise up against slavery, and the mobs who threaten to destroy it all. Whose Philadelphia will survive?
An Equal Chance (1855-1871)
The Civil War shatters neighborhood calm and brings old tensions to a boiling point. Philadelphia will be the powerhouse of the North: brimming with industrial muscle, scores of war hospitals, and thousands of troops. Citizens rally around President Lincoln's call that "all should have an equal chance." But with the war over and the President dead, the fight for equality becomes a battle in the streets - with tragic results.
The Floodgates Open
An era of aspiration and ambition characterized post Civil War Philadelphia. Industrialists sought great wealth and expansion. Newly freed African Americans sought equality. Lincoln's political party planted its flag for power and control. A new City Hall would house their government. The excitement and promise of the era would be capped with a major national celebration, the Centennial of 1876. (Pilot episode)
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Stream Philadelphia: The Great Experiment online free in HD on Bowood.TV. A talked-about documentary series originally produced in English and released in 2012, it's earned a solid 0.0/10 from 0 viewers worldwide.
About Philadelphia: The Great Experiment
A 14-part documentary series covering the history of Philadelphia, William Penn's great utopian experiment, from founding to today. Across 1 season and 14 episodes, originally airing on YouTube.
Where to Watch Philadelphia: The Great Experiment Online
On Bowood.TV you can watch Philadelphia: The Great Experiment free — no account, no credit card, no ads in the middle of the show. We stream the full series in 720p / 1080p HD, with subtitles when available, on any device: phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV browser.
▶ Watch Philadelphia: The Great Experiment NowWhy People Are Watching Philadelphia: The Great Experiment
Philadelphia: The Great Experiment flies under the radar but it deserves your attention. What makes it work is a tone and style that's hard to find elsewhere. If you enjoy English storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about Philadelphia: The Great Experiment
Where can I watch Philadelphia: The Great Experiment online for free?
You can watch Philadelphia: The Great Experiment online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How many episodes does Philadelphia: The Great Experiment have?
Philadelphia: The Great Experiment has 14 episodes across 1 season. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.
Is Philadelphia: The Great Experiment good? What's the rating?
Philadelphia: The Great Experiment holds a 0.0/10 rating based on 0 reviews — a niche pick worth checking out.
Is Philadelphia: The Great Experiment available in English?
Yes — Philadelphia: The Great Experiment was originally produced in English and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV.
When was Philadelphia: The Great Experiment released?
Philadelphia: The Great Experiment first aired in 2012.
Do I need an account to watch Philadelphia: The Great Experiment on Bowood.TV?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Philadelphia: The Great Experiment for free?
You can watch Philadelphia: The Great Experiment online for free on Bowood.TV. All 14 episodes across 1 season are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.
How many seasons and episodes does Philadelphia: The Great Experiment have?
Philadelphia: The Great Experiment currently has 1 season and a total of 14 episodes. The series status is "Ended", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.
What is Philadelphia: The Great Experiment about?
A 14-part documentary series covering the history of Philadelphia, William Penn's great utopian experiment, from founding to today. It belongs to the Documentary genre.
In which language is Philadelphia: The Great Experiment originally available?
Philadelphia: The Great Experiment was originally produced in English. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original English audio, which is the most authentic way to experience the dialogue, music, and performances. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.
When was Philadelphia: The Great Experiment first released?
Philadelphia: The Great Experiment first premiered on April 6, 2012 (2012). The series has since concluded its run.
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