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

The history of the U.S. National Parks system, including the initial ideas which led to the world's first national parks and the expansion of the system over 150 years.

Stars:

Peter Coyote, Philip Bosco, Murphy Guyer

Won 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 5 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Peter Coyote	...	Narrator (6 episodes, 2009)
Philip Bosco		(5 episodes, 2009)
Murphy Guyer		(5 episodes, 2009)
Kevin Conway		(5 episodes, 2009)
Tom Hanks		(5 episodes, 2009)
Adam Arkin		(4 episodes, 2009)
Lee Stetson		(4 episodes, 2009)
Amy Madigan		(4 episodes, 2009)
Tim Clark		(3 episodes, 2009)
Derek Jacobi		(3 episodes, 2009)
Carolyn McCormick	...	1920-1933 (3 episodes, 2009)
Josh Lucas		(3 episodes, 2009)
Eli Wallach		(3 episodes, 2009)
Gene Jones		(3 episodes, 2009)

Storyline

The history of the U.S. National Parks system, including the initial ideas which led to the world's first national parks and the expansion of the system over 150 years.

---

Plot Keywords:

national park | tv mini series | conservation | nature

---

Genres:

Documentary | History

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 September 2009 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Florentine Films, WETA

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min 120 min (6 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Late Show with David Letterman: Episode #16.190 (2009)

User Reviews

This IS America.

If you can only see one National Park, make it The Grand Canyon. It really is another world. Then buy this 6 DVD set. This is documentary at it's finest. Ken Burns does this extremely well. It kept me enthralled through all 6 episodes. The cinematography is stunning. The history telling is inspiring and spiritual, yet accurate. I discovered some new heroes watching this. This mini-series embodies what democracy is all about. It started with the first National Park and it was an original American idea. That's right, we did it first. This is the kind of pride that shows in this production. This is an excellent addition to anyone's collection, for entertainment and value of American tradition to pass on to upcoming generations.