My family and I love to sit and learn about the History of our states. The visuals are incredible and it actually takes us 90 minutes to watch one episode cause I keep rewinding it to take in ALL the great footage!!!!...I have lived in Kentucky, Nevada, Oregon, California, Alabama, and Florida and this show is great to watch as a reminder of the history of the places I have lived. if only history and geography class in school was this interesting. It's a show that visually and verbally proves what a great beautiful landscape and history that this country has. Great show and we hope they have enough funding to complete all 50 states.
28 Reviews
The single most important documentary series in the whole wide world
henrycoles926 June 2020
I can't believe I just watched the very final episode of "Aerial America," the one documentary show to be seared on my mind for eternity. It's impossible to encompass the staggering beauty and unassuming grace of the entire United States of America, but in a bid to bring us glimpses of it, the series has created a new genre in its own right, and an unmitigated masterpiece at that. From the breathtaking photography to Jim Conrad's commentary to the soundtrack, everything is pitch-perfect.
There are many episodes in the later seasons that are mostly a sort of compilations made up of footage from the previous episodes, and they tend to feel repetitive, but these actually add to how profoundly informative and educational this series can be.
It's America's greatness on full display, both man-made and natural.
The people of America will forever be in Smithsonian Channel's debt for such a magnificent celebration of the greatest nation on earth.
There are many episodes in the later seasons that are mostly a sort of compilations made up of footage from the previous episodes, and they tend to feel repetitive, but these actually add to how profoundly informative and educational this series can be.
It's America's greatness on full display, both man-made and natural.
The people of America will forever be in Smithsonian Channel's debt for such a magnificent celebration of the greatest nation on earth.
Fascinating series with intrusive background music
ant50114 February 2021
This is a great series, informative and educational. I can see why some reviewers on here think that it's "politically liberal" but that's because it's made by educated people at Smithsonian; who get their knowledge from academic science and historical research, not from ill-informed people on Twitter.
The big flaw is the level of background music on some (but not all) of the episodes. My guess is that the sound mixer monitored his/her mix at loud levels in the dubbing area, using high quality loudspeakers etc. That's great and probably impresses the client but if you don't pull back the music a lot more when the narrator speaks then this happens: On your massive monitors you can easily hear the narration under the music but at home, where the real customers are, they're probably listening on a tv with lower quality speakers, maybe even on something with compressed audio output. That's where all sounds are treated almost equally and the music and narration blur into one. Ever wondered why the narration is more audible on some episodes but not on others? It's nothing to do with your age.
The big flaw is the level of background music on some (but not all) of the episodes. My guess is that the sound mixer monitored his/her mix at loud levels in the dubbing area, using high quality loudspeakers etc. That's great and probably impresses the client but if you don't pull back the music a lot more when the narrator speaks then this happens: On your massive monitors you can easily hear the narration under the music but at home, where the real customers are, they're probably listening on a tv with lower quality speakers, maybe even on something with compressed audio output. That's where all sounds are treated almost equally and the music and narration blur into one. Ever wondered why the narration is more audible on some episodes but not on others? It's nothing to do with your age.
Great historical info
lbielawa10 March 2019
Beautifully Done, But Irritating Background Music
leopalski6 September 2021
Excellent Show
piratecannon28 March 2021
This is a great show with breathtaking views of dramatic American landscapes. I also find the historical commentary to be insightful and well narrated.
On another note, I've seen a lot of people say that the show has a "liberal bias." Wrong. It's presenting history, and in doing so frequently describes injustices and how cultural views have shifted over time. If that's perceived as making the show "liberal," well... okay? That's an incorrect an inherently biased take in and of itself, but I digress.
Whatever your leanings, Aerial America is a fantastic viewing experience.
On another note, I've seen a lot of people say that the show has a "liberal bias." Wrong. It's presenting history, and in doing so frequently describes injustices and how cultural views have shifted over time. If that's perceived as making the show "liberal," well... okay? That's an incorrect an inherently biased take in and of itself, but I digress.
Whatever your leanings, Aerial America is a fantastic viewing experience.
Absolutely Beautiful
ruthszulc14 May 2020
Been watching this every night here in Australia. As we are in Covid19 lockdown, it has helped us feel like we are in our most loved places in the USA. Especially after having to cancel trips there this year. Love the voice over. Helps us learn a lot of the history as well. So many shows, can't wait to watch one every night to help us through this bad time. Love this so very much.
Fantastic Show
skinnygaillard25 November 2021
This show has beautiful scenery and great narration. An overview of the US' richness in culture, geography, and history is given in every episode in a very digestible, relaxing format.
Complaints about the show include the claim that there is a left-wing bias. Frankly, I don't see this at all. When covering US history, there is bound to be a lot of information about Native Americans, slavery, Civil Rights, black culture, and many injustices done unto minorities. Such events and people make up most of the country's history, and choosing not to mention any of this would be pure ignorance, not an unbiased stance. If you don't want to hear about these things, shows about American history are not for you.
Complaints about the show include the claim that there is a left-wing bias. Frankly, I don't see this at all. When covering US history, there is bound to be a lot of information about Native Americans, slavery, Civil Rights, black culture, and many injustices done unto minorities. Such events and people make up most of the country's history, and choosing not to mention any of this would be pure ignorance, not an unbiased stance. If you don't want to hear about these things, shows about American history are not for you.
Brilliant program
paul-499-9348199 July 2021
Informative and inspiring
middle-western15 July 2023
No frills. This is just a solid hour of interesting locales, beautiful imagery and informative history. If you are like me and get a kick out of exploring Google Maps and reading about places on Wikipedia, this will be right up your alley. They do a great job of not just focusing on the major sites that we all know, but also exploring some lesser known history like the story of Kate Shelley in Iowa.
The highlights are the often overlooked states like Maine, the Dakotas (although they should have each gotten their own hour), and Wyoming. But nothing compares to the Utah episode, which explores a lot of the strange, but fascinating Mormon sites throughout the state.
If you advanced beyond the 4th grade and aren't a bigot, the historical background of the locations is exciting and informative. Of course they are going to mention things like the race riots in Detroit, the destruction of Black Wall Street in Tulsa, and the lunch sit-in in Greensboro. They are major historical events that shaped our nation for better or worse. TRIGGER WARNING!: Michael Moore is briefly mentioned in the Michigan episode.
The highlights are the often overlooked states like Maine, the Dakotas (although they should have each gotten their own hour), and Wyoming. But nothing compares to the Utah episode, which explores a lot of the strange, but fascinating Mormon sites throughout the state.
If you advanced beyond the 4th grade and aren't a bigot, the historical background of the locations is exciting and informative. Of course they are going to mention things like the race riots in Detroit, the destruction of Black Wall Street in Tulsa, and the lunch sit-in in Greensboro. They are major historical events that shaped our nation for better or worse. TRIGGER WARNING!: Michael Moore is briefly mentioned in the Michigan episode.
Gorgeous and interesting
kathymk-imdb28 November 2020
I used to watch the show but haven't seen it in a while and forgot just how great it is. The scenery is stunning and makes clear to you just how beautiful our country is. Narrator Jim Conrad has a smooth voice, and the information and stories provided on each state is extremely interesting. I see some reviewers have claimed that it is narrated with a liberal viewpoint, but I literally have no idea what they're talking about, and I'm not a political person at all. It's the Smithsonian, not Michael Moore. It's just a great series: politically neutral, enjoyable for all Americans and friends of our country.
Breathtaking and Insightful
IAmPotatoBoy7 September 2017
Stunning imagery captured of beautiful and iconic places, with an insightful experience into the history behind these locations through the interesting and captivating commentary. This program is great if you wish to view breathtaking scenery while simultaneously gaining knowledge about the history behind them.
Background music way too loud!!
karen-475892 September 2018
Aerial America, Maryland
chinebaugh26 March 2023
I was very disappointed that the far western part of the state of Maryland was not included in the series. I realize we are not as important as Baltimore or Annapolis but the part of the state is quite the popular vacation destination. And after all the Potomac river starts very near Garrett County. I realize that it must be difficult to decide just what areas are included but you missed one of the most beautiful parts of the state. Western Maryland, farther west than Hagerstown or Cumberland, we have Deep Creek Lake and a ski area. Autumn brings some of the most vibrant colors and color combinations as anywhere in the US. Deer Park water springs can be found here too Often referred to as "Maryland's best kept secret", maybe why it wasn't included.
Arial NJ - Geography correction
kevinbyrne-405852 April 2021
Re: Arial New Jersey - Oct 29,2012 Hurricane Sandy areas hit hardest; Mantoloking NJ is just NORTH of Seaside Heights (not just South).
Sorry to be so picky, but I'm from NJ. LOVE your show - the visuals, the history and other interesting info. - I usually wake up to it every morning. It's like being on vacation while being in my living room.
Kevin B, West Caldwell, NJ.
Sorry to be so picky, but I'm from NJ. LOVE your show - the visuals, the history and other interesting info. - I usually wake up to it every morning. It's like being on vacation while being in my living room.
Kevin B, West Caldwell, NJ.
if you want to know the history of America
raducalin0728 January 2021
This docuseries is one of the best i ever seen in a long time ! amazing images capturated with incredible view ! if you want to learn how America was built and also the full history of this country ,this tv show is the best ! the voice of narrator Jim Conrad is so warm and pleasant ! great job ! trully amazing series !
Nj for the W!
rcjordan-0315127 March 2022
Political Bias Showing
mtsm-3316129 November 2020
I recently watched Arkansas on Aerial America and was not surprised at the nod to Bill Clinton. However, Clinton's name, not Eisenhower's, was linked to the 1957 desegregation of Little Rock High School. Odd. Then we watched the segment about Texas. LBJ got mentioned, good. He should be. The show spent a lot of time on JFK, again, as should be. However, the Permian Basin was covered without mention of George Bush, 41. Mr. Bush was not in the script for College Station, home of his Presidential Library either. Nor was President Bush, 43, Governor of Texas, owner of Texas Rangers, or his Presidential Library in Dallas given a mention.
It seems to me that Republican Presidents do not make the highlight reel on the SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL.
It seems to me that Republican Presidents do not make the highlight reel on the SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL.
Scenery Top Notch, Narration Not so much
bradleybean-9858722 August 2020
Poorly put together
Mypherium13 January 2023
The scenery is what you come for and get. But, their fucos was really poor. They'll spend 10 minutes of an episode on a farm or a music labels location and then they'll skip entire cities.
Florida, they focus on Miami for half an hour and the development of the east coast (Flagler) then you get on random shot of Clearwater while they're talking about the role Tallahassee (the state capitol) played in the Bush/Gore election. They basically brush over the surface of Orlando, Tampa & Jacksonville for maybe 10 seconds. They miss a lot in Florida.
Michigan, they spend the entire episode on Detroit, they barely brush the surface of Lansing, Sleeping Bare dunes and the Mackinaw Bridge/Sue St. Marie but they don't show any of West Michigan, battle creek doesn't count.
Wonder if the California episode will even show San Diego or if it will focus on L. A. for half an HR and then show the golden gate bridge and maybe a shot of silicon valley & some wine and call it good... Smh.
These episodes should have been part of the aerial city series, not the state, they really don't have a clue about the states they're filming, it was clearly done by people from out of state. I'll bet folks from any state would pick they're state to watch and finish with a huge scoff & a shake of the head.
Florida, they focus on Miami for half an hour and the development of the east coast (Flagler) then you get on random shot of Clearwater while they're talking about the role Tallahassee (the state capitol) played in the Bush/Gore election. They basically brush over the surface of Orlando, Tampa & Jacksonville for maybe 10 seconds. They miss a lot in Florida.
Michigan, they spend the entire episode on Detroit, they barely brush the surface of Lansing, Sleeping Bare dunes and the Mackinaw Bridge/Sue St. Marie but they don't show any of West Michigan, battle creek doesn't count.
Wonder if the California episode will even show San Diego or if it will focus on L. A. for half an HR and then show the golden gate bridge and maybe a shot of silicon valley & some wine and call it good... Smh.
These episodes should have been part of the aerial city series, not the state, they really don't have a clue about the states they're filming, it was clearly done by people from out of state. I'll bet folks from any state would pick they're state to watch and finish with a huge scoff & a shake of the head.
Beautiful Scenery... But A Noticeable Leftist Narrative
planetnostalgia2 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love seeing the beauty of America and the interesting bits of information about the all the states. However, the narration does start getting political. Is there anything that people can watch without the left screaming about their politics in literally everything? Geez... 🙄
Leftist outlet?
nedcrouch25 August 2019
I was shocked that when covering my state, the narration went "(in essence) Poor little Michael Moore waited outside the executives' offices but never got in (presumably to tell them how the world works.) The corporate-greedy executives then proceeded to export all our jobs to Mexico, leaving Detroit a wasteland." Michael Moore's side--unbridled, unbalanced, never giving any alternate interpretation. Has the Smithsonian become a leftist megaphone?
Beautiful film, unbearable travelogue
wbaxter3712 July 2015
We must admit that the aerial photography is absolutely wonderful. The documentary contains long lasting, slow moving shots of landscape that give you enough time to soak in the sites. This is really much more satisfying that the quick cuts in current vogue. One could cavil at the locations that were skipped, but then it's impossible to get everything in.
On the other hand, the voice over is nothing short of awful. True, we don't like travelogues much anyway, but this was about as bad as it can get. This is especially jarring in that the photography has actual content. The script is content free.
If you also can't stand the script, you'd best watch with the sound off. Talk to each other and watch the scenery.
On the other hand, the voice over is nothing short of awful. True, we don't like travelogues much anyway, but this was about as bad as it can get. This is especially jarring in that the photography has actual content. The script is content free.
If you also can't stand the script, you'd best watch with the sound off. Talk to each other and watch the scenery.
The narration comes with an agenda
jordanrich-7416525 November 2018
They cannot stop preaching on this show!
plbrown-3694631 October 2018
I turned this show in to see the beautiful aerial scenery of America. This show should stick to that but they don't! Every show is riddled with liberal talking points. I just watched the show on Kansas and the last 20 minutes of the show was about slavery, killing of Native Americans and "smart" renewable energy wind farms. Seriously? Keep your preaching and just show the beauty of America without your constant proselytizing!
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