Episodes
The Toys That Built America: Clash of the Toy Titans (S1EP2 History Sun 5 Dec 2021)
Clash of the Toy Titans: As the post-war baby boom creates unprecedented demand for toys, Ruth Handler turns her greatest gamble into the most recognizable toy in the world. Meanwhile, rival Merrill Hassenfeld, at the reigns of a company that will one day be one the most famous brands in the world, tries to capitalize on Handler’s success to launch a military doll for boys–which is brilliantly rebranded as the world’s first "action figure," and eventually spawns a tv series and a movie franchise. For decades, these two companies battle each other to dominate the toy industry. But when the cultural landscape shifts, they are forced to make desperate choices that ultimately earn their toys immortal status.
Airdate: Sun 5 Dec 2021 at 21:00 on History
Season 1 Episode 2
Against the backdrop of major events in American history like the Civil War and the Great Depression, The Toys That Built America shares a different story – one that brings new products and nostalgic toys to the forefront as driving forces behind untold cultural and economic shifts. The four-part docuseries showcases visionaries such as the Parker Brothers, Milton Bradley and Ruth Handler who transformed a small toy company into the billion-dollar empire now known as Mattel. It reveals the little-known stories behind ground-breaking innovations like the Frisbee, and accidental discoveries like how the Slinky was created. Additionally, the docuseries unveils competitive rivalries between iconic brands that changed the fabric of our nation forever. Blending dramatic reenactments and archival footage with interviews from experts, biographers, and others, The Toys That Built America brings to life the surprising tales of the men and women who created some of America’s most beloved and enduring toys including Silly Putty, Monopoly, Barbie, G.I. Joe, and other famous classics.