The Toys That Built America

Episode 1

Transforming Toy Invasion

Sun, Oct 15, 2023

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 story, as both race to rule this new frontier.

Episode 2

Mind Game Masters

Sun, Oct 22, 2023 42 mins

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 an intellectual challenge: Scrabble, Clue and Yahtzee.

Episode 3

Video Game Visionaries

Sun, Oct 29, 2023

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.

Episode 4

Game Night Legends

Sun, Nov 5, 2023 42 mins

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.

Episode 5

Mighty Mutant Mayhem

Sun, Nov 12, 2023

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; their place at the top is soon challenged by a mighty morphin phenomenon.

Episode 6

Old Games, New Twists

Sun, Nov 26, 2023

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.

Episode 7

Happy Accidents

Sun, Dec 3, 2023

Two chance discoveries in the 1950s turn mundane industrial materials into legendary toys. Etch A Sketch and Play-Doh will rake in billions for decades to come, but not everyone will reap the rewards.

Episode 8

Santa Claus

Sun, Dec 10, 2023 42 mins

Santa Claus evolves from third-century saint to symbol of hope, goodwill. Insight into creative history behind jolly icon.

Episode 9

Hottest Wheels

Sun, Dec 10, 2023

Whether you wear them, ride them, push them, or drive them, some of the funnest toys of childhood are built on wheels.

Episode 10

90's Fad Toys

Sun, Dec 10, 2023

The 1990s saw a boom in fad toys, from Furby to Tamagotchi. Old school toys like Beanie Babies competed with new tech like virtual pets. Demand among parents was intense.

Episode 11

The Prank Toy Race

Sun, Dec 17, 2023 21 mins

For six decades two silly, but savvy entrepreneurs-S.S. Adams and H. Fishlove-turned their love of a good joke into a booming prank toy industry.

Episode 12

Most Valuable Toys

Sun, Dec 17, 2023 20 mins