The History Channel unboxes the next installment of its popular “That Built” franchise with the new four-part docuseries “The Toys That Built America” premiering Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 9PM ET/PT.
Against the backdrop of major events in American history like the Civil War, the Great Depression and World War II, “The Toys that Built America” shares a story that brings nostalgic toys to the forefront as driving forces behind untold cultural and economic shifts. The four-part docuseries explores visionaries such as the Parker Brothers, Milton Bradley and Ruth Handler who transformed a small toy company into the billion-dollar empire known as Mattel. It reveals little-known details behind groundbreaking innovations like the Frisbee, and accidental discoveries like how the Slinky was created.
Check out the trailer for The Toys That Build America below:
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, each episode 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, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Matchbox Cars, and other famous classics.
Eli Lehrer, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming said:
“Toys teach us to imagine, have fun and, most importantly, dream big. In ‘The Toys That Built America,’ we learn the fascinating history behind the inventors of some of the greatest and most ingenious toys of all time – many of which shaped our childhoods. As toys continue to encourage a new generation to dream bigger, we are proud to continue our commitment to honor and support military families by partnering with Blue Star Families to thank and give back to those who have sacrificed to serve our country.”
The November 28 premiere episode of “The Toys That Built America” presents the history behind several iconic and creative novelty toys like Silly Putty, Slinky and Frisbee with the surprising details behind their inception, inspiration and continued relevance. Did you know the idea for Frisbee started in 1957 when former Air Force pilot Fred Morrison and his girlfriend were tossing his mother’s pie pan on the beach? Viewers will hear other surprising facts behind these toys and their creators including Richard and Betty James, Peter Hodgson, Richard Knerr and Arthur Spud Melin. A nostalgic ride through the decades, additional episodes explore inventors Milton Bradley, the Parker Brothers, Jack Odell, Merrill Hassenfeld, Ruth and Elliot Handler and more.
