Series synopsis
How Disney Built America is an American documentary television series that premiered on History on April 28, 2024. It ended on June 9, 2024. It stars Jason Gaignard, Derek Kealy and Walt Disney.
A nostalgia-filled ride that paints a vivid picture of the world of Walt Disney and the history-making empire he and his brother Roy Disney built. Each hour-long episode focuses on a different example of game-changing brilliance in Disney’s history.
Premise
A nostalgia-filled ride that paints a vivid picture of the world of Walt Disney and the history-making empire he and his brother Roy Disney built. Each hour-long episode focuses on a different example of game-changing brilliance in Disney’s history.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Jason Gaignard as Walt Disney
- Derek Kealy as Roy Disney
- Walt Disney as Self - Archive Footage
Guest cast
- Dan Becker as Self - Content Creator
- Adam Richman as Self - Author/TV Host
- Dave Bossert as Self - Former Disney Creative Director
- Artel Great as Self - Professor of Cinema
- Jason Griffith as Self - Narrator
- Tom Sito as Self - Historian/Former Disney Animator
- Don Wildman as Self - TV Host/Historian
- Steven Watts as Self - Author, 'The Magic Kingdom'
- Bob Gurr as Self - Former Imagineer
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 6 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | April 28, 2024 | June 9, 2024 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Birth of Mickey A struggling cartoon studio creates one of the most recognizable characters in the world. Mickey Mouse begins as a pencil sketch, and through a journey of failure, betrayal, innovation, and guts becomes an American icon, and the foundation of an iconic media empire. |
April 28, 2024 |
| 2 |
Dawn of The Animated Blockbuster Facing soaring costs, mounting criticism, and a tight deadline, Walt Disney pushes the limits of technology to create the first full-length animated feature film. It's Disney's magic combination of passion, brilliance, and tech innovation that gives rise to the billion-dollar business of animated films. |
May 5, 2024 |
| 3 |
Destination Disneyland Walt Disney overcomes immense obstacles to create the first Theme Park, where instead of thrill rides, he gives the visitor an immersive journey into a story, like the experience of being inside a movie. |
May 12, 2024 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | History |
|---|---|
| First aired | April 28, 2024 |
| Last aired | June 9, 2024 |
| Runtime | 43 minutes |
| Status | ended |