Plot Synopsis

Based on Philip Roth's 2004 novel of the same name, THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA is a six-part limited series that imagines an alternate American history, as told through the eyes of a working-class Jewish family in New Jersey as they watch the political rise of aviator-hero and xenophobic populist Charles Lindbergh, who becomes president and turns the nation toward fascism. David Simon and Ed Burns are writers and executive producers of this series, which premieres on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT on HBO. Episodes include:

Part 1 (Monday, March 16, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT): Herman Levin, anticipating a promotion at work, takes his family to look at a house in an upwardly mobile neighborhood, though Bess is wary of leaving the safety of their tight-knit Jewish community and raising a family amid growing anti-Semitism sparked by Lindbergh's ascendancy. As the family spinster, her sister Evelyn has a disappointing rendezvous with a married lover, but later, finds herself charmed by a distinguished local clergyman, Rabbi Lionel Bengelsdorf. Meanwhile, getting an earful from Herman for being fired from his job, his orphaned nephew, Alvin Levin seeks retaliation for an aggrieved friend.

Part 2 (Monday, March 23, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT): Lindbergh's increasingly popular campaign sweeps through the United States and captures some in the Levin family as well as Bengelsdorf, with Evelyn as his assistant and lover, becoming a fundamental asset in the Lindbergh camp, while Sandy, enamored of the aviator's charm, celebrity, and history, begins a rebellion of his own within the family of New Deal Democrats. Meanwhile, Alvin brings his pride and conscience to bear as he must decide between serving a local real estate magnate and developer or risking an open fight with the fascist forces he sees spreading across the world.

Part 3 (Monday, March 30, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT): In the early days of the Lindbergh administration, Herman decides the family will continue with their planned trip to Washington, D.C., despite Bess' desire to visit Canada, where Jewish families are emigrating. After paying a visit to Evelyn, Sandy shows interest in an assimilation program targeting Jewish youth and spearheaded by Bengelsdorf. In London, Alvin stands out during his military training and is selected for a special mission.

Part 4 (Monday, April 6, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT): Evelyn and Bengelsdorf receive an invitation from Mrs. Lindbergh to a state dinner for Nazi Germany's foreign minister, as Evelyn makes Sandy the face of the youth assimilation program. Back from war, Alvin takes a job at his uncle's warehouse. Philip is traumatized by a death in the neighborhood.

Part 5 (Monday, April 13, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT): After learning the family has been selected for an essentially forced relocation to Kentucky under the Homestead Act, Herman looks to make a challenge in court, while Bess and Philip appeal to Bengelsdorf and Evelyn, respectively. Later, Bess gives Herman an ultimatum when violence breaks out at a rally for Lindbergh's most public liberal challenger.

Part 6 (Monday, April 20, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT): As riots and conspiracies spread across the country in the lead up to Election Day, Herman takes measures to keep his family safe. Meanwhile, Bess does all she can at a great distance to help a small child caught in a maelstrom of anti-Semitism in Kentucky. Alvin is recruited for a new and secret mission as the ties that bind the Levins together are stressed.
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On Tuesday, October 20, 2020 Warner Bros. Home Entertainment/Warner Archives released THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA on DVD with all with all six riveting episodes plus special features. This limited series, created by The Wire's David Simon and Ed Burns is based on Philip Roth's acclaimed novel, brilliantly imagines an alternate American history during World War II. Told through the eyes of the Levins, a working-class Jewish family in Newark, New Jersey, charts the political rise of aviation hero Charles Lindbergh, a xenophobic populist who captures the presidency in 1940 and turns the nation toward fascism. Caught in the upheaval, the Levins learn that the violence threatening the lives of ordinary Americans is never more than a moment's political provocation away. Winona Ryder, Anthony Boyle, Zoe Kazan, Morgan Spector, Michael Kostroff, David Krumholtz, Azhy Robertson, Caleb Malis, Jacob Laval and John Turturro star in this powerful tale of intolerance and totalitarianism. Run Time: 366 Minutes. A must see! Buy and binge NOW. (Click the red "Buy DVDs" button on this page)

SPECIAL FEATURES
- Invitation to the Set: A behind-the-scenes look with cast and crew
- Why Plot Now?: Creators David Simon and Ed Burns and the cast discuss why the time was right to adapt Phillip Roth's cautionary novel