Plot Synopsis

TOYS THAT BUILT AMERICA is a docuseries that chronicles the toy titans whose imaginations soared to build billion-dollar empires, the rivalries that gave rise to the modern toy industry and the history of the visionaries behind iconic products like Monopoly and G.I. Joe. Against the backdrop of major events in American history like the Civil War, the Great Depression and World War II, this series shares a story that brings nostalgic toys to the forefront as driving forces behind untold cultural and economic shifts. The four-part first season 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. 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.

On Sunday, October 23, 2022 at 9pm ET/PT, the eight-episode second season of THE TOYS THAT BUILT AMERICA debuted. Season 2 turns the lens on a new collection of bold visionaries, including video game pioneer Nolan Bushnell, toy innovator Marvin Glass and many other creators behind history's biggest-selling games, puzzles, dolls, and action figures as they build billion-dollar empires against the backdrop of a changing world in the 20th century. Each one-hour episode is packed with nostalgic products, surprising historical connections, gripping dramatic tales, incredible technological breakthroughs and a treasure trove of unexpected facts.

Season 3 of THE TOYS THAT BUILT AMERICA premiered on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 9pm ET/PT on History Channel. In the season opener, "Transforming Toy Invasion," 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.
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On Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 9-10pm ET/PT, History Channel premiered back-to-back half-hour episodes to close out the third season of THE TOYS THAT BUILT AMERICA:

"The Prank Toy Race" (9pm): 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. Their heated rivalry produced hundreds of tricks and gags that entertained and annoyed four generations of Americans, many of which are still being sold to this day.

"Most Valuable Toys" (9:30pm): From Lionel Trains to video games, for the right collector our cherished childhood toys can be worth millions! Over the last three decades, people have paid some truly outrageous prices to get their hands on that elusive toy they always wanted. But which ones are the most valuable of all time?