Every History Channel Documentary Added to Netflix for 'America 250' Celebrations (In Order)

Picture Credit: HISTORY Channel

If you’re a history buff, Netflix has been treating you very well lately. In the run-up to the United States’ semiquincentennial—better known as AMERICA 250—Netflix has teamed up with A&E Networks to license a massive collection of premium History Channel documentaries.

As we’ve been reporting over the last few months, Netflix has been slowly drip-feeding some phenomenal historical docuseries onto the platform as the country gears up for July 4th. The rollout began with an initial massive wave of titles back in April, followed by an absolute treasure trove of presidential and military deep-dives that dropped on May 18th, and more cultural documentaries queued up for June 15th.

Of course, Netflix isn’t just relying on licensed titles to celebrate AMERICA 250. Dropping just in time for the holiday on June 24th, 2026, is Netflix’s massive original five-part docuseries, The American Experiment. Directed by Brian Knappenberger (the filmmaker behind the Turning Point documentaries), this sweeping cinematic series dives deep into the nation’s founding, from the Revolutionary War through the drafting of the Constitution. Featuring Martin Sheen voicing George Washington alongside interviews with over 60 influential politicians and historians—including heavy-hitters from both sides of the aisle like Hillary Clinton and Mike Pence.

If you’re looking to brush up on your American history before the fireworks begin, you’ve got plenty of binge-watching to do. To make your viewing experience a bit easier, we’ve organized every History Channel documentary hitting Netflix for the AMERICA 250 celebration in chronological order by the era of history they cover, taking you from the earliest colonial days straight through to modern pop culture.

1607 - 2020

America: Our Defining Hours

GenreDocumentary, HistoryRatingTV-14Release DateApril 13, 2026CastLeon Panetta, H.W. Brands, James MeigsLanguageEnglishRuntime90 minWatch on Netflix

We’re kicking things off with a sweeping look at over 300 years of U.S. history. This overarching docuseries focuses on how the American spirit was forged during the nation’s most desperate moments of crisis, making it the perfect starting point for your AMERICA 250 binge.

1732 - 1799

Washington

GenreDocumentary, Biography, DramaRatingTV-14Release DateMay 18, 2026DirectorRoel ReinéCastJeff Daniels, Joanne Freeman, Alan TaylorLanguageEnglishWatch on Netflix

Clocking in at 3 episodes, this series is headlined by the voiceover of Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom), following the idealistic soldier-turned-folk-hero who leads a near-decade-long battle against the overwhelming might of the British military to forge a new nation.

1743 - 1826

Thomas Jefferson

GenreHistoryRatingTV-PGRelease DateMay 29, 2026CastAedan Jayce, Devin E. Haqq, Andy BowlesLanguageEnglishWatch on Netflix

Clocking in at six episodes, this extensive documentary series explores the complex life and enduring legacy of Thomas Jefferson, the third President and one of the principal founding fathers of the United States.

1775 - 1783

Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution

Coming to Netflix on June 15th

Hosted by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, this powerful documentary special looks into the Black Americans who stepped up to serve in the US military during the Revolutionary War, highlighting heroes who history books often overlook.

1775 - 1836

The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen

GenreDocumentary, HistoryRatingTV-PGRelease DateApril 13, 2026CastCampbell Scott, Mykel Hawke, Andrew RoberttLanguageEnglishRuntime83 minWatch on Netflix

This high-budget docudrama, executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, follows the icons who blazed trails into the unknown American wilderness following the Revolution, including legendary figures like Daniel Boone, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Davy Crockett.

1809 - 1865

Abraham Lincoln

GenreDocumentary, Biography, DramaRatingTV-14Release DateMay 18, 2026CastGraham Sibley, Stefan Adegbola, Jenny SteadLanguageEnglishRuntime31 minsWatch on Netflix

As the Civil War rages on, President Abraham Lincoln must navigate a divided nation and a fractured cabinet to preserve the Union and end slavery. The three episodes feature Graham Sibley, Stefan Adegbola, and Jenny Stead.

1822 - 1885

Grant

GenreDocumentary, Biography, HistoryRatingTV-PGRelease DateMay 18, 2026CastTa-Nehisi Coates, Justin Salinger, Carel NelLanguageEnglishWatch on Netflix

Dramatic reenactments, expert commentary, and more tell the story of Ulysses S. Grant, who overcame incredible obstacles to lead the Union to victory.

1831 - 1890

Sitting Bull

GenreDocumentary, HistoryRatingTV-14Release DateApril 13, 2026CastMo Brings Plenty, Edward T. O’Donnell, Shane DoyleLanguageEnglishWatch on Netflix

A gripping docudrama detailing the life, leadership, and legacy of the Hunkpapa Lakota leader who famously led his people during years of resistance against United States government policies. Executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio.

1858 - 1919

Theodore Roosevelt

GenreDocumentary, Biography, HistoryRatingTV-14Release DateMay 18, 2026CastShane John Kruger, Rufus Jones, Marco MintakaLanguageEnglishWatch on Netflix

This two-part series traces Theodore Roosevelt from a sickly child to a Rough Rider and eventual US president, where he decisively reforms US policies and champions conservation.

Late 1800s - Early 1900s

The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America

GenreDocumentaryRatingTV-14Release DateApril 13, 2026DirectorNatasha Kermani, Drew PainterCastDelbert Hunt, April Mae Davis, Garrett Taylor, Zach Meiser, Adam Harper, Michael ArmstrongLanguageEnglishWatch on Netflix

Part of the popular “That Built America” franchise, this series explores the surprising origins of the nation’s biggest “vice” industries and the titans who turned them into commercial empires during the Gilded Age and beyond.

1882 - 1945

FDR

GenreDocumentaryRatingTV-PGRelease DateMay 18, 2026CastChristian McKay, Alice Bounsall, Pierre MalherbeLanguageEnglishWatch on Netflix

Across 3 episodes, Franklin D. Roosevelt rise to the presidency and leads the United States through the Great Depression and World War II is explored in this gripping docudrama.

1917 - 1918

The Great War

GenreWar, Documentary, DocudramasRatingTV-14Release DateMay 18, 2026CastYohuru Williams, Edward T. O’Donnell, Doug DoudsLanguageEnglishWatch on Netflix

This two-part documentary follows early US involvement in World War I, including General John Pershing’s campaign and the vital, often overlooked experiences of African American soldiers.

1931 - 1981

American Godfathers: The Five Families

GenreDocumentary, Crime, HistoryRatingTV-14Release DateApril 13, 2026CastMichael Imperioli, Sami Jarroush, Edward T. O’DonnellLanguageEnglishWatch on Netflix

If you loved Netflix’s Fear City, this is the perfect companion piece. Narrated by The Sopranos star Michael Imperioli, this series traces the 50-year rise and fall of the Five Families of New York’s mafia.

1970s - Present

Origins of Hip Hop

Coming to Netflix on June 15th

A fantastic docuseries where some of the biggest icons in hip-hop music sit down to share their personal stories and explore the roots of the genre, taking us right into the modern era of American culture.

1970s - Present

Hip Hop Treasures

Coming to Netflix on June 15th

In a celebration of contemporary American musical heritage, hip-hop legends contribute their most prized, iconic items to the Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx.

Are you enjoying the massive wave of History Channel documentaries on Netflix? Let us know which era of history you’re diving into first in the comments down below!