A six-part documentary series narrated by Academy Award nominee Ethan Hawke is set to stream globally on January 31 on Apple TV+, marking the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War.
“Vietnam: The War That Changed America,” is an in-depth exploration of one of the most polarizing conflicts in U.S. history. The series weaves together powerful first-person testimony with never-before-seen archival footage.
It also features emotional reunions between veterans, some of whom have not seen each other in nearly half a century, as a way to bring them healing, remembrance, and reconciliation.
“Filmmakers pulled from over 1,100 hours of archival footage to take viewers behind the headlines and into the lives of soldiers, civilians on all sides of the conflict, anti-war protesters and survivors, providing a raw portrait of a nation torn apart by war,” Apple TV+ said in a statement. “Across six episodes, a picture also builds of the profound changes to the United States itself, and the very different country that emerged from the war.”
The production was directed by Rob Coldstream, best known for “John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial,” and produced by Caroline Marsden, whose past work includes “9/11: One Day in America.” Executive producers are David Glover, who also produced “9/11: One Day in America,” and Mark Raphael, known for “Crime and Punishment.”
Hawke’s involvement as narrator adds another layer of prestige to the series. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his performances in “Training Day” and “Boyhood,” and he has been lauded for his work on both sides of the camera. For this project, the focus is on the veterans and civilians whose stories shaped an era of profound change in the United States.
“The series commemorates the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War,” said Apple TV+. “It offers a deeply human look at the lives of those who lived through one of the most divisive conflicts in American history.”
A RICH TAPESTRY OF VOICES
Among the men and women who share their experiences in “Vietnam: The War That Changed America” is Bill Broyles, a former lieutenant who served during the war and went on to become a celebrated Hollywood screenwriter. He participates in an emotional reunion with a member of his platoon for the first time in 50 years.
The series also features ABC News reporter Hilary Brown, the first female foreign correspondent to cover the fall of Saigon firsthand. She recounts her experience witnessing the last days of the war as the North Vietnamese Army closed in on the city.
Another perspective comes from Melvin Pender, an Olympic gold medalist who competed in the 1968 Games between tours in Vietnam, highlighting the war’s reach into every facet of American life.
One veteran recounts a harrowing story of parachuting into the Ho Chi Minh Trail in what he believed would be a fatal mission, only to be rescued by someone he never thought he would see again. Their reunion decades later captures how time and reflection can transform the legacy of war.
Viewers will also hear from those soldiers who fought on the opposing side. They include the first Viet Cong woman in her district to shoot down an enemy aircraft, others who share their reasons for taking up arms, and memories of pivotal battles like the Tet Offensive.
Other episodes highlight the civilians who lived in the crossfire, offering their perspectives on a conflict that disrupted families, often forcing them to flee their homes. The accounts highlight the upheaval and anguish that defined daily life in Vietnam during the conflict.
EXAMINING THE WAR’S AFTERMATH AT HOME
The documentary also provides a lens into how the war altered the cultural and political landscape in the United States.
“Across six episodes, a picture also builds of the profound changes to the United States itself, and the very different country that emerged from the war,” said Apple TV+.
As anti-war protests grew across campuses and major cities, the country found itself in a deep divide. From draft dodgers to veterans returning home to a society that was not prepared to welcome them, the war’s impact reverberated through nearly every American community.
The series also gives voice to those who marched against the conflict and fought to end it. Their reflections detail the internal struggles and moral dilemmas of an America at odds with itself. By juxtaposing protesters’ accounts with the experiences of soldiers in the field, the filmmakers present a nuanced narrative of a tumultuous era.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE SERIES
The producing team at 72 Films, which earned BAFTA and Emmy accolades, took on the challenge of curating more than 1,100 hours of archival footage. Their goal, Apple TV+ said, is to present an authentic chronicle of the men and women who served through rare archival footage and moving reunions.
David Glover and Mark Raphael serve as executive producers, bringing to life stories spanning the front lines, intelligence outposts, and home-front protests. Viewers can expect interviews filmed with sensitivity, allowing veterans and civilians to share memories both painful and cathartic.
APPLE TV+’S GROWING DOCUMENTARY SLATE
Since its global launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ has rapidly expanded its portfolio of original programming. It has premiered celebrated scripted shows, including the Emmy-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and the Oscar-winning film “CODA,” and the platform continues to push into the documentary space.
To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have been honored with 537 wins and 2,545 award nominations. The service attributes its rapid rise in award recognition to its strategic focus on compelling storytelling and partnerships with respected creators in film, television, and documentary production.
The collaboration between Apple TV+ and 72 Films on “Vietnam: The War That Changed America” underscores the streamer’s commitment to showcasing lesser-told stories that resonate on a global stage. By partnering with experienced filmmakers, Apple TV+ has carved out a space for documentaries that aim to bring forward untold perspectives and historically significant narratives.
All six episodes of the series will become available at once on January 31. Apple TV+ is accessible through the Apple TV app on Apple devices, as well as on several streaming platforms, smart TVs, and online at tv.apple.com.
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AppleTV+ and 72 Films
