Built America Presents

(Enhanced; 4-hour episode.) In the 1980s, groundbreaking technology doesn't just improve adult life, it redefines classic toys. For the first time, childhood staples are reimagined by innovators pushing the boundaries of entertainment technology. In 1983, underdog company Tonka sets out to bring a game-changing toy from Japan to America: the transformable robot. After passing on the biggest deal in toy industry history, Mattel President Ray Wagner finds himself a step behind former colleague-turned- rival, Bernie Loomis. In the midst of the 1970s folk art movement, art student Martha Nelson creates a one-of-a-kind doll to sell at local Kentucky craft markets.

(Enhanced; 4-hour episode.) Thanksgiving is the one night a year Americans celebrate by eating the same meal across the country. But 100 years ago, some of the biggest staples of Thanksgiving Dinner weren't around. Gilbert Swanson inherits his father's frozen turkey company and partners with a food chemist to innovate a revolutionary dinner that Americans can heat up at home... they call it the TV Dinner. The top selling candy days of the year revolve around Easter, Valentine's Day and Halloween. And it all started with a few bold pioneers. Santa Claus is one of the most beloved figures--and famous faces--on Earth. But how did this third-century saint become the Santa we know today?

(Enhanced; 4-hour episode.) In the 1970s, one major cola brand launches a blind taste test marketing plan that takes direct aim at their biggest competitor. Two heavy hitting cereal rivals duke it out for breakfast dominance. Competition heats up when an idea is stolen, beaten to the market, and is a runaway success. As car culture cranks up in the early 1950s, a young machinist in England invents one of the world's most successful toys when he creates a toy car small enough to fit inside a matchbox for his daughter to take to school. 

(Enhanced; 4-hour episode.) A young boy accidentally discovers a frozen treat on a stick, and grows up to bring an endearing classic to the world. When his ice cream truck breaks down, Tom Carvel discovers that half-melted ice cream is a surefire hit with customers. A cab driver turned ice cream entrepreneur comes up with the idea to mix name brand candy into high quality ice cream to create new novel flavors. Four intrepid food entrepreneurs race to harness emerging technologies like the home freezer and microwave, to bring revolutionary frozen snack icons to a waiting world.