Plot Synopsis

Executive produced by Robin Roberts, THE GREAT WAR is a two-part documentary that chronicles the history of how an isolationist America reluctantly joined World War I, emerging as a global power. Across the critical years of 1917 and 1918, this four-hour documentary series weaves together the stories of three different groups showcasing how their separate, yet intertwined narratives, experiences, immense contributions, and extreme adversity faced during those pivotal years of battle culminate to tell one larger, more complex story. After four years of horrific battle in the trenches of France and Belgium, the Allies were on the verge of collapse and Germany the cusp of victory. "The Great War" covers America's involvement in World War I through the eyes of General John J. Pershing, leader of the American Expeditionary Forces, who is charged with training and deploying an army almost from scratch; Michael B. Ellis, a young man fighting with the Army's soon to be legendary Big Red One; and a courageous group of brave African American soldiers including Henry Johnson and Horace Pippin whose regiment will come to be known as the Harlem Hellfighters, earning France's highest battlefield award even as they faced shocking racism at home. The documentary series is told through dramatic narrative sequences, insightful interviews and contemporary scholarship, and dynamic archival footage. Expert interviews include retired United States Army General and former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director David Petraeus, best-selling author Max Brooks and historians, professors and authors including Col. USMC Ret. Doug Douds, Chad Williams, Edward T. O'Donnell, Dr. Yohuru Williams, Adriane Lentz-Smith, Andrew Carroll, Richard S. Faulkner, Geoffrey Wawro, Le'Trice D. Donaldson, Col. Robert J. Dalessandro, Richard Rubin, Michael S. Neiberg, and more. THE GREAT WAR debuted on Memorial Day 2024, ending the following night:

"Into Hell" (Monday, May 27, 2024 from 8-10pm): After four years of unimaginable horror on the battlefield, the Allies are exhausted and in danger of losing to Germany. General John J. Pershing races to train and deploy the untested American Army before democracy collapses in Europe.

"Over the Top" (Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from 8-10pm): After Germany makes an all-out push to take Paris, America is forced to make hard decisions that will either break the Allies or turn the tide of war. Key regiments known as Big Red One and The Harlem Hellfighters help pave the way to a hard-fought victory -- and a new American century.