Eyes on the Prize (1987)

Henry Hampton's history of the American civil rights movement is built from archival footage, stills and interviews with the movement's participants and its opponents, and hearing both gives it real force. Julian Bond narrates. The first six episodes aired in 1987 and a second run of eight followed, so set aside time: the later episodes carry the story well beyond the familiar early landmarks. It won Emmys and Peabodys and was nominated for an Academy Award. Lapsed rights to its archive footage once took it out of circulation, so make the most of being able to watch it.