‎Season 1 - Apple TV

TV Show · Crime · History

The war on drugs has cost America $1 trillion in a bizarre history that spans five decades. With prisons overflowing and heroin use reaching epidemic levels, "America’s War on Drugs” uncovers the origins of the drug war and its unexpected effects on American culture, institutions and politics.

2017 · 1h 5m

Starring Richard Stratton

Director Julian Kemp

EPISODE 1

Acid, Spies, & Secret Experiments

The roots of America's War on Drugs reveals secret assassination attempts, the CIA's bizarre experiments with LSD and support of heroin traffickers, LSD parachuting from the sky, and how it led to a five-decade war.
EPISODE 2

Cocaine, Cartels, & Crack Downs

Cocaine lands in America from secret airports, lining the pockets of violent cartel bosses, and an infamous "black widow", as the CIA's shadow wars have unintended consequences. President Reagan cracks down as crack invades the USA.
EPISODE 3

Gangs, Prisons, & Meth Queens

American cities are exploding with drug violence as the Clinton administration opens the door for Mexican cartels and ramps up prison sentences. An unlikely meth queen rises, while a crime lord takes vengeance.
EPISODE 4

Heroin, Terrorists, & Kings of Pain

After 9/11, heroin lords and terrorists forge an unholy alliance. Afghanistan is a Narco state. El Chapo goes on the run. Big Pharma becomes the new big drug lord as Americans get addicted and ponder if the war on drugs is worth it.