Skip to Main Content
American Experience

Blackout, Chapter 1

In 1977 the lights went out in New York City for more than 24 hours. Premieres 7/14 on PBS

07/14/2015 | Rating NR

American Experience

Blackout, Chapter 1

Clip: Season 27 Episode 7 | 8m 12sVideo has Closed Captions

In 1977 the lights went out in New York City for more than 24 hours. Premieres 7/14 on PBS

July 14, 1977 dawned hot and humid in New York City. By 9:30pm the city would be plunged into darkness for more than 24 hours. In the wake of the power outage, tensions that had been simmering for years erupted into looting and violence. "Blackout" premieres July 14 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

07/14/2015 | Rating NR

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Support provided by:

Liberty Mutual InsuranceCarlisle

Blackout Preview

Preview: S27 Ep7 | 30s | What happened when the lights went out in New York in 1977? Premieres 7/14 at 9/8c on PBS. (30s)

"It went from being light to being looting," from Blackout

Clip: S27 Ep7 | 2m 40s | During the 1977 blackout in New York City, the looting began very quickly. July 14 9/8c. (2m 40s)

No Police to Stop Them, from Blackout

Clip: S27 Ep7 | 2m 58s | Shop owners describe watching locals loot their store during the NYC blackout of 1977. (2m 58s)

The Station House was in Darkness, From Blackout

Clip: S27 Ep7 | 2m 32s | First responders recall the 1977 NYC Blackout. Premieres 7/14 at 9/8c on PBS. (2m 32s)

Where did Brooklyn go? From Blackout

Clip: S27 Ep7 | 2m 55s | Watch the first three minutes of Blackout, premiering July 14 at 9/8c. (2m 55s)

Why we Made Blackout

Clip: S27 Ep7 | 1m 44s | "The civilization that was New York came unglued" Blackout premieres July 14 at 9/8c. (1m 44s)

Providing Support for PBS.org

Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship

Support for PBS provided by:

Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Sign in with Email

or

Continue with GoogleContinue with FacebookContinue with Apple

By creating an account, you acknowledge that PBS may share your information with our member stations and our respective service providers, and that you have read and understand the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Are you sure you want to remove null from My List?