American Ride

American Ride is an engaging and historical television show broadcast on BYUtv, featuring the entertaining and knowledgeable host, Stan Ellsworth. A former history teacher and a football player turned into a history buff, Ellsworth's unabashed love for American history is the heart and soul of the show and its message. The show was broadcasted in 2016, but its relevance transcends the time it was made.

In American Ride, Ellsworth mounts a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and sets off across the country to explore significant historical sites and events that have sculpted the America of today. The series follows a chronological progression, providing its audience with rich historical accounts from the formation of the country forward. Throughout the journey, Ellsworth visits the places where the nation's history was shaped, from the woods of Plymouth, Massachusetts, to the fields of Gettysburg.

What sets American Ride apart from conventional history shows is its immersive blend of educational and adventurous elements. Ellsworth, donning a biker's gear instead of a professor's robe, shatters the stereotype of a traditional historian. His approach towards history is rugged, raw, and filled with energy, making the subject more relatable to a wider audience, particularly the youth.

Each episode focuses on a different era or notable figure in American history. It features in-depth, on-location investigations to create a compelling narrative. These are not mundane, high school textbook-style history lessons. Instead, they are lively and vibrant recountings of the past, intertwining historical facts with fascinating trivia, colorful anecdotes, and Ellsworth's personal insights.

American Ride goes beyond merely rehashing written historical records. It brings the concerted effort to deliver a three-dimensional experience to the viewers. The show aims to help its audience feel intimately connected to the past and appreciate the sacrifices and endeavors of those who have walked before them.

Ellsworth interacts with historians, curators, locals, and sometimes even reenactors to bring varied perspectives. He offers insights into the motivations and challenges faced by historical figures. He makes an effort to understand the people who were there, the decisions they made, and the influences those decisions continue to exert on present-day America.

The cinematography is another commendable aspect of American Ride. The scenic routes traversed by Ellsworth on his motorcycle add an aesthetic appeal to the show. From breathtaking mountains to serene coastlines, from bustling cities to quiet rustic towns—the diversity of the American landscape draws an undeniable parallel to the diversity of its history.

Humor is an integral part of the American Ride. Ellsworth's jovial nature and his ability to deliver historical lessons with a touch of humor transform potentially dry subjects into enjoyable and easy-to-digest narratives. It's an inviting approach that dispels the notion that history is a dry or "boring" subject.

American Ride also focuses on the lesser-known narratives, the untold stories, seeking to shine a light on areas of history that are often overlooked. Whether it's discussing women’s rights, slavery, or Native American history, Ellsworth openly confronts these moments, acknowledging both the nation's victories as well as its darker times.

The show keeps a firm grounding in Ellsworth's patriotism and love for his country, which lend an emotional layer to the series. He is enthusiastic, passionate, and respectably candid about his nation's past, cherishing the achievements while not shying away from the failings.

American Ride is not just for history enthusiasts. It blends both knowledge and entertainment in a delightful mix that speaks to a wide range of audiences. It's a series designed to reawaken a sense of curiosity about the past, while the open road and biking elements are sure to appeal to those with an adventurous spirit. With its unique take on the past and its fun, lively delivery, American Ride is the perfect show to spark equal parts of wanderlust and a love for history.