When Pop Culture Saved America
| Company type | Documentary film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film, Television |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | David P. Levin (producer) |
| Products | Documentary film |
| Parent | Brainstorm, Inc. |
When Pop Culture Saved America is a documentary from the United States that examines the role of American popular culture in aiding the country's recovery following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The production, overseen by David P. Levin, includes conversations with prominent figures such as Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Denis Leary, Dan Rather, Regis Philbin, and Ray Romano. Developed by Brainstorm, Inc. for The Biography Channel (currently known as FYI), this film was part of a special lineup commemorating the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Entertainment Weekly recognized it as one of the premier specials to view during the anniversary period.
The documentary
To honor the tenth year since the September 11, 2001 attacks, A&E Networks' Biography Channel (Bio) produced a trio of specials: When Pop Culture Saved America, I Survived ... 9/11, and Beyond: Messages from 9/11. Concurrently, A&E broadcasted Portraits from Ground Zero. Under the production of David P. Levin, When Pop Culture Saved America showcased interviews with nearly twenty entertainment professionals, investigating how the arts sector played a part in national recovery and how the events of 9/11 influenced television and cinematic narratives.
The film debuted on September 5, 2011, with several broadcasts including a prime-time slot on September 11 and concluding on September 12. Narration was provided by Alan Kalter. Both the New York Times and Entertainment Weekly acknowledged it as a standout program aligned with the anniversary observances.
Notable segments feature Alan Jackson’s emotionally resonant post-9/11 track "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" and explore 9/11’s impact on popular culture through works like the docu-play 110 Stories, which presents firsthand accounts from ordinary individuals about that day.
Appearances
The documentary includes a diverse group of interview subjects drawn from theater, film, television, and music industries:
- Danny Aiello
- Richard Belzer
- Kristin Chenoweth
- Billy Ray Cyrus
- Gilbert Gottfried
- Patricia Heaton
- Alan Jackson
- Paul McCartney
- Idina Menzel
- Dan Rather
- Tony Roberts
- Ray Romano
- Stelio Savante
- Bruce Springsteen
- Jon Stewart
- Steven Van Zandt
- Ben Vereen
- Max Weinberg
- David Zayas