‘America Divided’: Norman Lear, Common and Shonda Rhimes Dig Deep Into the Nation’s Biggest Problems

Epix is making a big swing in the programming game this fall with their first scripted series, spy drama Berlin Station and dramedy Graves (both premiering October 16). Before those shows arrive, the premium cable network is airing the impressive docuseries America Divided, which debuts Friday night.

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In the five-episode series—executive produced by Norman Lear, Shonda Rhimes and Common—issues like inequality in education, healthcare, labor, housing and the political system are all addressed. The producers explore these issues with the help of familiar faces, including America Ferrara (Superstore), Jesse Williams (Grey’s Anatomy), Amy Poehler and Rosario Dawson (Daredevil). Eight stories will be told, highlighting some of the problems in our country that are not getting the attention they deserve.

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In the first episode, Common returns to his hometown of Chicago to look into the criminal justice system, while Dawson looks at the man-made disaster behind Detroit’s water crisis. Also, legendary TV producer Lear (All in the Family, The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time) investigates gentrification in New York City where there both people without homes and homes without people.

Here is an exclusive clip from the premiere episode of America Divided featuring Lear talking with New York City mayor Bill de Blasio:

America Divided, Series Premiere, Friday, September 30, 9/8c, Epix.