Where Are the ‘Two American Families’ 30+ Years After We Started Filming Them? | FRONTLINE (PBS)

A new documentary special about the Neumann and Stanley families, filmed over more than three decades, offers answers — and sheds profound light on the changing nature of the American economy. Watch an excerpt of "Two American Families: 1991-2024" now.

Watch “Two American Families: 1991-2024” in full starting July 23:

#DocumentaryExcerpt #AmericanDream #Economy

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[realericsmith]

I remember watching this when it first came out nearly 30 years ago. I’m glad Jackie is still alive. She worked like hell to put her son through college. That was the most vivid memory I had of this documentary. I also liked how the films maker chose a black and white perspective on the struggles of the American working-class. The sacrifices they both made to put their kids through school to give them a better life will never be lost on me.

[YourRichAuntie]

I remember seeing the original documentary several years ago - it was moving and I always wondered what happened to the families. They all worked so very hard and had so much determination and optimism to create a better life for their families that I was truly hopeful that their kids escaped poverty and the trap of declining working-class life. I am glad to see this update and that some of the kids made it out - but saddened to see several of the kids ensnared by the same traps that got their parents - lack of education/skills, low-wage work, kids too young, and just an overall life of struggle. The families in this documentary are beautiful and I am thankful that they shared their stories and their outcomes

[Scorpia]

I'm glad Mr. Stanley was able to retire. My heart hurts for Terry having to work so hard and Jackie with her health problems.

[matthew-jyjp]

Best journalism on tv today. PBS is our national treasure.

[asiatucker]

This was an excellent documentary. My main takeaways are: 1. Choosing the right spouse is one of the most important decisions we make in life. Both fathers were extremely hard-working, but Terry's husband wanted to leave early on when times got tough. They probably would've kept the house if they stayed together. He wanted more out of life, but he didn't have the emotional fortitude to stay in the marriage. 2. Perspective is everything. The Stanleys were always positive and upbeat. Jackie faced racism being a realtor. As classy and smart as she was, she would've been a high producer it she was able to sell homes in the white areas, but she didn't let that stop her. They could've been bitter given their situations, but they knew their attitudes would shape their children's perspectives and they believed God would make a way and he did. 3.Having a higher power to guide you is important. I am not saying Christianity is the key, but a guiding force in your life is imperative to make it through tough times. 4. Education is the greatest equalizer. 5. Family is everything. With a loving support system, you can do anything. I wish all the parents well and pray that they can retire soon.
I see other young people commenting that their life is hopeless. Be encouraged. You have the power to change your life. Take 1-2 years and focus on recreating yourself. Get away from those that are not encouraging you to do better. Maybe move away. Commit to sacrificing for a while. Become financially literate and you can change your life.

[TLAyf]

Thank God for PBS and gems like Frontline. I've been a subscriber for years. We can't afford to lose them. It's the voice of sanity in an insane world. From what I understand, and if my source is true (cause who knows anything anymore) Proposition 2025 has PBS and NPR funding on the chopping block. Along with some other horrible things. Like Head Start (!) Anyway we all need to pull together and help these stations to continue on. We need them now more than ever. So if everybody gives a little - it adds up and can make a difference.

[awarepenguin]

Terry! Thank you for engaging with us all these years. Your smile brightens up a room.

[TeachingTinyDisciples]

So excited to see a new update! I have watched Two American Families so many times. Even looked these families up on FB, but it’s great to see them again.

[JB-pdni]

I'm glad to know you have followed up on these dear folks, can't wait to see the program.

[Classiccaptures]

PBS should be protected!! This is one of the best journalism ever

[Hugh-Glass]

This is epic stuff. I can't believe how fast the time has went. One thing this taught me is "working" for a living doesn't do a body any good and the "permanent government" has allowed/ caused the standard of living of the American family to fall so far that home ownership is unattainable to most "workers", health insurance is a luxury, single earner families are gone and vacations are impossible. It's nearing the stuff of revolution.

[allenwolk]

This is such an eye-opening view of many in and a look into two families' struggles and a few successes. SO a great look into the lives of real people.

[Davethreshold]

All married women deserve a Husband as thoughtful as that Gentleman!❤

[catkasimir]

I can´t tell you how much I am looking forward to this. The documentaries that were done years ago were among the best ones I have ever watched. So happy to see these people and hoping they are doing better than before.

[cynthiajackson]

This was very personal for me . I grew up in Milwaukee. My father worked for AO Smith retired and died a year later. I came back to Milwaukee after a divorce with a little girl to take care of. I made a decision to go to college and get my degree . IT was tough, but I finished in 3.5 years with honors. I moved to Minneapolis and never looked back. My father use to tell us how lucky we were. He and my mother raised 9 children. I t wasn't luck, it was parents like these. I hope everyone watches this and realizes that we are taught to focus solely on race ( I grew up in Milwaukee, the racism is real), but what about the classism. Why are good people who want something for their children forced into struggle while a small segment of the population has all the money?

[sadokbarbouche]

This was the most humbling documentary I've ever seen.

[Hugh-Glass]

Wow, 30 years already? Holy smokes!!

[butterontoast]

Frontline playing the long game 👏👏👏 May God continue to bless these two families ❤

[SqueakyPeeps]

This show is great and I loved the other one where they followed med students as they were graduating. Always great content coming from PBS. Thank you! Proud to be a donator for the past 5 years.

[mranderson]

This channel need to post more full episodes! thanks