The Californian Century

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Stanley Tucci imagines the story of modern California as a movie screenplay, tracing the dramatic history of the state from Hollywood to Silicon Valley.

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Recent Reviews
  • chicagoanlistener
    Loved it! Brilliant!
    This is just so good! The entire production! Every detail! Perfect! Beautiful! Thank you!
  • RmndCat
    Fun, a bit light
    This was a lot of fun and hit some nice vignettes. Noticed one historical “license” in the 1st episode: the 1906 earthquake was at 5 a.m., not in the evening.
  • MaryAustinTX
    Jerry Brown
    Excellent presentation. Truly enjoyable. Plz do more.
  • Craig D.C.
    Really Enjoyed
    Unique format and really enjoyable narration from Stanley Tucci. Can we have a second series please!!!!
  • GameGirlKiana
    Creative Storytelling
    BBC’s Lawrence Grissell shines in these unique takes on 20th C. California, southern to northern. Narrated by Stanley Tucci, hard boiled screenwriter, these 10 evocative “screenplays” depict some of California’s golden moments as well as her dark underbelly. As a native of the Bay Area, I especially appreciate the episodes on Dianne Feinstein and Jerry Brown—they really capture the time.
  • not a nickname 76
    Disappointing Let Down.
    This is NOT a serious look at California history. The episodes are too short, there is too much Hollywood stylization and too many subjects covered in each episode to get into real detail. They just gloss over subjects. There is just way too much time spent with Tucci “setting up” the Hollywood cinema scenes. And why are the episodes all less than 20 minutes long? It’s a podcast. You’re not limited by ad breaks or formatting. You can make these episodes hours long. Use that time to go deep into detail. For anybody looking for a well researched, Dan Carlin-esque look at California history, this is not it.
  • Tracey's Jams
    LOVE this show
    Not only is the subject matter interesting, but Stanley Tucci’s voice is captivating. The only thing better than a great voice reading a good story, is a great soundtrack. Well done BBC.
  • ninerw
    very interesting.
    i think this has an interesting take on the way the story is told. i agree. love stanley (just watched burlesque🤗) and i love california (my home 🙌🏽) and i love history!! i agree with others i wouldn’t mind them being more in depth. i feel so much more could be said about mulholland drama or the sf quake/fire. but i understand if that’s not what they’re going for on here. maybe another podcast 😏
  • ZoeCox
    ST is California Gold
    In the tradition of CA native this will manifest a Netflix or HBO Series. Tell it all ST! We need our palates cleared as we rebuild.
  • mooda24
    Well done
    This is simply brilliant, Tucci is spot on.
  • Twainstown
    More please
    Thoroughly enjoy these episodes and wouldn’t mind if they were 30-40 minutes.
  • Shotataduck
    Great, but I want more
    Great 15 min history nuggets. I wish they were 40 minutes and went deeper into the stories.
  • mladyceo
    California century
    Finally a story of an icon during the turbulent 20s and 30s . Sister Ammie and her story of both highs and lows in her life as evangelical and founder of the Four Square Gospel church . She was a true mystery , many have said she was a true healer and spiritual leader but sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction. California Century takes you on a short journey of a part of Sister Ammie’s strange and amazing history. It’s done as a screenplay and read through the eyes of its writer . Truly a treat for Californian historians who are well read on Ammies life . I enjoyed it and only wished it went with more of her life experiences .
  • Louisiana Bob
    California Century
    Great stories; well told
  • TrixTex
    Thank You
    Mr. Tucci: I have been a fan since I saw you in “Big Night” and I haven’t stopped. While perusing podcasts of what to listen next, I saw your picture and I knew I had to check it out. I appreciate your narration on California history and your great voice. BBC Sounds know their stuff.
  • No soup for you!
    A real masterpiece- So noir!
    I cannot fathom anything less than five stars. Thank you ST!
  • Puj
    Love!!!!
    I could listen to Stanley tucci narrating all day. And the musical accompaniment transports you to old times and brings this history to life! I love listening to this while walking my la neighborhood.
  • Lcotton86
    Love Love!
    Oh my word biggest Stanley Tucci fan! I only wish the episodes were longer! Lizzy
  • ldismo
    Review
    Good content. Stanley should emote more and slow down a tiny bit though.
  • PW from GR
    YES!!!!!!!!!!
    I love history, great storytelling and writing. It’s all here. Stanley Tucci! What a treat!
  • Tap of Sanity
    All things Tucci
    If the man read a feral box, I’d listen.
  • ReverseNoMore
    How did we get here?
    Being Californian, we are often devoid of knowing much of the history of how CA came to be. While no podcast can solve our many inadequacies of too much sun and time at the beach, this is a treat to the ears and minds of those who live in the 5th largest economy in the WORLD and the largest of any state in the US. A treat and fun.
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