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Examining the 2008 Financial Meltdown

Mar 31, 2025

Inside the Meltdown | FRONTLINE

Overview

  • Release Date: February 17, 2009
  • Duration: 56 minutes
  • Season: 2009, Episode 8
  • Producers: Michael Kirk, Jim Gilmore, Mike Wiser

Documentary Focus

  • Investigates the causes of the worst economic crisis in 70 years
  • Explores the government's response to the economic crisis
  • Features the inside stories of major financial events:
    • The Bear Stearns deal
    • The collapse of Lehman Brothers
    • The support for insurance giant AIG
    • The $700 billion bailout
  • Examines the actions and limitations of key figures:
    • Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson
    • Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke

Key Topics

  • Business and Economy
  • U.S. Politics

Additional Information

How to Access

  • Available on PBS
  • Further resources and information can be found on the PBS Frontline official site

Supporting Foundations

  • Funding support from:
    • PBS viewers
    • Corporation for Public Broadcasting
    • Abrams Foundation
    • Park Foundation
    • John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
    • Heising-Simons Foundation
    • FRONTLINE Journalism Fund, with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation

Conclusion

"Inside the Meltdown" provides a critical examination of the financial meltdown, its causes, and the governmental response, highlighting the struggles and insights of key financial leaders during this pivotal time in economic history.