Chris Pratt is starring alongside presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin in an unlikely buddy comedy, a short-form comedy series focused on American history.
The series is from digital and creative media studio ATTN: and produced by Emmy Award winner Alex Gregory (“Veep,” “White House Plumbers”). This short story follows Pratt as he tries to share his passion for American history, only to realize that his grasp of the facts may not be as strong as his enthusiasm. Luckily, Goodwin serves as executive producer, editorial advisor, and on-screen authority to help keep the lessons on track.
The project is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Public Diplomacy and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and aims to “inform and engage foreign nationals about the United States through international media engagement, educational and cultural exchange programs, digital communications, and outreach conducted through U.S. embassies and consulates around the world,” according to the announcement. The series was designed as a “public diplomacy initiative aimed at engaging international audiences with America’s constitutional values and history through contemporary digital storytelling,” the producers said.
Since President Trump took office for his second term, public support for the humanities has been on the brink, largely targeted by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which no longer exists as a central agency. Congress has acted in recent months to preserve funding for federal agencies such as the National Endowment for the Arts, which President Trump has sought to abolish.
Pratt’s as-yet-untitled short stories have been nicknamed the “Fastest Classes” of American history, and each episode explores the defining values of the Constitution through the stories of important historical figures and events. Blending live-action and animation, the digital short combines Pratt’s curiosity and humor with Goodwin’s historical expertise and fact-checking to highlight America’s founding ideals.
“At ATTN:, we’re always looking for new ways to make important topics accessible to a broader audience,” said Matthew Segal, co-founder and CEO of ATTN:. “America’s 250th anniversary provides a unique diplomatic opportunity to reintroduce the stories, principles, and people that shaped this nation. Chris and Doris are an unexpected but perfect pair, combining entertainment and expertise in a way that feels informative, entertaining, and distinctly contemporary.”
Founded in 2014, ATTN: claims to be a nonpartisan voice in civic engagement and public education. The company has partnered with leaders from across the political spectrum, including Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Jill Biden. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ann Romney to name a few.
