Think of HTDS as covering the basics of what an American should but possibly doesn't know (or has forgotten) about history. The episodes are roughly one hour, story-driven, and irreverently educational. Each episode stands on its own as a story, but taken together, they will also walk you through a survey of US history that starts with the Revolution and will (eventually) go right up to the present. It's everything you need and want to know. And it's a damn good time.