Aerial America

I can't believe I just watched the very final episode of "Aerial America," the one documentary show to be seared on my mind for eternity. It's impossible to encompass the staggering beauty and unassuming grace of the entire United States of America, but in a bid to bring us glimpses of it, the series has created a new genre in its own right, and an unmitigated masterpiece at that. From the breathtaking photography to Jim Conrad's commentary to the soundtrack, everything is pitch-perfect.

There are many episodes in the later seasons that are mostly a sort of compilations made up of footage from the previous episodes, and they tend to feel repetitive, but these actually add to how profoundly informative and educational this series can be.

It's America's greatness on full display, both man-made and natural.

The people of America will forever be in Smithsonian Channel's debt for such a magnificent celebration of the greatest nation on earth.