Where to start
The Plot Against America
2 versions · originally a book, 2005
Themes: Anti-Semitism, Isolationism, Political Intrigue, Xenophobia, American Identity.
This harrowing alternate history explores the erosion of democracy through the eyes of a Jewish family facing rising American fascism.
✦ Most fans start here
The Plot Against America (2005)
The original novel
✦ Start hereThe Plot Against America
Philip Roth · Book · 2005
The 2005 book provides the definitive, intimate perspective of Philip Roth, offering a dense, internal exploration of the family's psychological unraveling during Lindbergh’s presidency that remains the essential source material.
2020 series
The Plot Against America
Ed Burns · Series · 2020
The 2020 TV series translates the story into a visual, atmospheric experience, emphasizing the era's social tension and the broader political landscape for viewers who prefer a serialized, cinematic narrative style.
Common questions
Is The Plot Against America a book or a TV show?
The Plot Against America exists as both a 2005 novel and a 2020 television adaptation. Both versions explore the same alternate history premise, allowing audiences to experience the narrative through either Philip Roth's original literary text or the subsequent screen production.
Should I read The Plot Against America before watching the 2020 show?
You can choose to consume either version independently. Reading the 2005 book provides the original source material, while the 2020 TV adaptation offers a visual retelling. Both formats cover the same core narrative, so the order is a matter of personal preference.
Was The Plot Against America written before the 2020 television series?
Yes, The Plot Against America was published as a novel in 2005. The television adaptation was released fifteen years later in 2020, serving as an adaptation of the original book written by Philip Roth.
How long has The Plot Against America been available?
The Plot Against America has been available since 2005, when the original book was first published. The story reached a wider audience through the 2020 television series, which adapted the events of the novel for the screen.