The Chicago 7

Wondery

When protesters descended on the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968, they came to peacefully protest racism, politics and the country’s involvement in Vietnam. But the whole world watched as the police beat and arrested protestors. The conflict became the spark that ignited a revolution, and the men who led the protests were put on trial--which came to be known as “the Trial of the Chicago 7.” From Wondery, the makers of American Scandal and American History Tellers, comes this incredible true story about the defendants charged with inciting riots and conspiracy. And the culture war that followed. Hosted by the lawyer, actor, and activist Hill Harper.

All episodes are available now. You can binge the series exclusively, and ad-free, on Wondery+ or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription.

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Our Editor's Take

The Trial of the Chicago 7 was one of Netflix's most popular releases in 2020. The historical drama, whose writer and director was Aaron Sorkin, would go on to receive six Academy Award nominations. The Chicago 7 is a podcast that allows listeners to go further into the world of the film. Listeners can learn more about Abbie Hoffman, Rennie Davis, and Jerry Rubin.

The story of The Chicago 7 podcast remains chilling by modern American political standards. In 1968, thousands of young people would descend upon Chicago, Illinois. They went to the city to protest at the Democratic National Convention. A police riot would soon ensue, and seven of the protestors would go on trial for inciting a riot. But were they actually responsible? Or was the government suppressing free speech in the name of convenience?

The Chicago 7 podcast manages to have an excellent host in Hill Harper. While some might know Hill from his appearances on CSI: NY and The Good Doctor, he is also an attorney. As someone who has a background in both the law and entertainment, he has a unique insight. He is very effective at guiding the audience through the events of the trial in a way that makes sense.

The trial of those seven protesters in Chicago is still a controversial topic today. This is true despite the event in question having taken place over 50 years ago. This podcast helps to explain why this event was so contentious and what it meant in terms of free speech.

Each episode of The Chicago 7 is around 45 minutes long. This manages to make each episode long enough to be insightful. Yet, they're short enough to remain engaging. The entire four-part series tells the true story of this infamous trial.

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Play Trailer

Introducing: The Trial of the Chicago 7

Introducing: The Trial of the Chicago 7

When anti-war demonstrators descended on the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968, they came to peacefully protest racism, politics and the country’s involvement in Vietnam. But the whole world watched as the police beat and arrested those marching peacefully outside the convention. This conflict became the spark that ignited a counter-culture revolution. And the men who led the protests were put on trial, which came to be known as “the Trial of the Chicago 7.” From Wondery, the makers of American Scandal and American History Tellers, comes this incredible true story about the defendants charged with inciting riots and conspiracy. And the culture war that followed. Hosted by the lawyer, actor, and activist Hill Harper.Binge all 4 episodes and listen ad free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/chicago7 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episodes

Introducing: The Trial of the Chicago 7

Introducing: The Trial of the Chicago 7

When anti-war demonstrators descended on the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968, they came to peacefully protest racism, politics and the country’s involvement in Vietnam. But the whole world watched as the police beat and arrested those marching peacefully outside the convention. This conflict became the spark that ignited a counter-culture revolution. And the men who led the protests were put on trial, which came to be known as “the Trial of the Chicago 7.” From Wondery, the makers of American Scandal and American History Tellers, comes this incredible true story about the defendants charged with inciting riots and conspiracy. And the culture war that followed. Hosted by the lawyer, actor, and activist Hill Harper.Binge all 4 episodes and listen ad free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/chicago7 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Whole World Is Watching - 1

The Whole World Is Watching - 1

Outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention, a would-be peaceful protest erupts in violence. Investigators call it a “police riot,” but five months later, the newly elected President Nixon finds someone else to blame.Binge all 4 episodes and listen ad free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/chicago7See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Hanging Judge - 2

The Hanging Judge - 2

Student leaders, Black Panthers, and counterculture activists are brought up on conspiracy charges and tried as a group, despite their tenuous connections to -- and fundamental disagreements with -- one another.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I Regret Nothing - 3

I Regret Nothing - 3

Forced onto a national stage, a twist in the trial turns eight defendants into “the Chicago Seven.” And they put on a world-class performance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Froines was one of the Chicago 8. He discusses the protests, the courtroom and his personal memories of Abbie Hoffman, Tom Hayden and Bobby Seale. Plus, his advice for activists today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Where to find Episodes 2-4 of Trial of the Chicago 7

Where to find Episodes 2-4 of Trial of the Chicago 7

The Chicago 7 has moved. You can binge all four episodes ad-free right now by subscribing to Wondery+ in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app: https://wondery.com/links/the-trial-of-the-chicago-7/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.