The movie Americathon is a satire set in the year 1998, where the United States of America is bankrupt and unable to pay off its massive debts. In order to prevent the country from being repossessed by wealthy Native Americans, the President hires a young and ambitious TV consultant named Eric McMerkin to organize a massive telethon to raise money.
Eric, alongside his girlfriend and a group of misfits, sets out to create the most entertaining and successful telethon the world has ever seen. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles such as funding issues, celebrity egos, and unexpected disasters.
Despite the challenges, the telethon is a huge success, featuring musical performances, comedy sketches, and celebrity appearances. The event attracts millions of viewers and raises enough money to pay off the country's debts and save it from being repossessed.
Throughout the film, the story is presented in a series of humorous and absurd flashbacks, providing a satirical commentary on American culture and politics. The film features a star-studded cast, including John Ritter, Harvey Korman, and Fred Willard, and is accompanied by a memorable soundtrack featuring songs from Meat Loaf and Elvis Costello.