Premieres Sunday, Nov. 16 - Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 from 8-10 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream with KPBS+ / Encore Sunday, Nov. 16 - 21 at 10 p.m. - Midnight on KPBS TV
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a new six-part, 12-hour documentary directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt examines how America’s founding turned the world upside-down.
Thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, won their independence, and established a new form of government that radically reshaped the continent and inspired centuries of democratic movements around the globe.
An expansive look at the virtues and contradictions of the war and the birth of the United States of America, the film follows dozens of figures from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Viewers will experience the war through the memories of the men and women who experienced it: the rank-and-file Continental soldiers and American militiamen (some of them teenagers), Patriot political and military leaders, British Army officers, American Loyalists, Native soldiers and civilians, enslaved and free African Americans, German soldiers in the British service, French and Spanish allies, and various civilians living in North America, Loyalist as well as Patriot, including many made refugees by the war.
Filmmaker Quote: “The American Revolution is one of the most important events in human history,” said Ken Burns. “We went from being subjects to inventing a new concept, citizens, and set in motion democratic revolutions around the globe. As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding, I’m hopeful that people throughout the country will come together to discuss the importance of this history and to appreciate even more what our ancestors did to secure our liberty and freedoms.”
EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1: "In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)" - Thirteen American colonies unite in rebellion, win an eight-year war to secure their independence, and establish a new form of government that would inspire democratic movements at home and around the globe. What begins as a political clash between colonists and the British government grows into a bloody struggle that will engage more than two dozen nations and forever change the world.
Episode 2: "An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)" - New Englanders rush to surround the British Army in Boston, but as war begins Americans find themselves sharply divided. After the Battle of Bunker’s Hill, George Washington of Virginia arrives to command the newly created Continental Army. In July 1776, the Continental Congress issues the Declaration of Independence, insisting on the people’s right to resist tyranny and govern themselves.
Episode 3: "The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)" - The Revolution, now a war for American independence, faces its toughest challenge yet as General Washington tries to defend New York City from invasion by sea. The resulting Battle of Long Island is a huge defeat for the Americans, who narrowly escape and spend the next several months on the run. In late December, Washington’s army regroups and prepares to attack an outpost in Trenton, New Jersey.
Episode 4: "Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)" - As America braces for a third year of devastating war, British commanders launch campaigns to take Albany and Philadelphia. General Howe beats General Washington at Brandywine and Germantown, while the Continental Congress flees Philadelphia. But the Americans’ surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga opens the door for France to officially support the United States.
Episode 5: "The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)" - Washington’s Continental Army emerges from the harsh winter at Valley Forge to fight the British Army in the inconclusive Battle of Monmouth. But the alliance with France changes the war and moves it to other theaters. Navies battle off England’s coast and in the Caribbean, while armies advance into Indian Country and the southern states. Together, the British Army and Navy capture Charleston.
Episode 6: "The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)" - The British Army under General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states. Meanwhile, one of the most respected American generals betrays the cause and defects to the British. Supported by the French Army and Navy, Washington’s Continental Army wins the decisive victory at Yorktown. Peace is restored, independence is won, and Americans aspire for a more perfect union.
Watch On Your Schedule: Premieres Sunday, Nov. 16 - Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 from 8-10 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream with KPBS+ / Encore Sunday, Nov. 16 - 21 at 10 p.m. - Midnight on KPBS TV
PBS also announced additional rebroadcast dates for the series: a marathon from Saturday, November 22 – Sunday, November 23; a weekday encore from Monday, November 24 – Friday, November 28; and in 2026: six consecutive Fridays from January 9 – February 13; three consecutive Mondays and Tuesdays from April 20 – May 5; and a marathon from Saturday, June 27 – Sunday, June 28 leading up to July 4, 2026, America’s Semiquincentennial.
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Credits: A production of Florentine Films and WETA Washington D.C., Directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Written by Geoffrey C. Ward. Produced by Sarah Botstein, David Schmidt, Salimah El-Amin and Ken Burns. Edited by Tricia Reidy, Maya Mumma, Charles E. Horton, and Craig Mellish. Co-Produced by Megan Ruffe and Mike Welt. Cinematography by Buddy Squires. Narrated by Peter Coyote. The executive in charge for WETA was John F. Wilson (who passed away in November of 2024). Executive producer is Ken Burns.
